Whether you need to dry your dog after their weekly bath, or have had a rainy walk, drying a dog can be an important part of keeping them healthy. The good news is that you don’t need to consult an expensive groomer and you’ll most likely have everything you need at home.
We’ve rounded up a quick step-by-step guide to help you keep your pooch looking their best. But before you start, let’s cover the basics.
Can you dry a dog with a blow dryer?
Shark haircare products are developed for use on human hair. But while they’re not designed with our furry friends in mind, they should be safe to use on pets – only when used with the utmost care.
Drying your dog with a hair dryer can help speed up the process, but again, take care. Your dog’s skin is sensitive, so only use the cool or lowest warm setting. If in doubt, test the temperature on the inside of your wrist.
You should also not focus the nozzle on one area for too long and never aim it too close to their skin.
If your dog is sensitive to noisy household appliances like the vacuum, they may find the sound of the hair dryer distressing. If in doubt, it may be better to use an old towel.
Can you let your dog air dry?
It’s always a good idea to soak up excess water with a bath or microfibre towel. Excess moisture isn’t good for a dog’s skin and can lead to skin and/or fungal infections in hard-to-reach areas such as between their toes and paw pads. This can be a bigger problem if your dog is a breed that has looser skin, wrinkles or folds, such as pugs or bulldogs.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s get started.
How to dry your dog
Using the right tools and techniques to dry your dog properly will help keep them healthy and happy.
Step 1: Assess your dog’s coat
Like us, dogs have different hair types and needs. Shorter-haired dogs will not need as much drying time. If your dog has longer hair, a quick brush before their bath can make detangling easier. Just be sure to take your time as rushing will likely stress out your dog.
Step 2: Remove excess water with a towel
Again, it’s always recommended that you gently wrap your dog in a towel to soak up excess water. Not only will it speed up drying time, but it’ll make for an easier clean-up if they try to shake the water off. Being gentle is key, as rubbing too hard or fast could lead to discomfort and matted hair.
Step 3: Re-assess your progress
Drying time will depend on your dog’s hair type and porosity. You may find that alternating between the hair dryer and towel works best.
Whichever method you use, always be mindful of your dog’s comfort. Air drying or using the cool hair dryer setting might offer relief from the heat in summer but will make for a miserable pooch in winter.
Step 4: Give your dog a treat
Bathing and drying can be stressful for dogs. A well-deserved treat and vocal praise can help them associate an uncomfortable experience with a good one.
