Dog Drying Coat vs Towel: Which Is Better for Your Dog?
Every dog owner knows the routine: your dog comes in soaking wet, you grab a towel, and a few minutes later you are wetter than they are, the towel is soaked, and your dog is still damp. So is a dog drying coat really better than a towel? Here is an honest comparison to help you decide.
How each one works
A towel dries your dog by hand. You rub or blot the fur until it is less wet, then your dog finishes drying in the air.
A dog drying coat is a towel your dog wears. It wraps around the body and fastens with straps, so it keeps soaking up water and holding in warmth after you step away.
Side-by-side comparison
| Towel | Dog drying coat | |
|---|---|---|
| Hands-free | No, you dry your dog by hand | Yes, it keeps working while you do other things |
| Keeps your dog warm while drying | Only while you are holding it | Yes, it wraps around the body the whole time |
| Stops shaking and splashing | Not really | Mostly, the coat catches water close to the fur |
| Protects floors, sofas and car seats | Little protection once you stop | Yes, your dog can move around while wearing it |
| Works for anxious or wriggly dogs | Rubbing can stress some dogs | Calm, quiet, no rubbing or noise |
| Cost | Low, you probably already own one | A one-time purchase |
| Gets into ears, paws and face | Yes | No, use a small towel for these areas |
When a towel is enough
If your dog only gets a little damp now and then, has a short coat, and you are happy to spend a few minutes rubbing them down, a towel does the job. Towels are also the best tool for wiping muddy paws, faces and ears, which a coat does not cover.
When a drying coat is worth it
Dogs who swim or bathe often. Water-loving dogs get soaked right down to the skin. A coat keeps absorbing water long after a quick towel rub would have stopped.
Dogs who feel the cold. Wet fur loses heat quickly. Senior dogs and short-haired breeds often shiver after a bath or swim, and a drying coat keeps them wrapped up and cozy while they dry.
Car rides home. Put the coat on at the beach, lake or trailhead and your dog can ride home without soaking the seats.
Busy homes. After a rainy walk you can take off your own boots and coat while your dog dries, instead of chasing them around with a towel.
Dogs who dislike being dried. Some dogs hate rubbing or the noise of a blow dryer. Wearing a soft robe is a much calmer experience for them.
The best of both
Many owners use both: a quick towel for paws, ears and face, then a drying coat for the body. It is the fastest way to get your dog comfortable and your home clean.
What to look for in a drying coat
- Absorbent fabric such as towelling that pulls water away from the fur
- Adjustable straps at the neck and belly so the coat stays in place
- Good coverage from the neck to the base of the tail, so measure your dog first (see our dog drying coat size guide)
- Machine washable, because it will get wet and muddy often
Our pick
The Royal Pup Club dog drying coat is made from soft double-layer towelling with adjustable velcro straps, is machine washable, and comes in 6 colors and sizes XS to XL. Browse the full drying coat collection.