The bath is done in ten minutes. Then comes the drying: one towel, then a second, a dog shaking water across the bathroom, and a damp coat that still smells like wet dog that evening. Drying is usually the hardest part of bath day, but it doesn't have to be.
In this article
Why drying matters · Six tips for a calmer dry · A better towel · Staying safe
The problem
Why an ordinary towel isn't enough
01
The undercoat stays wet
A thin bath towel dries the top layer. In thick or double coats, the fur close to the skin can stay damp for hours.
02
Damp fur smells
That “wet dog” smell comes back when the coat dries slowly, and it ends up on your sofa too.
03
Cold days are harder
In autumn and winter a wet dog gets chilly fast, especially small and short-haired breeds.
04
Hair dryers are awkward
One hand holds the dryer, the other holds a wriggling dog, and the noise in their face doesn't help.
What helps
Six tips for a calmer dry
Let them shake first. One good shake in the tub removes a surprising amount of water. Hold a towel over their back so it doesn't end up on the walls.
Press, don't rub. Squeeze the towel into the coat instead of rubbing hard. It absorbs more water and doesn't create tangles.
Use low heat, never hot. If you use a hair dryer, keep it on the low or warm setting and check the air on your own hand first.
Keep the air away from the face. Most dogs tolerate warm air on the body far better than on their eyes, ears and nose.
Make it rewarding. Short sessions, lots of praise and a treat at the end. A lick mat with something tasty keeps them busy.
Brush when they're dry. A quick brush at the end lifts the coat and shows you any damp spots you missed.
The key idea
Most dogs don't hate being dried. They hate being held still while a heavy towel drips on them. A towel that soaks up more, with both your hands on them, changes the whole experience.
The setup
A towel made for wet dogs
Let them shake first, then press the towel into the coat from the back to the paws. Wring it out once and go over them again.
First week
Getting them used to it
Day 1
Let them sniff the towel, dry, with a few treats on top.
Days 2–3
Rub their back gently with the towel after a walk, so it means cuddles, not bath time.
Bath day
Shake, towel, treat. Finish with a low, warm dryer only if they're relaxed.
Staying safe
• Low or warm setting only, never hot.
• Keep dryer air away from the face, eyes and ears.
• Small and short-haired dogs get cold fast: dry them first, play later.
• Flat-faced breeds, seniors, or pets with breathing or heart problems: ask your vet first.