Back on Track dog coats help every dog prepare, perform, and recover at their best. Our coats are available in a wide range of sizes to ensure dogs of all breeds can benefit from Welltex and Cool on Track technology.
To help owners find the perfect fit for their dogs, we asked Back on Track Ambassador and agility athlete Holly Sikora about her top tips for fitting dog coats.
1. Use Size Charts
Always check the size chart before purchasing a new dog coat. Back on Track size charts include size ranges and conversions between measurements in inches and centimeters.
You can find size charts for Back on Track dog coats on every product page and in our [Pet Size Guide].
2. Measure Your Dog Correctly
Back on Track Dog Coat sizes are based on back length in centimeters. To determine your dog's size, use a flexible measuring tape to measure from the base of their neck to the base of their tail. Ensure your dog is standing and relaxed when taking the measurement.
Holly recommends adjusting the starting point of your measurement to match the design of the dog coat. For example, the Mesh and Cool on Track Dog Coats feature lower necks, whereas the Bark and Nella Dog Coats have higher necks.
"I always like to measure right to the very base of the tail, where the tail meets the body. If the coat has a lower neck, I start at the thickest part of the neck. If the coats have a high neck, I start my measurement a little higher up."
3. Adjust Closures to Customize Fit
Holly appreciates the adjustable features of Back on Track dog coats, which enable her to customize the fit according to her dog's conformation. She recommends the Back on Track Mesh Dog Coat for its adjustability.
"I love the amount of room to adjust the coat in terms of the dog's chest size. The way the elastics are set up on the chest and neck gives you a lot of wiggle room to adjust the fit one way or the other."
Adjustable dog coats are especially beneficial for dogs with long backs or large chests. By customizing the fit for your dog, you help the coat stay in place and optimize comfort during wear.
4. Size Up for Freedom and Coverage
Many owners recommend sizing up if your dog is between sizes to maximize freedom of movement and coverage. A coat that is too small may be uncomfortable for your dog to wear and provide inadequate warmth or protection.
Holly also likes sizing up for dog coats with tail holes.
"My oldest dog typically fits in a size 52. However, I noticed it'd be nice to have extra length to pull her tail through the coat. So, I tried a size 55, and that fit her really well. If people are worried about the length, I would definitely recommend going one size up. If anything, they're just going to get a little more coverage."
5. Use Leg and Belly Straps for a Secure Fit
If you need to size up, consider a dog coat with leg straps to ensure the coat stays securely in place. The Back on Track Regular Dog Coat features leg straps that provide your dog with more coverage while preventing excessive shifting.
Adjustable belly straps also help keep dog coats secure. Holly found the closures on the Bark and Nella dog coats did a great job keeping the coats in place.
"I was happily surprised that both the Bark and the Nella have a closure with velcro as well as a buckle. I know it's going to stay secure."
6. Consider Your Dog's Lifestyle and Breed
The best style of coat for your dog depends on their lifestyle and breed. Holly recommended the Bark and Nella coats for active dogs, thanks to their security and durability. The Nella fits dogs with low tail sets, while the Back coat suits dogs with high tail sets.
If you're looking for a great all-around coat, Holly recommends the Mesh Dog Coat thanks to the universal fit and adjustability.
"The Mesh Coat is super nice for all breeds. That is the primary coat I use on all my dogs, whether around the house or at a competition."
7. Evaluate Fit on Your Dog
Once you receive your dog coat, take a moment to evaluate the fit and make any necessary adjustments to ensure your dog is comfortable.
Holly recommends checking that the neck area isn't too snug and evaluating fit while both standing and lying down.
"If you can't get at least three fingers between your dog's neck and the coat, it might be too tight. A coat that is too small will also get really tight when the dog lies down. If the coat allows you to pull the tail through, check that the tail isn't keeping the coat from riding up. That's another indication it's too small."
While a coat may appear too large when a dog is standing, this fit is preferable to a snug coat that could cause restrictions when the dog lies down.
Back on Track Dog Coats
To learn more about Back on Track dog coats and find the perfect fit for your dog, shop our entire Dog Coat Collection.
