Dog drying robes: what they are, how they work and who needs one
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A dog drying robe is a coat made to go on a wet dog straight after a walk. It soaks water out of the coat while your dog travels home, keeps most of the wet and mud off your car, and helps stop a damp dog getting chilled. It does a towel's job without you holding it.
What is a dog drying robe?
A drying robe is an absorbent coat that covers your dog's back, chest and belly, and on some designs the upper legs. You put it on at the end of the walk, usually at the car, and leave it on for the journey home or until your dog is damp rather than wet. Some robes fasten with straps or zips; others, like ours, pull over the head with nothing to buckle.
It is not a raincoat. A raincoat keeps rain off during the walk. A drying robe deals with the water your dog is already carrying when the walk ends.
How does a drying robe work?
Most robes do three things:
- Absorb. The inside is a thirsty fabric, often microfibre or cotton towelling, that draws water out of the fur.
- Hold warmth. Wrapping a wet dog cuts the chill from wind and evaporation. Some robes add a heat-reflective layer designed to hold in the dog's own body heat.
- Protect. A waterproof backing on some robes stops the water passing through to your car seat or boot floor.
Drying robe, towel or drying bag?
| Towel | Drying bag | Drying robe | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hands-free once on | No | Yes | Yes |
| Dog can stand and move | Yes | Limited | Yes |
| Keeps the car dry | Only what you wipe off | Yes, while zipped | Yes, with a waterproof backing |
| Gets under the belly and legs | Only if you rub there | Yes | Belly yes, legs depend on design |
| Dogs that dislike being handled | Hard | Some refuse to step in | Usually easiest with a pull-over design |
Many owners use both: a quick rub of paws and legs with a towel, then the robe for the drive.
Which dogs benefit most?
Any dog that comes home soaked can use a robe, but it matters most for dogs that lose heat easily. The PDSA lists dogs with fine or thin fur, such as greyhounds and whippets, and dogs that are "very young, underweight, old or unwell" as the ones that feel the cold. Small breeds such as chihuahuas and small terriers also chill quickly.
Drying matters for comfort and skin too. The RSPCA notes that "damp fur can make your dog feel cold, as well as lead to skin irritation, matting, and infections". The Royal Kennel Club suggests checking that a wet dog isn't getting too chilled as they dry off.
A robe is especially useful if you:
- drive to your walks and don't want a wet dog on the seats;
- walk early or late, when the air is cold and damp;
- have a spaniel, retriever, doodle or any dog that heads straight for water.
Can a dog wear a drying robe in the car?
Yes, as long as your dog is also properly restrained. Rule 57 of the Highway Code says dogs in vehicles must be suitably restrained, and names a seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard as ways to do it. A robe works alongside any of these. Choose one with nothing loose that could snag.
How to choose the right size
- Measure your dog's back from the base of the neck to the base of the tail.
- Measure round the chest at the widest point, just behind the front legs.
- Compare both with the size chart. If your dog falls between two sizes, go up: a slightly roomy robe still dries well, but a tight one is hard to get on a wet, wriggling dog.
Our robe comes in five sizes for dogs from 4 kg to 45 kg. See the size guide, or email support@rainhound.com with your dog's breed and measurements and we'll tell you which to order.
How to wash a drying robe
Shake or brush off loose hair first, then follow the care label. For ours: machine wash at 30°C and hang to dry. Don't tumble dry, because heat damages the reflective layer, and don't use fabric softener, which coats the fibres and stops them absorbing. Having two robes means one can be in the wash while the other lives in the boot.
What a drying robe can't do
- It won't keep your dog dry during a downpour. That's a raincoat's job.
- It won't fully dry a thick double coat on a short drive. Expect a damp dog, not a dry one, and finish off at home.
- It isn't a substitute for checking on a cold, shivering dog. The PDSA's advice is to bring a dog that is shivering or slowing down home and into the warmth straight away.
Questions owners ask
Do dog drying robes actually work?
They absorb water and stop most of it reaching your car, and they keep the wind off a wet dog. How dry your dog ends up depends on the coat type and how long the robe stays on.
How long should a dog wear a drying robe?
Usually for the journey home, or until your dog's coat is damp rather than wet. Take it off once your dog is dry and warm indoors.
Do drying robes with legs work better?
Full-leg designs cover muddy legs but take longer to put on. Robes that cover the upper legs are quicker to fit at the car.
The Rainhound Drying Robe
We started Rainhound with one product: a drying robe that slips over the head with no buckles. It covers the back, chest, belly and upper legs, has a waterproof backing for the car, and a reflective inner layer designed to hold in your dog's own warmth. It costs £39.99, with free UK delivery and 30 days to change your mind. Robes are made by our manufacturing partner and arrive in 7–12 working days. If you have two dogs, or want one in the wash, there's a two-robe bundle with a free hair-removal glove.