Back on Track Dog Rugs – Shopping Guide

Back on Track is a well known Brand across human & canine athletes worldwide and does not need any special introduction. Last Shopping guide from our series explains the individual models of dog rugs by Back on Track. Hopefully it will help you navigate through the variety of models and choose the right size for your canine athlete.

If you are reading about Back on Track for the first time, read this short paragraph to give you a basic idea of their technology. Back on Track helps animals and people during preparation, performance and recovery through Welltex & Iontex Technology. All dog rugs are made of Welltex textiles infused with minerals. The minerals capture body heat and convert it into long-wave infrared energy, which is reflected back to skin, joints and muscles. Infrared energy is known for its ability to increase blood circulation, which can help during recovery from injuries or tense muscles. All products have optimal breathability, which makes them comfortable to use as the heat is not trapped inside.

How to use Back on Track products?

Back on Track recommends to start using the products gradually so that the body gets a chance to get used to the effect of the fabrics. Use the product for a maximum of 4 hours the first 2-3 days. The reason for the recommendation is that some people may experience pain at first. In horses and dogs, it can manifest itself in a swelling. This is due to the increased blood flow, which is actually a good sign of the effect of the ceramic fabric.

The initial pain or swelling may occur after only a few hours of use. You should then refrain from using the product more on the same day, but instead introduce the product a little more gradually in the following days.

After the introductory period, you should increase the use to at least 8 hours per day, preferably longer. Even after an hour or so, a positive effect on tense muscles and stiff joints is often experienced. Long-term issues may need several days, up to 10-20 days, before the desired result is achieved.

After the dog is used to the product, it should be used according to the patterns you feel are effective. It can be effective to use for longer periods and then introduce a break. As a prevention of muscle soreness or for effective recovery, it can be used for warm-up/cool- down of your dog, during training breaks and during the night for example.

Back on Track has available several types of coats. Choose the coat according to the activity and type of your dog. 

MESH RUGS

Mesh rug is a soft and flexible dog blanket. It is very thin, which makes it suitable for outdoors in the summer and indoor in winter. Mesh rug is not water-resistant or windproof – comparable with human wearing a T-shirt. It can be used during training. It is very popular to use for recovery after performance when the dog is relaxing indoors, even during the night. Thin net textile makes it suitable also for dogs with undercoat. It is extra suitable for long-term usage for older dogs and can help relieve stiffness, joint inflammation and wear.

It is available as standard rug suitable for most breeds, dachshund rug suitable for small dogs with long back or hugo mesh rug for dogs. Standard mesh rug has a zipper at the back for dogs with a high tail position. Hugo model is great for dogs wearing their tail up, as you do not need to use the opening here and it can be easily fixed/opened on the chest without the need to pull the rug over the dog’s head.

FLEECE RUGS

Fleece rug has the same features and characteristics as a mesh rug. The fleece textile is thicker and warmer than the net textile, however it is still suitable for outdoors as well as indoor usage. When using for recovery indoors, it is more suitable for short-haired dogs. Always consider the actual temperature of the indoor environment and the preferences of your dog when choosing between the mesh or fleece rug.

Fleece Supreme Rug has the same fit as mesh or standard rug and includes a zipper at the back for dogs with a high tail position. Bianca fleece overall is great choice, if you need to target the front body part of your dog, in particular the shoulders or neck area. For many breeds, the suitable size reaches up to around 2/3 of the back – it will not cover hips or tail area of the back. Is is great additional basic layer to be worn under other coats and provide the shoulder and neck with extra warmth.

STANDARD RUGS

Standard blanket is a universal dog blanket with good breathability, perfect for use during training, waiting periods in cold environment and for walks. Inner lining includes the textiles with Welltex® technology. Outer fabric is made of water-repellent polyester.

Standard rugs are equipped with zipper at the back for dogs with a high tail position. Whippet and greyhound rugs do not have the zipper option and their form is optimised for slim dogs with long back and deep chest. Hugo model is great for dogs wearing their tail up, as you do not need to use the opening here and it can be easily fixed/opened on the chest without the need to pull the rug over the dog’s head.

RAIN RUGS

Rain rug is a blanket with high breathability and Welltex® technology.
Both rain rugs are water-repellent with taped seams. This is the ultimate blanket for cold and rainy days, the version with filling provides extra insulation during cold days. These coats are stiffer than Standard Rug and not suitable for indoor use.

Both rain rugs are adjustable for a perfect fit. They do not have a zipper for tail up option and both are equiped with opening in the neck for leashes. The outer fabric is made of durable 600D polyester.

QUILTED RUGS

These rugs are made of quilted material with a light 200 g insulation, lined with the Welltex technology. Both are suitable for outdoor use. The warming features of these rugs is comparable with Standard Rug. The outer fabric is strong and durable, however not water-resistant.

Shape of these rugs is great for dogs wearing their tail up, as you do not need to use the opening here and it can be easily fixed/opened on the chest without the need to pull the rug over the dog’s head. Belly belt is anatomically shaped and can be worn in both directions for an individual fit.

Choosing the right size

The most important thing when choosing the size is that the coat doesn’t disturb dog’s natural movement and dog feels comfortable in the coat. When choosing a coat for active outdoor use, it is important to choose the size that fits really well. For slower activities and waiting in place, the coat can be a bit bigger. Do not guess the right size based on a different model of jacket that you might already have at home!

Measuring your dog

When measuring, your dog needs to be in standing position, back bone as straight as possible. Measurements are taken firmly from the dog. Measure back length from neck to base of the tail. We do not recommend measuring your dog from the collar point. Every dog wears the collar at a different point on the neck and this might cause inconsistency. Measure back length from neck to base of the tail. The starting point for measuring on the neck is in the confluence of neck and back columns.

CAUTION

Sizes of the coats mostly correspond to the measured back length of the dog. However, if your dog wears the tail up most of the time, you will need to put their tail trough the designated opening – this usually requires choosing 1 size bigger.
If your dog is between 2 sizes, we recommend to choose the larger size.

Example

You measured back length on your dog of 57 cm.
Available sizes are 55 or 59. Usually size 59 is the better choice, especially if you need to put dog’s tail through the opening. We recommend to use this option only for walks, most of the dogs are not comfortable with it. You definitely should not use it when the dog is in crate or sleeping indoors, to avoid possible tangling of fur in the zipper.

You can always adjust the length a bit by tightening/loosening the elastic bands in the front of the rug.

Watch this short video to give you an overview of different models and their fit for a border collie with measured back length of 57 cm.

Tips & Tricks

Undoubtedly, Back on Track rugs have awesome benefits for active sport dogs. However, they do not fit all dogs ideally. Here are a few “hacks” that might help make their usage easier for you & your dog.

Shortening the elastic strings

If you have a dog that tends to chew on things, it is very likely the strings in the front won’t stay on, especially if too long. You can easily adjust their length using scissors.

Too late? You can always replace the elastic strings with any other ribbon or shoe laces, tighten and cut to desired length.

Avoiding “accidents” during walks

When your dog wears their tail up most of the time, it is very likely you will have to use the designated opening on the rug for the tail. Usually this causes the stinky “accidents” when the dog needs to do their business. You can cut out the part of the fabric at the back. This will create more space and avoid the coat getting dirty.

Getting rid of the buckle

Buckles might cause pressure points on the back, for instance when using the mesh rug for longer periods of time during recovery. You can easily remove them by sewing little squares of velcro on the inner sides of the belt & outer sides of the rug. However we recommend doing this only for the “thinner” rugs, like mesh or fleece rugs. For standard rugs, this might effect their waterproof features.