The shake is the problem. A wet dog finds the exact moment you are least ready and redecorates a hallway, and no amount of towelling beforehand quite gets ahead of it. A robe changes the order of operations. It goes on straight out of the bath or off the wet walk, buttons closed, and does the absorbing in roughly the time it would take you to go and fetch a second dry towel from the airing cupboard.

Microfibre works differently to cotton. The fibres are split so fine that they draw water in by capillary action rather than simply soaking it up, which is why a microfibre robe takes on several times its own weight and still feels dry against the coat. Wrapping it round and buttoning it on also keeps the fabric in contact with the whole dog while they mooch about, so the drying carries on without you standing over them doing it.

• Super-absorbent microfibre fabric
• Wraps around and buttons on
• Keeps the dog warm while they dry
• Available in pink, grey or brown
• Sizes S, M and L

On sizing and how long to leave it on. Order by back length from collar to tail base and by chest girth rather than by breed name, because a robe that falls short at the back leaves the wettest part of a dog uncovered. Leave it on while they settle in the room with you, then take it off once the worst of the wet has gone. A damp robe left on for hours keeps a dog damp instead of drying them.

What the options mean. Sizes run from S to L — £11.99 for the smallest, £14.99 for the largest.

Who it's for: Owners of thick or long-coated dogs, and anyone who has run out of patience with the post-walk shake.