Billowthane® is BullyBillows' own coated webbing material - flexible, TPU-coated, fully waterproof, odour-resistant, and wipe-clean in seconds. Standard nylon webbing absorbs water, takes forever to dry, traps mud and bacteria, and develops a certain aroma that's very specifically "wet dog collar." Billowthane® repels water on contact. A damp cloth and you're done. The collection covers collars, leads, and matching accessories in a range of colours, all built from the same material.
Can waterproof collars cause chafing?
Any collar can cause irritation if it's fitted incorrectly or left wet against the skin for extended periods, but that's a fitting issue, not a material one. Billowthane® is smooth-surfaced and non-porous, which actually reduces the build-up of debris and bacteria against the coat compared to textured fabric collars. Fit to two-finger looseness, check for redness around the edges after the first few wears, and for dogs with particularly dense or long coats, a slightly wider collar distributes contact more evenly.
How do I clean a Billowthane® collar or lead?
Wipe it. That's it. After a muddy walk, a damp cloth is all you need. For heavier soiling like salt marsh and thick mud, a quick rinse under the tap followed by a wipe. No soaking, no scrubbing, no leaving it on the radiator to dry for two days. It doesn't hold odours or stains the way nylon does. Just avoid abrasive cleaning products - mild soap and water is all Billowthane® needs to look as good as new.
Does the Billowthane® Collection help reduce clean-up after walks?
Considerably. The gear that stays damp, smells like a bog, and takes three days to dry is one of the minor miseries of dog ownership. Billowthane® dries almost instantly on contact with air, doesn't absorb mud into the weave, and wipes clean in under a minute. For dog walking on the coast, moorland, or anywhere that involves actual weather, this alone makes it worth the switch from standard webbing. The material also holds up better than nylon against repeated exposure to water and UV over time, so it's not just easier to clean, it lasts longer too.
Are waterproof dog collars worth it?
If your dog swims, walks in the rain, or you live somewhere with actual weather - yes, without question. The cost of repeatedly replacing fabric collars and leads that degrade, smell, and lose hardware integrity in wet conditions quickly outweighs the price difference. Billowthane® is also significantly more hygienic: fabric webbing traps bacteria in a way smooth-coated Billowthane® simply doesn't. For Labradors, Spaniels, Retrievers, basically breeds who treat every puddle and body of water as a personal invitation, a waterproof collar and lead isn't a luxury. It's just sensible.