How to Reproof a Dog Coat Properly – and Why Gentle Heat Can Help

If a dog coat, jacket or vest no longer repels water as well as it once did, that does not automatically mean the fabric has become poor quality.
Often, the water-repellent finish has simply weakened over time – for example due to frequent wear, washing or unsuitable cleaning products.
In this case, refreshing the water-repellent treatment can be helpful.
Our Tip from the Equestrian World
One of our customers, who also cares for horse rugs, shared an interesting tip with us:
If the garment is completely dry, gently warm the fabric with a hairdryer before applying the reproofing treatment.
Why?
With some waterproofing or reproofing products, gentle heat can help activate or stabilise the water-repellent effect. Similar recommendations can also be found in the care instructions for professional outdoor and functional clothing.
However, one thing is important:
Not every reproofing product works in the same way.
Some products are applied to dry fabric, while others are specifically designed for damp material. Some benefit from heat, while others do not require it at all.
So the most important rule is:
Always follow the care instructions for the fabric and the directions provided with the reproofing product.
How We Recommend Doing It
If the product you are using is suitable for dry fabric:
- Make sure the garment is clean.
- Allow it to dry completely in the air.
- Gently warm the fabric with a hairdryer – it should feel warm, never hot.
- Apply the reproofing product evenly.
- If recommended by the manufacturer, apply gentle heat again afterwards.
A tumble dryer is not suitable for every softshell fabric. A hairdryer allows you to control the temperature much more precisely.
What Does Reproofing Actually Do?
A reproofing treatment mainly helps water bead up and roll off the outer surface instead of soaking into the fabric too quickly.
However, it does not turn a sewn dog coat into a completely waterproof, sealed rain suit.
Moisture can still enter through seams, openings and other construction-related areas.
Our Conclusion
The tip our customer shared with us does have a practical basis:
Gentle heat can help with certain reproofing treatments.
But this does not apply automatically to every product.
If your Lucy & Fly coat no longer repels water as effectively as before, refreshing the water-repellent treatment may be worthwhile. And if you are unsure which material your model is made from or how best to care for it, feel free to contact us.
You can find more tips on how to care for your dog clothing in our care guide.