Nobody likes that wet dog smell oozing either directly from a dog or the furniture, beddings, clothes, or parts of the house or car that they rubbed themselves on just after getting wet. Added to that is the fact that the unpleasant smell, according to American chemists, actually comes from secretion by microorganisms – like bacteria and yeast, that actually live on the dog. To prevent the smell, there are several ways to dry off the wetness or dampness on your dog, especially with a dog blow dryer and we would be exploring them in this piece.
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Is it safe to use a blow dryer for dogs?
From all indications and reports from pet owners all over the world, it seems perfectly safe to use blow dryers for and on your dog – as long as you know exactly what you are doing.
The first time you would probably use a blow dryer around your dog, it would most likely spook it a little, but if you introduce it gently to the pooch and possibly use it on yourself to prove to the pet that it is a safe tool to use, it will take to it in no time at all.
How to get your pup used to the dog blow dryer
There are a few ways to get your beloved dog used to a blow dryer, you can either do that right from when it is a puppy or in its adulthood.
If you have a puppy, you can begin to use your blow dryer around the dog even before its first bath time. While the dog is playing in the house, you can just put on the blow (or hair) dryer for a few minutes per time, then call your dog over and gently introduce them to the sound and the warm air that emanates from the device. As time goes on your dog will become more comfortable around the blow dryer and be less jumpy – when you put it on or off.
If you are introducing your adult dog to a blow dryer for the first time, the same “easing-in” template discussed above for the puppy also applies here. Gently introduce your dog to the sound of the blow dryer by turning it on and off and letting it run a few minutes or seconds, and when you do direct the jet of air at your dog, do it from a little distance at first, and as your dog becomes more accustomed to it, you can move the air stream closer to it.
In all, the target here is to get the canine accustomed to the sudden and loud sound that may come from the dog blow dryer. Additionally, when you have achieved the first goal, you may now start using the device on your dog but do it gradually and on low heat to avoid burning the coat. You can rub the coat while drying for faster results and to also shield the skin from direct heat.
Other ways to dry a dog’s coat
In case you are not comfortable using a dog blow dryer, there are quite a few more ways to dry your dog’s wet coat and we will explore them below:
Air Drying
This age-long method of drying your dog’s wet coat can still be used when you do not have a blow dryer around. After bathing your dog or maybe after a swim, simply allow your dog to shake off the water on its coat and run around in the open to dry it. This is their natural way of drying their coat when it’s wet. However, if your dog has a long, thick, or double coat, this method is not recommended for it at all, as it would take a very long time to dry; also, the wetness and dampness on your dog can make room for the infestation of parasites and skin conditions can thrive more.
Towel Drying
You can also use towels to dry your dog’s wet coat, but it has to be done the right way and with the right towel. The best towel to use is either thick bath towels or absorber towels – made specifically for dogs.
While using a towel on a pup, it is best to simply use the “dab or pat and squeeze” method – where you pat your dog’s wet coat with the towel, soaking up as much water as possible, then squeezing the water out to reuse the same towel or use a new one entirely. It is better not to rub the towel on your dog’s wet coat as it could lead to its fur tangling or clumping together – which can be uncomfortable for the dog. It’s even worse if it has a long coat as you would have a hard time untangling the hair.
Use Microfiber cloths or Chamois fibers
You can also use either a microfiber cloth or Chamois to get water out of your dog’s coat. Simply take precautions to make sure you are not vigorously rubbing these on the fur; just pat the coat to get as much water out as possible.
Use Quick Drying Spray
These are sprays specifically made to make water roll off your dog’s coat as much as possible, without the use of towels or dog blow dryers. The effectiveness of these sprays is not 100%, as many have reported experiencing little or no results from the sprays.
Read Also:Â Should I use Dog Sunglasses? 5 Reasons To Get Sunglasses for your Pooch
How long does it take to dry a wet dog?
There is no exact time specified for drying your dog’s coat, whether by means of a dog blow dryer, towel, or the natural air-drying method. Only approximations are available under the right weather conditions – preferably during the summer, autumn, and fall.
A dog’s coat that is dried with a blow dryer will probably be completely dry in 30 minutes; while a dog that is air-dried will take between 1 to 4 hours to have a completely dried coat. Nonetheless, it all depends on whether the dog has a short, long, double, or thick coat. The size of the pooch also matters, especially when you are using a dog blow dryer or towels.