Choosing a raincoat for your dog

A good raincoat means a shorter towel-down, a drier car and a dog who is still happy to go out in November. Here is what to look for.

Water-resistant and waterproof are different

Water-resistant fabric sheds light rain and drizzle. In a long downpour, water eventually gets through.

Waterproof fabric is tested to hold out water under pressure, and a properly waterproof coat also has sealed or taped seams. Without them, water comes in through the stitching.

For a twenty-minute walk in drizzle, water-resistant is plenty. For an hour on a wet hillside, look for waterproof fabric and sealed seams, and read the product description closely. We describe each coat as exactly what it is.

Coverage

• Back and chest only is the easiest to put on and suits most dogs for everyday walks.
• Belly panel keeps the underside clean, which matters most for short-legged dogs who are close to the puddles.
• Four-leg suits give the most coverage and take the longest to put on. They are worth it for long-coated dogs who bring half the park home.

Features worth having

• A harness or lead opening on the back, with a flap over it.
• Adjustable fastenings at chest and belly, so the coat sits close without flapping.
• A hood or high collar if your dog tolerates one. Many do not, and a high collar does most of the work.
• Reflective trim for dark afternoons.
• A lining if you want warmth as well as dryness. An unlined shell is better for mild, wet days.

Fit

Chest is the measurement that matters. The coat should fasten without pulling, and you should be able to slide two fingers under it at the chest. Check back length too: a raincoat that stops halfway along the back leaves a very wet rear half.

See how to measure your dog for where to put the tape.

Care

Shake it off and hang it to dry after each walk. Wash only when it needs it and follow the care label, because some detergents and fabric softeners strip water-repellent finishes.