Ah, springtime. The season of muddy trails, longer walks, and… the undeniable urge to clean everything you own. This dog coat care guide will show you how to properly care for your Chilly Dogs gear so it can be used for years to come!
At Chilly Dogs, we believe your pup’s gear deserves the same care and attention you’d give to your own favourite coat or boots. After all, it’s been through snow, slush, puddles, and paw prints—it’s earned a refresh!
Let’s talk about spring cleaning, coat care, and why we trust Tru Earth—a fellow Canadian company that’s changing the game when it comes to eco-friendly cleaning.
Why Cleaning Your Dog’s Gear Matters
Over time, dirt, salt, sand, and oils from your dog’s coat can break down the fibres in performance fabrics, dull reflective trim, and even lead to unpleasant odours. Proper cleaning not only extends the life of your Chilly Dogs coat, but keeps your pup more comfortable and your home fresher.
Our Recommended Gentle Detergent: Tru Earth Eco-Strips
We’ve tested a lot of cleaning products, but Tru Earth is our top pick—and here’s why:
✅ Canadian-Made
✅ Plastic-Free, Biodegradable & Hypoallergenic
✅ No harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances
✅ Safe for sensitive pups & humans alike
✅ Tough on dirt, gentle on gear
Tru Earth’s ultra-concentrated laundry strips dissolve instantly, and they work perfectly on our fleece, raincoats, and 3-season technical fabrics. One strip for one load with no waste and no mess.
How to Wash Your Chilly Dogs Gear
1. Shake It Out:
Remove loose dirt, fur, and debris from the coat, boots, or soaker robe. Use a FurViking or a gentle brush if needed. Packing tape or a lint brush also lifts hair. You can also use a needle to lift hair between rows of the velcro. Just be careful to not puncture the coat.
2. Gentle Cycle, Cold Water
Place your item in the washing machine on a gentle or delicate cycle. Use cold water to preserve the shape, colour, and performance of the fabric.
3. Wash Time:
Add one Tru Earth strip (torn into pieces) or any gentle laundry detergent directly into the drum or detergent dispenser. Do not use any fabric softener or other treatments. They damage fleece and nylon.
4. Air Dry Only:
Never toss your Chilly Dogs gear in the hot dryer! Hang it or lay it flat to air dry completely before storing or using again. Avoid any heat sources such as hot water, hot dryers, fireplaces or hot sunny windows.
5. Regular Washing:
Wash regularly only when dirty. It is not needed to wash after every wear.
Keeping Your Dog Coat Waterproof
Over time, waterproofing wears down. To keep your coat’s water resistance intact, refresh it with Nikwax TX.Direct Wash-In or Spray-On Waterproofing products.
We recommend you start doing so when you notice beading has stopped, garment is one year old, or after a number of washings. Whichever comes first!
Spring = Gear Check Season
Cleaning is just the start. As you prep for warmer weather adventures, it’s also the perfect time to:
✔️ Inspect buckles, stitching & Velcro
✔️ Clean leashes, boots & harnesses
✔️ Swap to lighter layers like our Alpine Blazer 3-Season Coat
✔️ Reapply Musher’s Secret Paw Balm for trail-ready toes
Stock Up On Spring Essentials
Need a gear refresh?
We’ve got lightweight coats, Muddy Mutts, leashes, and even Tru Earth strips available now—because clean, functional gear makes spring adventures way more fun (and less messy!).
Final Thoughts from the Chilly Dogs Pack
Taking care of your pup’s gear means it’ll take care of them—from snowy trails to springtime strolls. And when you choose Canadian-made brands like Chilly Dogs and Tru Earth, you're supporting local, sustainable businesses doing good in the world.
Happy spring & happy cleaning!
– The Chilly Dogs Team