Tell me about dog dressing gowns.

Stanley would just look at me as if to say if you think you’re getting that over my head you’re crazy.

And that would be the end of that.
 
I was rather skeptical about them in the beginning, but bought one from a Ruff'n Tumble stand last year, a special end of show price, and I must admit I'm pleased I did. I only use it after very wet walks, I have a strange house with no porch or such like, so she has to come straight in. I have to be pretty smartish getting it on to avoid the shake!
Cassie really wasn't impressed initially, but she's had a change of heart and now snuggles up in it. She can get out of out very quickly if she wants too, but hasn't the last twice, when she's slept in it for an hour or so. I was very surprised how dry and extremely warm she was inside it, so I would also say they are good quality towelling.
 

Naya

Moderator
Location
Bristol, UK
Harley has a dog robes one as well as a Ruff and Tumble one. I pop it on her when we get back to the car, and find she is pretty much dry within the hour. She will happily have a snooze with it on and I have no problems getting it on. It has really helped keep the hallway ‘splash’ free! I use them a lot, generally wash them after a few wears and they wash really well.

Here is a picture of Harley with her R&T one on with my daughter

59667BFC-21F7-496B-A06C-5E96503E13B6.jpeg
 
I guess the UK is that cold to warrant a doggy robe. Here in SA, Snowie would overheat very quickly. We keep a couple of towels hanging up outside, which we use for drying him after a swim. He is seldom cold and loves nothing better then to lie outside on a cold night.
 
I think it's more that the UK is that WET to warrant a doggy robe. I wouldn't have them on when the dogs are running around, only for drying off purposes, to protect the car and house from all the mud! We're obviously a lot colder in Andorra (although not quite Canada temps - brrr!) and I don't use the robes because they very rarely get muddy - only when the spring comes and they find nice boggy springs to play in :wasntme:
 

Emily_Babbelhund

Mama Red HOT Pepper
I guess the UK is that cold to warrant a doggy robe. Here in SA, Snowie would overheat very quickly. We keep a couple of towels hanging up outside, which we use for drying him after a swim. He is seldom cold and loves nothing better then to lie outside on a cold night.
I used to use mine in California in summer as cooling coats occasionally when it got scorching. Soak them, stick them on the dog and voila! Cool for at least an hour or so until the water all evaporates. When I bought them years ago that's actually what they were advertised as though I mainly used them for after bathing. Now they have much better cooling coats with the crystal filling, but same concept.
 
We have the ruff and tumble one, and I do like it, but.... it still doesn't replace a towel or a fair bit of rubbing down.
I don't find it useful for mud, as Monty doesn't roll in muddy puddles, so it's mostly only his legs that are especially dirty, so I need to use a towel for that anyway. It's great for when it's chucking it down with rain, and he comes back completely soaked but those days aren't that often, really.

It's very good quality but this makes it quite thick, and as Monty runs hot I have to be careful not to leave it on too long as he would overheat.
I saw lots of similar designs at crufts, some a lot cheaper (As in £20 rather than 40+)
 
I used to use mine in California in summer as cooling coats occasionally when it got scorching. Soak them, stick them on the dog and voila! Cool for at least an hour or so until the water all evaporates. When I bought them years ago that's actually what they were advertised as though I mainly used them for after bathing. Now they have much better cooling coats with the crystal filling, but same concept.
I’m always concerned about any clothing on a dog for extended periods. I get that a coat on a wet and muddy dog protects the car for a short journey. But for cooling, if there’s no breeze, the layer of water actually acts as insulation—like a wetsuit for scuba diving—and will warm the dog up. I’ve sometimes resorted to wetting a sarong and lying on my bed with it over me, to cool me on a hot night. But it can become hot if there’s no breeze to evaporate the water. A dog has no way to remove the robe if he overheats. And also, they can be too cold. My sarong example again: when the fan is on, I can get very cold with the rapid evaporation. But at least I can push the sarong off me. I prefer to provide cooling mats that Snowie can lie on and get off of as he chooses.
 

Boogie

Moderator
Location
Manchester UK
Thanks for all your replies and lovely photos.

I have ordered a cheap version for Tatze’s birthday to see how she gets on with it. But Zaba will be the one who gets most use out of it because he’s the main culprit. We hose him down and rub him down and still we have a ‘mud line’ in the house.

:facepalm:
 
Re your mud line:
We have similar on our patio wall. After a swim, Snowie likes to rub his face along the rough outside wall. It’s more a smeared wall than a mud line. Just repainted our house. Fresh and clean. Soon to be smeared again. :)
 
It's shameful Quinn doesn't have one of these since she has all the dog gear available, but they are so hard to find here! This morning, she was soaked and covered in drippy mud, as the ground is finally starting to thaw and it would have been perfect to pop on her post walk. Perfect for Spring and Fall when it's quite chilly, wet and muddy. I've only found really thin cheap ones, and once some nice ones, but there were only tiny sizes. I'm sure they will catch on soon...
 

Emily_Babbelhund

Mama Red HOT Pepper
What with all the storms, Carbon has been getting to wear his R&T each morning after his wee walk. For a five minute 'walk' it doesn't seem worth it to put his rain coat on - and also I keep forgetting to bring it in from the car.

Anyway, third morning of the coat and he now 'asks' for it. After I put it on, he hops onto the sofa or bed while I work. HE WILL NOT LET ME TAKE IT OFF until noon! He's so funny. Who knew that a dog who doesn't even want to wear a collar indoors would love his purple coat.

Not sure how long this infatuation will last, but for now it's a (y) for the coat from Carbon. :p
 
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