If you've got a muddy dog, you've probably seen both: the drying bag your dog steps into, and the drying coat that goes on like a robe. Both soak up water. The difference is how they go on, what they cover and how easy they are to live with.
The short answer
- Get a drying bag if you've got a small or medium dog that gets very muddy legs and will happily stand still while you zip it up.
- Get a drying coat if you've got a bigger or wriggly dog, or you want something that goes on in seconds and lets your dog walk to the car.
How they compare
| Drying bag | Drying coat | |
|---|---|---|
| How it goes on | Dog steps in, you pull it up and close it at the neck | Goes over the head and fastens under the chest and belly |
| What it covers | Everything below the neck, legs and paws included | Back, chest and belly. Legs are left free |
| Can your dog walk in it? | Not really | Yes |
| Best for | Small and medium dogs, very muddy legs | All sizes, especially big dogs |
| Fuss factor | Higher, especially with a wet, excited dog | Lower, it's quick on and off |
Why drying bags are good
A drying bag wraps the whole body, legs included, so it catches mud that a coat misses. If your dog has feathery legs that soak up half the field, a bag keeps all of that contained. They're good in the car for small dogs who'll sit in one.
The downside is getting a dog into one. A calm terrier is easy. A soaking Labrador who wants to shake is another story. Most bags also aren't made in really big sizes.
Why drying coats are good
A drying coat goes on in a few seconds, stays on while your dog walks and fits big dogs properly. It covers the parts that soak the car seats, the chest and belly, and your dog can still move normally.
The trade-off is that legs and paws stay out, so you'll want a towel for those at the door.
What most people end up doing
A towel for paws and legs, then a drying coat for the rest. That covers almost every muddy-walk situation with the least wrestling.
If that sounds like you, have a look at the Boot Room Drying Coat (sizes S to XL) and our large microfibre dog towels. Not sure of the size? The size finder will tell you.