How to choose the right dog coat

Dog coats come in many models with different purposes and uses, and all dogs have different needs depending on their fur, activity level, health status and sensitivity to cold. Always consider your own dog's needs and the reason why a blanket is needed.

Our dog coats and jumpers are all lined with Welltex® or Iontex® technology, that reflects body heat as far infrared energy (FIR).

What type of coat does your dog need?

Some dogs need help keeping warm, either because they are cold, have thin fur, little undercoat/fur or a type of fur that does not repel rain and moisture. A cold dog will also often become stiff, increasing the risk of injury.

Even if your dog has a fur that is resistant to cold and rain, sometimes a coat can be useful for more practical reasons. It keeps the dog dry and prevents snow and dirt from sticking to the fur, so there is less work to clean the dog when you come back inside. In addition, a coat can protect against annoying ice clumps when your dog walks in snow, as well as reducing wear and tear on the fur.

If your dog is older, stiff or has conditions such as osteoarthritis, a therapeutic Welltex® containing coat may be particularly suitable. By reflecting body heat as far infrared energy, blood circulation can be stimulated, thereby reducing stiffness in muscles and joints. A Welltex® dog coat can be worn both before and after activity; to prepare and recover the dog's muscles and joints.

When to use a dog coat?

Dog coats can be used on a variety of occasions where they provide different functions. Generally speaking, a coat is used when you want your dog to be warm, dry and protected - or for therapeutic purposes.

When going for walks

There is no bad weather, only bad clothing! On everyday dog walks, you'll encounter all kinds of weather - so make sure you have dog coats and jumpers for everything from sunny summer days to freezing winter temperatures.

If it's raining, a raincoat is best, with or without another coat underneath. If you have a dog that gets cold easily and needs help keeping warm, it can be a good idea to choose a coat with filling. This provides extra insulation and helps keep your dog warm and comfortable in rain, snow and freezing temperatures.

In summer, it can be the heat that becomes a problem. Then a cooling dog coat from the Cool on Track™️ line is perfect for keeping your dog cool and avoid overheating.

During training and activity

When training and competing, it's important to warm up properly and unwind afterwards. If the dog goes from cold muscles to full activity, there is a high risk of injury. Just like with humans, the body must be given a chance to get going and warm up before being subjected to heavier loads. The same applies afterwards; relaxation, rest and recovery are favoured when the dog’s muscles are warm and supple.

When your dog is preparing for activity, as well as afterwards, a dog coat with Welltex® technology can promote faster recovery, as well as better mobility in stiff dogs. Back on Track's dog coats with Welltex® or Iontex® work the same way as do the products intended for humans. They can help keep your dog's body mobile, reducing the risk of injury. They can speed up recovery and reduce problems with tired muscles and exercise-induced soreness.

In case of injury and illness

Is your dog a bit older, or does it have problems with stiffness or osteoarthritis? Has it suffered a strain or an injury? Then your dog may benefit from using a thin dog coat indoors to optimally support muscles and joints. Examples of popular dog coats to use indoors are the Mesh Coat, the Fleece Coat, and the fleece coats “Eddie”,” Cassie” and “Hugo”.

How should a dog coat fit?

The right fit and design are important. Make sure to choose a coat that fits well on your dog and allows for freedom of movement. Your dog should be able to move as freely with a dog coat or jumper as without them. If the coat is too small or too tight, it will affect your dog's natural pattern of movement, which may reduce its willingness to move. On the other hand, if the coat is too big, it may slide, move around or end up lopsided and bother the dog.

Always choose a coat model that is adapted to your dog's body shape. If your dog has a slightly larger build, a coat with slightly larger and adjustable neck opening is best (e.g. the Standard range of dog coats). If you have a slimmer and more athletic dog, you should choose a coat with smaller neck opening (e.g. “Sunny”, “Bark” and “Nella”).

Some dog breeds require a more specific design to ensure a good fit. We have therefore developed dog coats especially made for dachshunds and greyhounds.

Different types of dog coats

Dog Coat Standard

Back on Track's standard line has long been popular as both all-round and winter coats. They are all lined with Welltex® fabric on the inside, and the insulated coats have a 110g filling for extra warmth. The collar helps to protect against wind and cold weather. There's a zip at the tail to fit dogs with both low and high tails.  

Fit

Our classic Standard dog coat fits perfectly on dogs that are more heavily built around the chest and neck. In sizes 37 and up, it has adjustable double bow pleats, making it suitable for even the smallest dog with a larger bone structure.

“Sunny” is one of our latest varieties. It's an updated model of the Standard dog coat with a fit intended for a normal to a more athletic type of dog. “Sunny” is designed for dogs with high set tails and has a drawstring in the back that allows for adjustment of the coat’s back length.

If you have a slim, athletic type of dog, such as a greyhound, we recommend the Standard Dog Coat Greyhound or Dog Coat Whippet.

For dogs with long back  and short legs (like Dachshunds, Drevers and Bassets), there is the "Buddy" model, and for Dachshunds there is also a special Dachshund model of the Standard dog coat.

Discover our range of Standard dog coats

Rain dog coats

Our rain dog coats are available both with and without filling.

Are you first and foremost looking for protection against rain and dirt? Then choose a coat without filling.

Do you want a coat that both protects against rain and provides extra warmth? Then choose a rain dog coat with filling or use a warm fleece or mesh coat/sweater underneath.

Our raincoats are available with both Welltex® and Iontex®. The classic raincoat is available both with and without filling (the filling is 110 g) and has an inner lining containing Welltex®. The latest models; “Bark” and “Nella”, have an Iontex® lining and no filling, but are made to accommodate the “Cassie” and “Eddie” dog jumpers as a base layer.

Discover our range of rain dog coats

Mesh Coats

A mesh coat containing Welltex® technology is perfect when you want to give your dog the “Back on Track effect” without additional warmth. Our mesh coats are made from an airy fabric that allows for effective air flow. They are truly multi-purpose coats that can be used both indoors and outdoors, in the car or as an extra layer under the raincoat. Many of our customers use the mesh coats before and after training, and as a ‘pyjamas’ for the dog to sleep in if it suffers from stiffness or osteoarthritis.

Our mesh coats are available in three models; the classic Dog Mesh Coat, the Mesh Coat “Hugo”, and the Mesh Coat for Dachshunds, which is a dachshund version of the classic model.

Discover our range of mesh dog coats

Fleece coats

A fleece coat is a versatile item, great for training or for use outdoors in summer, indoors in winter - or as a warming layer under other coats.

Our classic Dog Fleece Coat is suitable for both high and low tailed dogs as it has a zip at the back that allows for adjustment of coat back length. It's highly customisable with drawstrings at the front, collar and belly. The “Cassie” dog jumper is a soft and warm fleece jumper, designed to give freedom of movement to the front legs. It has a long zip across the back, which makes it easier to put on and take off.

The “Eddie” and “Eddie Petite” fleece coats (designed for small dogs) are truly multifunctional, made from soft fleece containing Welltex® covering the back, and an elasticated material over the chest and belly containing Iontex® technology.

Cooling coats

With a Cool on Track dog coat, you can easily help your dog stay cool during hot summer days. The technical material cools effectively by water evaporation. Contains no chemicals and there is no need for a freezer. All you need is cold water. Soak, wring, apply! As long as the blanket is wet, it will maintain its cooling effect.

Do you have questions about choosing a dog coat?

Still not sure which dog coat or jumper to choose? Or do you have questions about size? Contact our customer service and we will be happy to help you!