If your dog loves to dive into local rivers or roll in muddy puddles on their walks, the best dog drying coat will keep them warm and snuggly while they dry off. Not only that but it'll prevent you, your car or your home from getting soaked when they do the dreaded dog "shake off", especially when they're sopping wet. If your dog can't help but get down, dirty and wet when they're out and about, a dog drying coat will be just as essential as dog grooming products to get them dry and clean in no time.
The best dog drying coats are essentially like a dressing gown for your furry friend. They're designed to dry your dog quicker than you can with a doggy towel as it basically does all the hard work for you. They're usually made of absorbing layers of microfibre, cotton or towelling materials for quick drying, which will also provide some comfort for your pooch. They will help your pup stay warm, and can even help to minimise that wet dog smell from setting in as they get to work fast.
Best dog drying coat at a glance:
• Best overall: Ruff and Tumble Classic Dog Drying Coat – view on Ruff and Tumble
• Best for outdoor adventures: Regatta Dog Drying Coat – view on Regatta
• Best value: Amazon Dog Drying Coat Robe Towel – view on Amazon UK
There are a couple of things you'll want to think about when choosing the best dog drying coat for your pooch. We've covered this in more detail in our FAQs section, but the main things to think about are the size and fit, the material it's made from, how simple it is to put on and take off, as well as how easy it is to clean after use. Of course, drying coats are more than just a pet care essential, they can be a bit of a fashion accessory. There are many colours and patterns to choose from so you can make sure your pooch looks and feels their best while getting dry.
Whatever style of coat you choose, your furry friend is sure to feel pampered as soon as they try one on. The best drying coats will have your soggy doggy bone dry in no time, so we've searched the web to bring you a selection of great drying coats that are best sellers online or come highly rated by real-life customers.
Best dog drying coat
Best overall
Amazonruffandtumbledogcoats.com
Description
This one is for those of you who love a classic look. This Ruff and Tumble Classic Dog Drying Coat is made from soft cotton and has the brand's signature deep collar to help dry your pooch's little ears and face. Recommended by vets, it will dry your dog in minutes, making being washed something neither you nor your dog will dread moving forward. It comes in sizes XXXS-XL with a variety of colours like Brick Red, Blackberry, Bottle Green and Sandringham Blue.
Our review: “Bob loves swimming so he’s always trying to jump into rivers, lakes, and even puddles on his walks (basically anything he can splash his paws in!). As he’s a little water baby, we bought this Ruff and Tumble drying coat to help dry him off and, most importantly, keep him warm while he’s wet. This coat gets Bob dry in no time at all, so we don’t need to worry about him getting cold. We chose the colour ‘Brick Red’ as he absolutely slays in red."
Pros
- Six colours
- Large size variety for different breeds
Cons
- One customer reviewer felt it was good at drying top coats but not so much undercoats so may not be ideal for dogs with a LOT of fur
Best for outdoor adventures
Regattawww.regatta.com
Description
Warming and quick-drying - the Regatta Dog Drying Coat will keep your pooch warm and fresh on their walks. Featuring hardwearing polyester, the dog coat provides long-lasting warmth. It's quick-drying too and moves moisture to the surface to keep your four-legged friend feeling fresh. An adjustable hook and loop strap on the dog coat provides a secure fit.
Customer review: " Good material, well made and just what we wanted to put onto damp towel-dried dogs after a walk. Our dogs love them too. They are a little on the big side but that’s fine, I think the next size down would have been too small. Overall they are great."
Pros
- Two colours
- Range of sizes
Cons
- Same price for every size so not as good value for small breeds compared to larger ones
Best value
AmazonDescription
This soft and absorbent Amazon Dog Drying Coat Robe Towel is perfect for when man's best friend doesn't want to be rubbed down by a towel. Your dog can dry itself as it walks around. With an adjustable collar and waist, it will be easy to put on no matter what breed you have. It comes in sizes S-XXL, and in red, light grey and blue. It's also machine washable which is amazing for such an affordable product.
Customer review: “This product is such good quality, thick material and very well made. I bought the XL for my Labrador. She is quite small, only 24kgs but having read previous reviews I thought it should be about right. It fits really well, covering right down past the base of her tail and looping nicely under her tummy. I used it for the first time today and am amazed by how quickly this dried her. Just 10 minutes was all it needed. A seriously good product at a very competitive price!”
Pros
- Large range of sizes
- Highly rated
Cons
- One reviewer found that the colour transferred when wet so may not be ideal for white or other lighter coloured dogs
Best personalised coat
Etsywww.etsy.com
Description
Harbour Hounds super snuggly beach Dog Drying Robe is nautically styled and a must for any water-loving pooch. This practical, stylish drying robe, made from the softest 100 per cent cotton quickly wicks away moisture, trapping air and body heat. Super snuggly, this beach dog drying coat has a turtleneck design to keep the neck dry and warm and can be pulled up as a hood. With quick stud fastening, rather than Velcro or plastic clips, and no awkward leg straps it's super easy to put on and take off. This coat can also be personalised, so your furry friend can dry in style.
Customer review: “This is the second beach drying coat I have bought and it’s great to put on the dog when he comes in from the wet garden, plus he loves having it on!”
Pros
- Made from 100 per cent cotton
- Cute design
Cons
- Material around the neck is thicker compared to others which some dogs may not like
Best luxury drying coat
ruff and tumbleruffandtumbledogcoats.com
Description
Another option from Ruff and Tumble, the Ruff and Tumble Design Collection Drying Coat is similar to the classic,
but with a fashionable twist. This coat is perfect for the dog owner who likes their dog to look stylish, even when damp. It's easy to put on and leaves your dog warm and dry in record time. It comes in sizes XS-XL and in the colours/prints, harbour and beach. It can also be personalised for an extra cost.
Customer review: “This definitely the best dog drying coat in the business. I would definitely recommend buying it for any dog. My dog truly loves wearing it, plus, it’s a great calming jacket too.”
Pros
- Designer look for a fashionable twist
- Easy to put on
Cons
- If you personalise the coat, it cannot be exchanged or refunded
Best for small dogs
Pets at Homewww.petsathome.com
Description
For those of you who have a puppy that's too small for the other options, this cute dressing gown will keep them snuggled up after a long day. Although not specifically designed for drying, the towelling material of the Urban Pup Pink Fluffy Terry Dog will keep their sensitive skin comfortable as they dry off naturally. Bonus points for how sweet they will look in it! It comes in blue and pink. It also comes in sizes small to large and is available for delivery or click & collect from Pets at Home.
Customer review: “Fantastic little robe. My little Japanese Chin wears hers when I have bathed her. It just keeps her a little warmer while I start drying her so she isn't sat shivering.”
Pros
- Made from fluffy plush micro-fibre
- Machine Washable
Cons
- One size only
Best for large dogs
amazonDescription
Made from microfibre, the Amazon Geycete Dog Drying Coat is fast-drying and absorbent. Its 'magic tape design' will save you time putting it on and taking it off. It comes in sizes XS-XXXL, which is great for those of you with bigger dogs. The colour variety is also quite vast, with it coming in nine different designs. There's one for every dog.
Customer review: “This product is fab for my muddy springer spaniel. He is always in the water and puddles. I had other towels in the past however this one wraps right around his underbelly with Velcro to hold it on and has 2 loops to go around his legs. The hood has Velcro to keep it up over his ears to dry them. I find this towel perfect and will be buying another. I got an XL and covers him perfect.”
Pros
- Large range of sizes and colours
- It uses a 'magic tape design' for easy application
Cons
- Colour might run when washed so it's best to wash on its own
FAQs
What should you look for when choosing a dog drying coat?
There are a couple of things you'll want to consider when choosing the best dog drying coat that meets your needs and most importantly, your dogs.
Size and fit
The best dog drying coats should be snug yet comfortable, so you’ll want to make sure you choose a coat that fits your dog correctly. After all, dogs come in all shapes and sizes so one coat may fit one breed but may be too big or too small for another.
You’ll want to make sure the coat covers your dog’s entire body, including their chest and legs. You may also be able to get a drying coat that has a hood to make sure your dog’s head and ears can benefit from quick drying.
Material
To ensure moisture can wick away from your dog’s fur quickly and effectively, it’s important that you pick a dog drying coat that is made from high-quality, absorbent materials such as microfibre, cotton or other towelling materials.
Ease of use
When you’ve got a soggy doggy on your hands, you need to act fast, or you’ll end up soaked, too. That’s why you’ll want to consider how easy it is to put on your dog, as well as how simple the fastening mechanisms are to do up.
The best dog drying coats have adjustable fastenings, such as Velcro straps or buckles, that you can quickly put together when needed. They’re also secure to make sure they stay in place on your pup without restricting their movements, of course.
Maintenance
Another factor you’ll want to think about is how easy it is to clean and maintain the coat. Just like a towel or dog bed, they will need washing from time to time to make sure they stay fresh and clean. For that reason, we’d suggest looking for coats that are machine washable.
Design and style
Last but by no means least is design and style. Dog drying coats can actually be a bit of a fashion statement as they come in a variety of colours and patterns. You may want to choose one in your favourite colour, opt for one that matches your dog’s collar, or you could pick a pattern that best suits your dog’s personality. The choice is all yours!
Are dog drying coats any good?
Many dog owners find that dog drying coats are essential for their pooch after a long wet walk or when they need help drying off quickly after they’ve been scrubbed clean with dog shampoo in the bath. The best dog drying coats will rapidly absorb moisture from your dog’s fur post-bath or rainy walk to get them dry in no time.
As well as offering quicker drying, they’ll keep the water contained when your pooch inevitably goes to try and shake themselves dry. Drying coats reduce the risk of your hound catching a chill as they’re usually made from high-quality materials that will keep your dog warm and comfortable while they’re getting dry.
They’re also a less stressful alternative for getting your dog dry compared to using a hair dryer as there are no loud sounds or hot air blasting out to unsettle them, making dog drying coats a more gentle way to get the wet out of your pooch’s fur.
How do you get your dog used to wearing a dog drying coat?
If your dog isn't used to wearing clothes, it may take some time to get them used to their dog drying coat. The most important thing is that you don't rush them to get used to it and don't force them to wear it if they really don't like it.
You should start by letting your dog inspect their new drying coat without putting it on, giving them the chance to sniff it and investigate it in their own time to become more familiar with it. Every time they interact with the coat, make sure you offer lots of praise, fuss and treats (especially if your pooch is food-motivated) so your pooch associates the drying coat with positive experiences.
The first time your pooch wearing their drying coat, you'll want to keep it short but sweet, and while they're dry, too. Start with just a few minutes and gradually increase the duration until your dog seems confident and comfortable wearing it. Your hound should then be more than happy to wear it while they're wet.
Rosie Floyd is a Pets, Homes and Garden Product Writer for Take A Break Pets, specialising in all things dogs. She grew up always having at least one dog as part of the family and has experience in owning a variety of breeds, including Labradors, Cockapoos and Yorkshire Terriers.