Not every dog needs a waterproof collar. But if your dog swims, plays in the rain, rolls in mud, or spends significant time near water — a waterproof collar is one of those upgrades you'll immediately appreciate.
Why Regular Collars Struggle with Water
Most standard dog collars are made from nylon webbing or fabric. When wet, they absorb water and hold moisture against the skin (causing irritation and smell), take hours to dry, can develop mildew and bacteria with repeated wetting, and degrade faster from repeated wet-dry cycles.
What Makes a Collar Truly Waterproof
- Main material doesn't absorb water — biothane, rubber, and coated nylon don't hold moisture
- Rust-resistant hardware — stainless steel or brass buckles and D-rings
- Dries quickly — within minutes rather than hours
Best Materials for Waterproof Dog Collars
Biothane — the gold standard
A synthetic material that looks and feels like leather but is completely waterproof, odour-resistant, and extremely durable. Water beads off the surface, it doesn't absorb odours, lasts for years, and cleans with a quick wipe. The best choice for dogs who swim regularly.
Rubber / Silicone
Fully waterproof and extremely easy to clean. Popular for dogs who spend time in the ocean — saltwater and sand wash off easily. Lightweight and bright-colored, but less durable long-term than biothane.
Coated Nylon
Standard nylon with a waterproof coating. More water-resistant than plain nylon but the coating wears off over time. Best for dogs who get occasionally wet rather than regular swimmers.
Neoprene
The wetsuit material. Soft, flexible, and water-resistant (not fully waterproof). Often used for collar padding rather than the main material.
What to Look for When Buying
Hardware: Stainless steel buckle and D-ring won't rust even with daily swimming. Avoid plated metal hardware — the plating wears off and the base metal rusts.
Width: For most dogs, 2–2.5cm is the sweet spot — wide enough to distribute pressure, not so wide it creates drag when swimming.
Fit: The two-finger rule applies. For swimming dogs especially — a too-loose collar is a risk if it catches on anything underwater.
Do All Dogs Need a Waterproof Collar?
Get a waterproof collar if your dog: swims regularly, lives in a wet climate, loves to wade and splash, has had skin irritation under their collar, or has a collar that smells even after washing.
A regular collar is fine if your dog: only gets wet occasionally, has a collar that dries quickly without skin issues, or has a personalised collar you love.
Cleaning a Waterproof Collar
Biothane: Wipe with a damp cloth or rinse under the tap. Dish soap and a soft brush for stubborn dirt. Clean in minutes.
Rubber / silicone: Rinse under running water, scrub with a soft brush if needed.
Coated nylon: Rinse thoroughly after saltwater exposure. Machine washable on gentle. Replace when water starts absorbing rather than beading.
Pairing with Other Waterproof Gear
For water-loving dogs, consider a matching biothane leash, a life jacket for open water swimming, and a portable water bottle for post-swim freshwater rinses. GraviPaw's portable pet water bottles make this easy on the go.
Final Thoughts
A waterproof dog collar is a practical upgrade for any dog who regularly encounters water. Biothane is the best material overall: looks great, lasts for years, almost zero maintenance. For dogs who only get occasionally wet, a quality nylon collar cleaned regularly does the job fine.
Browse GraviPaw's dog collar collection — durable, stylish options for every lifestyle and breed.
