Even if your dog is afraid of water, it’s inevitable that his coat will get damp — and dirty — on a rainy day or when playing on wet lawns. To remove the dirt, the animal is usually rubbed off with a towel before it can go back into the car or into the apartment. However, the fur is not yet dry, so that dogs without a warm undercoat or short-haired breeds in particular freeze faster. For old, weakened or very young animals, this fact can have a negative effect on their health, especially on cold days. The drying process is accelerated with a so-called dry cape. And that’s not all the advantages that a dog bathrobe has to offer.
Before you decide on a dry cape, you should measure your dog – more precisely its back. This is the only way to find the right fit for your pet that fits properly and is comfortable. You determine the correct length by placing a tape measure between the base of the neck and the shoulder to the base of the tail. It is important that your dog stands and does not lie or sit, otherwise you will determine an incorrect back length. If you know the right size for your dog, you should also consider the following point when buying: A dog bathrobe is usually made of absorbent and quick-drying polyester or microfibers, but there are also models made of cotton.
Important: Never leave your dog unattended with a dry cape, so that he doesn’t secretly free himself from it or even get caught somewhere. The dog bathrobe should be removed after 30 minutes at the latest, as it will become soaked with moisture and the animal could slowly cool down.
It is important that you do not force your dog to be happy. First try to get him used to the dry cape and let him sniff it. Try gently putting the coat on your pet, then reward them with a treat—or positive reinforcement (such as a pat or praise). It’s entirely possible that your dog may initially find the coat unfamiliar, reject it, and move in it strangely. However, an animal usually gets used to the new circumstance quite quickly, comparable to its first leash or a new collar. However, if your dog vehemently resists the bathrobe, it’s probably better to go back to a towel.
And another tip: If possible, avoid drying your dog’s fur with a hair dryer. Most fur noses like neither the noise nor the heat, and their skin is very sensitive to heat.
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