How to Dry a Dog After a Bath: Towels, Dryers and Tips

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

Drying is the part of bath day that owners most often cut short. A coat that feels dry on the surface may still be wet underneath, and damp fur is a common cause of hot spots, odor and tangles. A good drying routine protects the skin and makes the groom last.

Why drying matters

Moisture trapped against the skin encourages bacteria and yeast, and can make a dog cold. Thick coats can stay damp for hours. Curly and long coats mat if left to dry untouched. Complete drying is especially important for double coats. See double-coat grooming.

Step 1: Squeeze and towel

Before the dryer, squeeze water out of the coat with your hands, particularly from the tail, legs and ears. Wrap your dog in a large, absorbent towel and press rather than rub. Rubbing tangles curly and long coats. Switch to a dry towel when the first is soaked. Microfiber towels and chamois cloths absorb more water than cotton.

Step 2: Choose the dryer

• Human hair dryer. Acceptable on cool or low heat, and kept moving.
• Pet dryer with heat. Purpose-made, with controlled temperature.
• High-velocity dryer. Uses powerful, unheated or lightly heated air to blow water off the coat and loosen undercoat. See best high-velocity dryers.

Whichever you choose, avoid high heat. Dog skin burns easily.

Step 3: Use it safely

1. Test the airflow on your hand first.
2. Hold the nozzle at least 15 to 20 centimetres from the skin.
3. Keep it moving constantly.
4. Dry from the back toward the head, leaving the face last.
5. Never point it into the eyes, ears or nose.
6. Stop if your dog seems stressed or the coat feels hot.

Step 4: Brush as you dry

For long, curly and thick coats, brush while drying. Use a slicker brush or comb to lift the hair as air passes through. This produces a fluffy, tangle-free result. See how to brush a dog properly.

Coat-specific tips

• Short coats: towel dry well, then air dry in a warm room.
• Double coats: use a dryer to blow out loose undercoat and dry to the skin.
• Curly and silky coats: dry fully while brushing, or the coat will frizz and mat. See curly-coat grooming.
• Hairless dogs: pat dry and moisturize. See hairless dog care.

Check the skin

Part the fur in thick areas such as the armpits, behind the ears and at the base of the tail. If the skin feels damp or cool, keep drying.

Making dryers less scary

Introduce the dryer gradually. Turn it on at a distance and reward calm behaviour. Increase closeness and power over several sessions. See how to groom an anxious dog.

After drying

Keep your dog in a warm, draft-free room until fully dry, and wipe paws before going outside.

Common mistakes

• Using high heat
• Drying only the surface
• Holding the dryer too close
• Skipping the brush on long coats

Drying times to expect

A small, short-coated dog may be dry in ten to fifteen minutes. A medium double-coated dog can take thirty to forty-five minutes with a dryer, and a large, thick-coated dog can take an hour or more. Build this time into bath day, and do not stop when the surface feels dry. Lift the coat in several places and feel the skin.

Drying in cold weather

In winter, keep the room warm and avoid walks until your dog is fully dry. A dog that goes outside damp can chill quickly, particularly small, thin-coated and senior dogs. A dry towel, a warm blanket and a few minutes of rest afterwards help your dog settle.

The takeaway

Towel first, dry on a cool setting, brush as you go and check the skin. A fully dry coat prevents most post-bath problems.