In my previous blog ( and in my YouTube video) , I shared 10 easy steps on how to bath your dog at home, including how to dry your dog with an Aquasorb towel as well as an ordinary towel.
If you take your dog to a dog groomer he or she will probably use a high-velocity dryer (depending on your dog’s coat and temperament) to remove excess water before finishing off with a finishing dryer to get them ready for styling.
If you only own one dog I have a feeling you won’t be too happy about spending hundreds of pounds on a high-velocity dryer and a professional stand dryer. This is unless you’re planning to bath, or even groom your dog at home regularly. If you’re a happy owner of a double-coated breed, like an Alaskan Malamute or a Newfoundland, and you’d like to bath him at home regularly then I’d highly recommend investing in these tools.
When I opened my first salon in Slovakia (over 20 years ago!), I only had a hand dryer and I used to do a few Newfoundlands. I loved working with them because of their lovely nature but I’m sure you can imagine how long it took me to dry one with only a hand dryer. I bet you didn’t think it would be 4 hours. Yes, 4!
Two methods that you can use at home to dry your dog:
1) Blanket/bath towel drying
This method is very easy and principle. It’s much the same as when people wrap their heads in a towel after washing their hair. This method is suitable for any type of coat and any size dog. The only trick… just make sure you have a big enough towel 😉. Natural body heat together with the towel will dry the coat pretty quickly. However, the coat will remain wavy or curly. This doesn’t really matter unless you’re planning on trimming your dog afterwards.
Step 1: Lay the towel across your dog’s back
Step 2: Pull one end around your dog’s chest and the other end under the dog
Step 3: Clip both ends on the top
(I’ll add photos)
Leave your snuggled dog sitting in a safe, confined space. Your lap is always a good option 🥰.
An alternative to this method:
Dog Robes or a drying bag. I’ve personally never used the bag… Have you?
2) Hairdryer
Just the same as bathing, drying may require help from a family member or a friend. Especially if your dog’s never experienced a hairdryer or doesn’t like the noise or the feeling of the blowing air. Calming Floral Spray is always handy to have by your side as well as a hoody if your dog doesn’t like the noise. I’d recommend the Dog Safety Snood. This will not only minimise the noise but will also dry a fluffy head and ears while you’re drying the dog’s body.
When using a hairdryer, it’s recommended to brush your dog’s coat at the same time. That’s how pros do it. This will not only speed up the drying process but also remove loose hair, small tangles and stretch the coat before styling. However, it can be a bit difficult especially if you work on your own.
If your dog happily stands on his own, allowing you to use both hands, then the whole procedure is very easy and fast. Hold the hairdryer with one hand about 10” (20-25cm) away from the body and brush the coat away from the body with your other hand. Be gentle so you don’t scratch the skin but firm enough to brush and stretch the hair. Always brush in the area where the air is flowing. Once you finish one area move to another.
ATTENTION: Make sure the air is not too hot or too cold! Always be aware of the air temperature!
When you’re working on the head make sure you use your fingers to cover your dog’s eyes. To protect them from accidental scratching. If you find a matted area, turn the dryer off and brush and comb the knots. Once they brushed out, carrying on with drying. If you have a helper, he or she can help you by holding the dryer. Or holding and reassuring your dog.
Extra tip! 😁
If you want the coat to lie flat after drying, make sure you only dry in the direction of the hair growth.
I hope you’ve found these tips helpful! Happy drying!
Stay safe, Jitka xx