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When your dog is wet — whether it’s from a bath, swimming, or a walk in damp weather — it’s important to dry them thoroughly. Drying your dog helps keep them warm, prevents mats, tangles, and bacteria growth (which may lead to skin infections), and helps eliminate the “wet dog” smell. While drying your dog’s fur, you can also closely check your dog’s skin for any lumps, bumps, scrapes, scabs, or skin irritations that might need veterinary attention. There are different methods to drying your dog, and you can train them to be comfortable with towel-drying or being blown dry. Here’s what you need to know about how to dry your dog.
Let’s be honest – bathing your dog is only half the battle. The real challenge starts when you’ve got a soaking wet pup shaking water all over your bathroom! If you’ve ever wondered “how do I dry my dog after a bath?” you’re not alone. I’ve spent years perfecting this process with my own dogs, and I’m here to share the best methods to get your furry friend dry without causing stress for either of you.
Why Properly Drying Your Dog Is So Important
Before diving into the how-to let’s talk about why drying your dog properly matters
- Prevents skin problems: Damp fur, especially near the skin, can create the perfect environment for bacterial growth, leading to hot spots and skin infections
- Prevents matting: Dogs with thick, long, or double coats are especially prone to matting if left damp
- Prevents cold: Wet fur provides little insulation, potentially leading to your dog becoming cold or even developing hypothermia
- Protects your home: Unless you want your furniture and carpets to smell like wet dog!
7 Effective Methods to Dry Your Dog After Bath Time
1. Towel Drying (The Right Way)
Most of us reach for a towel first, but there’s a technique to doing this effectively:
What you’ll need
- 2-3 absorbent towels (more for large dogs)
The proper technique:
- Start by gently pressing (not rubbing!) the towel against your dog’s fur to absorb excess water
- Pay special attention to areas where water collects – between the toes, under the tail, and around the belly
- Replace saturated towels with fresh ones as needed
- For long-haired dogs, avoid vigorous rubbing which can cause tangles and mats
Pro tip Use a specialized dog drying towel like The Absorber, which can soak up more water than regular bath towels while being gentler on your dog’s coat
2. Blow Dryer Method
A blow dryer can significantly speed up drying time, but you need to use it correctly:
What you’ll need:
- A pet-safe blow dryer or a regular human hair dryer
- Treats for positive reinforcement
The proper technique:
- Start with the lowest heat setting – never use high heat!
- Keep the dryer at least 6 inches away from your dog’s skin
- Constantly move the dryer to avoid concentrating heat in one spot
- Begin at your dog’s hindquarters and work forward, avoiding sensitive areas like the face
- Reward your dog with treats for staying calm
Important safety note: If your dog seems frightened by the noise, introduce the dryer gradually over several bath sessions rather than forcing the issue.
3. Create a DIY Dog Drying Station
This method works great if you’ve got a space you can dedicate to the drying process:
What you’ll need:
- Towels
- Old newspapers
- A wire coat hanger (optional)
- Space near an entry door
How to set it up:
- Lay out a thick towel on the floor
- Place newspapers on top for additional absorption
- Shape a coat hanger into a U and place it over the towel (optional – creates a mini “station”)
- Have your dog stand on this station after bathing
- Towel dry while they’re in the station
4. Air Drying (With Caveats)
While air drying is an option, it comes with significant drawbacks:
When it might work:
- Only for dogs with very short coats
- Only in warm, dry environments
- Only when you have time to supervise
The downsides:
- Most dogs will rub against furniture or roll on carpets
- Outdoor air drying often leads to dogs rolling in dirt, undoing your bath
- Dogs with thick or double coats may develop skin problems if air dried
5. Quick-Drying Sprays
These commercial products can help speed up the drying process:
How to use them:
- After towel drying, spray the product evenly through your dog’s coat
- These sprays contain ingredients that help water wick away from the coat
- Follow up with additional towel drying or blow drying for best results
Note: Results vary widely depending on your dog’s coat type and the specific product.
6. Use a Warm Environment
Strategic use of your home’s heating can help:
The technique:
- After initial towel drying, bring your dog to a warm room
- If it’s sunny, let them lay in a patch of sunlight (through a window)
- You can use a space heater set on low in the room (never pointed directly at your dog)
- The warm air will help evaporate moisture faster
7. Combine Methods for Maximum Efficiency
For the quickest, most effective drying:
- Start with thorough towel drying
- Follow with blow drying on low heat
- Finish with a quick brush through to prevent tangles
- Give treats throughout the process
Special Considerations for Different Coat Types
Short-Coated Dogs
Dogs like Beagles, Boxers, or Pugs can usually be dried with just thorough towel drying followed by a quick brush.
Long-Coated Dogs
Breeds like Shih Tzus, Maltese, or Yorkies need gentle towel drying followed by careful blow drying to prevent mats. Always use a brush while drying.
Double-Coated Dogs
Huskies, German Shepherds, and similar breeds have an undercoat that must be completely dried to prevent skin issues. A high-velocity dryer is often best for these breeds.
Curly-Coated Dogs
Poodles and similar breeds benefit from towel drying followed by blow drying with a slicker brush to maintain their coat texture.
Tips for Making Drying Time Less Stressful
Let’s face it – many dogs hate the drying process even more than the bath itself! Here are some tips to make it easier:
- Start young: Get puppies used to the drying process early with positive reinforcement
- Use treats liberally: Reward calm behavior throughout the process
- Take breaks: If your dog gets anxious, pause for a few minutes before continuing
- Speak soothingly: Use a calm, happy voice to reassure your dog
- Be patient: Rushing will only increase your dog’s anxiety
Common Mistakes to Avoid
In my years of dog ownership, I’ve made plenty of drying mistakes. Here are some to avoid:
- Using high heat: This can burn your dog’s sensitive skin
- Rubbing vigorously with towels: This creates tangles and mats
- Letting double-coated dogs air dry: This often leads to skin problems
- Skipping the ears: Damp ears can lead to ear infections
- Drying incompletely: Make sure your dog is fully dry, especially in skin folds
How to Know When Your Dog Is Completely Dry
It can be tricky to tell when your dog is fully dry, especially with thick-coated breeds. Here’s how to check:
- Part the fur and feel all the way to the skin – it should feel completely dry
- Check common trouble spots:
- Behind the ears
- Under the collar
- Between the legs
- Under the tail
- Between toe pads
- Your dog should not have any “wet dog smell” remaining
DIY Drying Solutions on a Budget
Don’t have specialized equipment? Try these budget-friendly options:
- Microfiber towels: More absorbent than regular bath towels and gentler on coats
- Old T-shirts: Can work well for small dogs when you’re out of clean towels
- Cooling rack setup: Place a cooling rack over a towel and have small dogs stand on it to allow airflow underneath
- Box fan: Set on low in a warm room (not blowing directly on your dog)
The Final Verdict
Drying your dog after a bath doesn’t have to be a huge hassle. My preferred method combines thorough towel drying followed by low-heat blow drying, but the best approach depends on your individual dog’s coat type and temperament.
Remember, patience is key! With consistent, positive experiences, most dogs will eventually accept the drying process as just another part of their routine.
FAQs About Drying Dogs After Baths
How long does it typically take to dry a dog completely?
Depending on coat type and method used, anywhere from 20 minutes to several hours. Short-coated dogs dry much faster than those with thick double coats.
Can I use my regular human hair dryer on my dog?
Yes, but only on the lowest heat setting while keeping it moving constantly. Never use high heat as dogs’ skin burns more easily than human skin.
My dog is terrified of the blow dryer. What should I do?
Start by just having the dryer nearby (turned off) during positive experiences like treats or meals. Gradually introduce the sound at a distance, then slowly work up to using it while providing plenty of treats and praise.
Is it OK to let my dog outside to dry?
Generally not recommended as most dogs will immediately roll in grass or dirt. If you must let them outside, supervise closely and only do so in warm, clean areas.
How can I tell if my dog is developing skin problems from improper drying?
Watch for excessive scratching, red or irritated skin, a strong odor, or flaky patches. If you notice any of these signs, consult your veterinarian.
With these tips and techniques, you’ll be able to get your pup dry and comfortable after every bath. Your furniture (and your nose) will thank you!
Help Your Dog Get Used to Being Handled
Not all dogs are comfortable having their body touched. Many dogs can be sensitive to anyone touching body parts like their face, feet, and legs, even beloved owners. As a result, they may struggle with letting someone dry their fur. To deal with this, you can work to make your dog more comfortable with being handled, working at a pace comfortable for them. You could ease them into it with dog head wraps when drying them, to also protect their ears and face until you get to drying that section. These wraps often have a calming effect on dogs, so it could also help them feel more positively towards the experience.
If you have a puppy, you can start out by gently examining their body, praising and giving them a treat as you look at each part. If you have an older dog whose body sensitive, you may want to try counterconditioning (changing your dog’s associations of being touched from negative to positive). Starting with areas that are the least sensitive, gently touch an area of your dog, rewarding them with praise and treat. You can also mark their calm response to being handled with a training clicker.
What to Consider Before Drying Your Dog
It’s a good idea to dry off any wet dog, regardless of breed, size, or coat type. However, it may take less time and effort to dry some dogs (like those with short coats) than others (like corded breeds, double-coated breeds, or dogs with long coats). The more hair or fur your dog has, the more important it is to dry them effectively, which helps to keep tangles and mats from forming.
If you have a short-coated dog, you can dry them off with a dog towel. However, if your dog has a longer and thicker coat, you may want to first towel-dry them, then use a dog dryer to finish the job.
Different dog coat types can take more or less time to dry. Especially if it’s your first time drying your dog, make sure you research best practices for the breed. Things like coat length and type are more obvious considerations, but the weather conditions and location where you’re drying your dog are also something to take into consideration.