How to dry your dog after swimming or a bath?
After a refreshing dip in the pond or a cooling bath, your dog comes home dripping wet. Thoroughly drying is more important than many people think: a wet coat that stays damp for too long can lead to skin irritation, fungi, and that typical wet dog smell. Here's how to do it quickly and safely.
đź“Ś In brief
- Always dry your dog thoroughly — a damp coat causes skin problems and odors.
- Start by dabbing with a towel, then continue working down to the skin.
- A grooming dryer or suction set dries faster and deeper than a towel alone.
- Never use a regular hairdryer on high heat — it's too hot for the skin.
- Pay extra attention to the ears, armpits, groin, and between the toes: moisture lingers there the longest.
By the SmartPaw editorial team · Published on July 22, 2026 · Last updated on July 22, 2026 · Facts checked with veterinary and official sources.
Why is thorough drying so important?
A coat that stays damp for too long is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. Especially in dogs with a dense or double coat, the underlayer stays wet for a long time, which can lead to redness, itching, and a musty smell. Thorough drying down to the skin prevents these problems.
What do you need to dry your dog?
For a short, smooth coat, an absorbent towel is often sufficient. But with a long or thick coat, dabbing alone won't reach the skin. In that case, a grooming dryer or a suction set with a drying function is much more effective: it blows the moisture out of the coat and immediately removes loose hairs.
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View product →Step by step: drying your dog
Follow this approach for a quick and stress-free result:
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1. Shake off | Let your dog shake off well first, outdoors or in the bathroom. |
| 2. Dab | Dab the coat with an absorbent towel, do not rub too hard. |
| 3. Dry | Use a grooming dryer on a lukewarm setting, from head to tail. |
| 4. Folds | Pay extra attention to drying ears, armpits, groin, and between the toes. |
| 5. Brush | Brush the dry coat afterwards to prevent tangles. |
⚠️ Never use a hot hairdryer
A regular hairdryer on a high temperature can burn your dog's sensitive skin and cause stress. Always choose a lukewarm setting and keep the device moving at a safe distance.
đź’ˇ Tip: Did your dog swim in a pond or canal? Rinse the coat with clean water first before drying. This removes algae, mud, and bacteria.
How to get your dog used to the dryer or suction set?
Many dogs are initially startled by the sound. Build it up gradually: let your dog sniff the device, reward with treats, and start with short sessions. Want to know more about grooming frequency? Read how often you should wash your dog. And if you're unsure whether your dog can swim safely, check out our guide can my dog swim in a pond or canal?
Frequently asked questions
Can I let my dog air dry?
For a short coat on a warm day, that might be fine, but for a dense coat, the underlayer stays wet for too long. Active drying prevents skin problems and odors.
Why does my dog smell like a wet dog?
That smell comes from bacteria and yeasts on a damp coat. Thorough and quick drying down to the skin significantly reduces the smell.
Can I use my own hairdryer?
Only on the lowest, lukewarm setting and at a distance. A special grooming dryer is safer, as it's designed for dogs' skin and coat.
How often can my dog swim in the summer?
Swimming regularly is fine, as long as you rinse and dry the coat thoroughly afterwards to prevent irritation.
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This blog is informative and does not replace veterinary advice. Sources: American Kennel Club (akc.org), PDSA (pdsa.org.uk).
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