If your dog is wet from a shower or his own behavior, of course, the dog needs to be dried immediately. There are several ways this can be done, all depending on the environment, the time of day, and the dog's needs. If you have a timid dog or other serious behavior problem, consult your veterinarian or dog behaviorist before bathing or drying your dog.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Letting the Dog Dry in the Wind
Step 1. Let the dog dry naturally
This is the easiest and most fun way to dry a dog. After wetting themselves, most dogs' natural reaction is to rock vigorously from side to side to get rid of the water. After rocking for less than 4 seconds, your dog can release 70% of the water in his coat.
Step 2. Step back and allow the dog to remove the water from his coat
It's best to do this outdoors or in a wet room. Be prepared for the dog to wag its fur and splash you with water. Wear clothes that can be wetted.
Step 3. Let the dog dry in a comfortable place where it is neither too hot nor too cold
Most dogs like to dry themselves outdoors in the sun.
- If you let your dog dry outside, make sure you provide the dog with water and shade.
- Dogs prefer natural smells to artificial ones (such as the smell of shampoo) so sometimes a dog who has just bathed wants to roll over in the dirt or mud. Prevent it by keeping the dog away from mud, dirt, or other smelly/rotten objects. Use an outdoor fenced deck or patio, or simply dry the dog indoors in a comfortable space.
- If you dry your dog indoors, it may roll over on the carpet. This is a natural reaction. Just let the dog enjoy it, or enter a room without a rug if you don't want your rug to be damaged.
Method 2 of 4: Drying the Dog with Chamois
Step 1. Use chamois skin
Chamois leather is a fabric made from chamois leather (a type of antelope in Europe) traditionally. Currently, chamois leather is also made from sheep or goat skin, or even synthetic materials. Chamois leather is perfect for quick drying dogs because it is very absorbent and soft.
- You can buy this leather directly from the manufacturer on the internet or at an automotive supply store. Many people use this leather to dry the car.
- The natural oils in the chamois skin will give the dog a shiny coat.
Step 2. Rub chamois on the dog's fur
If your dog has long hair, gently press the excess water against the dog's coat before starting to scrub. You can rub vigorously and quickly, but not too hard.
Step 3. Squeeze the chamois skin
Squeeze the water out of the chamois skin regularly before re-draining the water from the dog's coat. After squeezing, chamois skin will immediately feel dry and can absorb water again.
Step 4. Do it gently
Rub the dog gently, especially on the chest, ears, neck, and legs.
Method 3 of 4: Drying the Dog with a Towel
Step 1. Dry the dog with a towel
Drying a dog with a towel is a bit more complicated than with a chamois because the towel becomes heavy and damp when it gets wet with water. However, this method works well, and you will most likely already have your own towels.
Step 2. Get some towels
Replace any towels that are too wet. The bigger the dog, the more towels it will need.
Step 3. Brush the dog's fur
Place a soft, absorbent towel on the dog's back and gently rub the dog's fur to absorb the water from there. You can rub vigorously and quickly, but not too hard.
Step 4. Change towels
If the towel is too wet to absorb water from the dog's fur, replace it with a new, dry towel.
Step 5. Dry all parts of the dog's body
Once the dog's back is drained, move to the belly, chest, and finally the four legs.
Step 6. Do it gently
Gently rub the dog especially on the chest, neck, ears, and four legs.
Method 4 of 4: Drying the Dog with a Hairdryer
Step 1. Use a blow dryer
This method works best with dogs with long, thick coats, such as the Siberian Husky, which has double coats, so the other methods will take a very long time. Hairdryers should only be used on dogs that are not afraid of this appliance.
Step 2. Familiarize the dog with a hairdryer
Before using the hairdryer on your dog, simply turn on the hairdryer while the dog is in the room. Then, gradually approach the dog until the dog is comfortable with the sound of the hairdryer and is willing to be blown by it. It may take a few days for your dog to get used to the sound of a hair dryer.
Step 3. Blow air into the dog's fur
Use a hairdryer on the lowest heat and speed setting. Never hold the hair dryer directly or very close to a dog's skin. Leave a distance of about 25 cm.
Step 4. Keep the hairdryer running
Move the hair dryer quickly around the entire surface of the dog's coat. Do not hold the dryer at one point for more than a few seconds to avoid burning the dog's skin.
Step 5. Praise your dog
You can also give your dog a treat to associate drying the hair with a positive experience.
Step 6. Know your dog's limits
If your dog is timid, stop using the hairdryer and use other methods. You should associate drying your hair with a positive experience.
Tips
- Brush your dog's hair during and after using the methods above to help with the drying process.
- If your dog has long hair, we recommend buying a dryer made especially for dogs. This dryer blows only room temperature air.
- Praise the dog during the drying process, regardless of the method. Compliments will make your dog love drying out.
Warning
- When you're about to dry your dog, your dog may think you're taking him out to play. Therefore, be prepared to find your dog rolling around or acting silly.
- Never force a timid dog to do anything. Dogs can be traumatized and may injure you. For example, a dog may bite you to get away from a towel or hairdryer. Don't go beyond your dog's comfort zone.
