Waterproof coat for a Labrador

[Cydonia]

Something I never thought I would need, as my Labrador loves nothing better than getting wet ( well, perhaps food! )
BUT… she’s currently on restricted exercise due to joint problems, so we’re doing shorter, less exciting lead walks where she spends a lot of time sniffing and trying to eat grass. So I feel like she needs a bit of protection when we go out in the rain so she’s not getting wet and cold, which is no good for her arthritis.
Can anyone recommend a decent, warm and waterproof coat that is comfortable enough for a dog that doesn’t like wearing clothes? 😁
I do have a towelling gown for after she’s been swimming etc, but at the moment I’d rather she didn’t get wet in the first place.

I bought my Lab a gorgeous waterproof coat from Swish Equestrian on Amazon. About £25 and I want one in the same stuff for me now!

Thanks, I haven’t heard of that one so will look it up!

Equafleece , they do a variety of different coats , jumpers and suits and they are all excellent , don’t restrict movement and wash well

Definitely an Equafleece.

Are equafleece waterproof though? I thought they just did fleece?

Yes, the fabric is waterproof.

They come with their own inbuilt waterproof coat. I can't think any Labrador - arthritic or not - needs an additional one.

I know what you mean, and I have said the same myself. It’s just that she will be slow lead walking for a while, so that in combination with the cold wet weather isn’t good for her joints.

I can't imagine putting any of my labs into a coat - they would be horrified! And I've had old arthritic labs (very recently lost my last one aged 14).

If your dog is arthritic and on restricted walks they presumably won't be out for very long. They have such thick coats they're not going to feel the cold and their waterproof outer coat stops rain soaking in. A quick rub with a towel and they're dry.

You said she doesn't like wearing clothes so I can't think it's worth making her.

We use Equafleeces for ours. We prefer them to having damp dogs.

Have had labs for 20 years and have never known them stay damp for long. Their outer coat repels water so mine are usually quite dry on their backs and tummies soon after a quick rub with an old towel. What does take a little longer is drying their legs which - unless they wear a onesie - are always going to get wet and muddy.

I hate to see dogs wearing clothes, though accept they may be required for small dogs with thin coats. But I think it must be unpleasant for a dog with a thick, water repellant double coat, bred for swimming in cold water, to have to wear another coat when it's out and about.

Listen. Back off. Don’t try and teach your granny how to suck eggs and don’t try and lecture someone on the internet when you don’t know who they are or what they do for a living. Everyone has different preferences. You do you, I’ll do me. The OP asked for advice on a waterproof item, advice has been given, your input is irrelevant if you have no advice on the waterproof garment.

I'm with @BeadedBubbles . People forget dogs aren't human sometimes.

Quite. I was asking for recommendations, not asking whether my dog should be wearing a coat. I’m well aware of the composition of the Labrador’s coat, and as a veterinary nurse I am also well aware of the benefits of keeping your dog warm and dry as part of the holistic management of osteo arthritis.
Back to the original question - those with Equafleeces, do you find them easy to get on and off? I have a cheaper version which is now too small, but I did struggle to pull her legs through the holes, and that was before she had joint issues.

Should clarify I am agreeing with you there, @DaisyDaffodil!

I've never struggled with the Equafleeces - you get them pretty much made to measure (unlike the cheap versions) so they're much more likely to fit properly.

They're really good at keeping the muck and dirt off. A lifesaver in winter when you don't necessarily want to be cleaning and drying 25-30kg of filthy dog after every single walk

@DaisyDaffodil - charming. Touched a nerve did I?

If you’re going to get one then I would get something which is just a waterproof layer, no quilting, padding or fleece or they will get too hot.

You can get summer/lightweight Equafleeces:

https://www.equafleece.co.uk/products/dogs/summer-suit

following this as my lab has also just been diagnosed with arthritis.

Equafleeces repel water but aren't waterproof. You can get some that zip down the back which are easier to get on. I think for your purposes an actual waterproof coat that sits over the back is probably more suitable though. A friend with a golden retriever uses one for wet nighttime lead walks. I'll ask what it is.

I've never had a dog get wet under an Equafleece, even when they've laid in muddy puddles or gone into the sea.

Technically they're not 100% waterproof but as most dogs aren't out for hours and hours (and OP says hers will be on restricted walks) they'll do the job and they keep their value too. There's a great second hand market for them on Facebook.

FYI I don't work for Equafleece I'm just a dog walker and a huge advocate for them as they make my life a LOT easier.

Nope but I don’t need anyone mansplaining about a specific breeds coat. Now jog on and find someone else to try and argue with or mansplain to. Most of us are adults and are only too well aware of the coats of the breeds we own.

I agree with this. One of mine is the minger who lies in puddles 😂 As @DataBatman says one of the ones with the zip up the back might be better to get on and off if she’s arthritic.

@DaisyDaffodil - you're a charmer aren't you? 😂