Grooming and coat
How do I dry my dog after a bath?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Start with a highly absorbent towel to remove as much water as possible, then finish with a low heat dryer or brushing while air drying, depending on coat type. Double coated dogs dry better with a dedicated dog dryer on a cool or low setting, since air drying alone can trap moisture against the skin.
The towel stage matters more than people think
Pressing a microfiber or highly absorbent towel against the coat, rather than rubbing, removes a large portion of the water in the first two or three minutes and reduces how long any later drying step takes. Rubbing vigorously can actually cause tangling in longer or curly coats, so a gentle squeeze and press technique works better.
Choosing between air drying and a dryer
Short and smooth coated dogs generally air dry within twenty to thirty minutes in a warm room without issue. Double coated or curly coated dogs are more prone to trapping moisture close to the skin if left to air dry, which can lead to a musty smell or, in persistent cases, skin irritation, so a low heat dog dryer, brushing the coat as it dries, is the more reliable option.
Brushing while drying prevents mats
For curly or long coats especially, brushing sections of the coat while blow drying on a low setting keeps the hair separated as it dries, which is one of the most effective ways to prevent the coat from drying into mats. Skipping this step is a common reason a freshly bathed curly coat mats within days.
Key takeaways
- Press, do not rub, with an absorbent towel first to remove most of the water quickly.
- Double and curly coats benefit from a low heat dog dryer rather than air drying alone.
- Brushing sections of the coat while it dries prevents mats from setting in as the hair dries.