How to Dry a Dog

Whether you’re giving your furry friend a bath or your dog has a perpetual urge to roll around in every puddle they stumble across, it helps to know how to get your dog dry. If your dog is wet and you don’t dry them off, it can actually cause problems with their skin. Your pup won’t smell very good, either! Don't worry—we've answered some of your top questions about drying off your dog so you can keep them clean, dry, and happy.

Section 1 of 6:

How do you dry a dog at home?

The easiest way to do it is with a few towels. Grab a large towel and wrap it around your dog’s body. Let it soak up water and use a small cloth to carefully wipe their face, neck, and paws dry. Then, use the big towel to gently massage your pup’s body and remove the excess water. It may take multiple towels to get your dog totally dry.^{[1]XResearch source}
- A lot of people just use a regular bath towel. Some dog owners prefer to use a microfiber towel. There are also specialty dog towels out there if you prefer.
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Section 2 of 6:

Can I dry my dog with a hair dryer?

Yes, so long as you use the lowest heat setting possible. Grab the smallest blow dryer you own and turn it to the lowest heat setting. Point the dryer at your pup’s coat at a slight angle so that you’re blowing the hair in the same direction that it naturally lays. Move the blow dryer back and forth to avoid irritating your dog’s skin with too much heat. Keep the dryer away from their face and just keep moving it until their fur is almost entirely dry.^{[2]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Kennel ClubThe American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.Go to source}
- Many dogs get freaked out by the noise of the hair dryer. If your dog just can’t get used to the hair dryer, you’re better off using a towel.^{[3]XResearch source}

Section 3 of 6:

How long does it take to dry a dog?

It shouldn’t take long, but it depends on the coat and the breed. The longer your dog’s coat is, the longer it is going to take to dry. The shorter it is, the faster it will dry. Breeds with a lot of loose skin and wrinkles, like pugs, bulldogs, and boxers, will take a little extra time to dry regardless of the method you’re using.^{[4]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to AnimalsLeading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal crueltyGo to source}
- If your dog has wrinkles or skin folds and you don’t get them totally dry, it could lead to skin conditions or fungal infections.
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Section 4 of 6:

Is it OK to let your dog air dry?

Usually no, but it’s OK if your pup has short hair or sensitive skin. You typically don’t want to leave your dog wet since it can lead to fungus growth in between their paw pads and armpits. Wet fur is also more likely to matte. Still, if your dog has really short fur or sensitive skin, it’s typically OK to let them air dry.^{[5]XResearch source}
- If you’re going to let your pup air dry, you don’t want them to be dripping wet. At the bare minimum, at least place a soft towel around your dog to gently soak up the excess water.
- Keep in mind, your dog probably isn’t going to smell very good if you let them air dry, even if you used shampoo.^{[6]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Kennel ClubThe American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.Go to source}

Section 5 of 6:

Do dogs feel better after a bath?

Most dogs don’t enjoy baths, but some of them do! For most pups, bath time is kind of confusing and chaotic. Many dogs also don’t like being confined to the tub, since being restrained can be kind of anxiety-inducing. However, some dogs do enjoy a bath, especially if you treat it as a fun bonding activity by keeping things upbeat and playful.^{[7]XResearch source}
- The best thing you can do is build a routine by bathing your dog the same way every time. Take it slow and give them a lot of treats when they’re calm to help put them at ease.
- If your dog really doesn’t do well with baths, you can always take them to a professional groomer.
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Section 6 of 6:

Should you brush your dog wet or dry?

Brush them before the bath to get all of the tangles out. Grab your dog’s brush and spend 5-10 minutes giving them a thorough brushing before their bath. This way, you’ll get any mattes or tangles out before their fur gets wet, which is actually when it’s the most likely to get knotted up. This will also remove any loose fur or dirt that’s likely to clog up your shower drain.^{[8]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Kennel ClubThe American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.Go to source}
- You can give them a brush or two while they’re wet if you find any light knots or tangles, but don’t overdo it. Your dog’s fur is heavier when it’s wet, and you may irritate their skin if you brush too hard and pull any fur out.
- You can brush them again when they’re fully dry if you’d like, but it isn’t always necessary.

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Question
How can I dry my dog fast?
Lancy Woo
Certified Pet Groomer
Lancy Woo is a Certified Pet Groomer and the Owner of VIP Grooming, a pet grooming salon based in San Francisco, California. VIP Grooming has served San Francisco for over 35 years. Lancy received her pet grooming certification from the WWPSA (Western Word Pet Supply Association). VIP Grooming has been voted "Best in the Bay" in 2007, 2010, 2011, 2014, 2017, 2018, and 2019 and won Bay Woof’s "Beast of Bay" in 2014. In 2018, Lancy's work contributed to VIP Grooming's acceptance onto San Francisco's Office of Economic and Workforce Development's Legacy Business Registry.
Lancy Woo
Certified Pet Groomer
Expert Answer
Use a blow dryer on the lowest heat setting. If the dog has a long coat, blow dry it in the direction you want the coat to lay, because if you're whipping the hair up, it can cause it to tangle. If you're blow-drying a dog with a short coat, get the nozzle up very close, and move it back and forth quickly. That will wick the water away, and the dog will dry much faster. Never point a high-powered nozzle at the dog's head, and turn off the dryer if your dog starts to seem uncomfortable. If the dog is stressed and you aren't listening, the situation is going to escalate, and the dog's going to panic. Some dogs will even have seizures if they get too upset.
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Question
Is there a way to teach a fearful dog to get used to the blow dryer?
Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Expert Answer
You should use desensitization techniques, which expose the dog to the feared object in a controlled way so that he gets used to it. Start by having the dryer at a sufficient distance that the dog doesn't react, and reward him. You may need to start with the dryer switched off, depending on how fearful he is. Once he is able to be in the same room with it off, then enter the room with the dryer on. Have him approach to a distance he is comfortable, then distract him with a toy or a treat. As he becomes more comfortable at this distance, then take one step closer and distract him again. The aim is over time to get him used to the proximity of the dryer so he doesn't react.
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Is it acceptable to dry my dog with a fan?
Community Answer
It's fine to use a fan to dry off your dog, just make sure that the air coming out is not hot, and that the blades are not able to come in contact with the dog.
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Your dog may think that it is playtime when you dry them, so be prepared for your dog to roll around and act a little silly.^{[9]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to AnimalsLeading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal crueltyGo to source}
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