Dog Towel Guide: How to Dry Your Dog After a Bath

A good dog towel is one of the most useful things you can keep by the tub, especially in winter. Learning how to dry your dog after a bath, quickly and gently, keeps them warm, comfortable and much less likely to shake water all over the living room.

Thanksgiving is less than two weeks away, and many dogs get a bath before guests arrive. Cold air and a damp coat are not a great mix, so here is a simple drying routine, plus how to choose the right towel for your dog.

Why Drying Matters More in Winter

A wet coat pulls heat away from the body. Small dogs, short-coated breeds, puppies and seniors feel the chill fastest, and indoor air can feel cool when they are damp.

Moisture left close to the skin can also lead to tangles, mats and irritation, especially in thick or curly coats. Drying all the way down to the skin is the goal, not just a dry-looking top layer.

How to Dry Your Dog After a Bath, Step by Step

Squeeze first. While your dog is still in the tub, gently squeeze water from the legs, tail and ears with your hands.
Wrap right away. Lift your dog out and wrap them in a towel before they have a chance to shake.
Press, do not rub. Press and blot the towel into the coat. Hard rubbing can tangle fur and cause mats.
Head and ears. Dry the face and the outside of the ears gently. A hooded towel helps keep the head warm while you work.
Paws last. Dry between the toes and paw pads so your dog does not slip on the floor.
Use a second towel. Once the first towel is soaked, switch to a dry one to finish.

Choosing a Dog Towel: Microfiber, Bamboo or a Bathrobe

Microfiber soaks up water faster than standard cotton, which means less time shivering. The Hooded Microfiber Dog & Cat Dry Towel in Lavender is made of high-density microfiber, with a hood that covers the head and ears. It is sized for small to medium dogs and cats.

If your dog has sensitive skin, the Bamboo Bath Towel (Home Is) is a soft bamboo and cotton blend in an unbleached natural beige. It comes in Medium (20 x 39 inches) and Large (24 x 47 inches), and it is washer and dryer safe.

For wiggly dogs who will not stay wrapped, a robe can be easier. The Quick Dry Service Bathrobe is premium microfiber with an adjustable velcro closure, so it stays on while your dog dries and you tidy the bathroom.

Wash microfiber towels in cold water and skip fabric softener, which reduces absorbency. Keep one dog towel just for baths and another by the door for wet walks.

Hair Dryer Safety and Staying Warm

Many dogs are fine air-drying indoors after a good towel dry. If you use a dryer, choose the lowest heat or a cool setting, keep it moving, and keep the airflow away from the face and ears. Hot air can burn the skin, so never leave a dryer pointed at your dog.

Let your dog rest in a warm, draft-free spot until they are fully dry, and wait to go outside in cold weather until their coat is dry to the skin.

Once the coat is dry, a gentle brush helps lift loose hair and check the skin. The Gentle Silicone Dog & Cat Soft Brush has 172 soft silicone bristles and works well on short, coarse, curly and double coats.

When to Call the Vet

Winter air is dry, and some dogs get flaky or itchy skin. Call your vet if you notice redness, sores, hot spots, a strong smell from the skin or ears, frequent head shaking, or scratching that does not settle after a few days.

Also call if your dog keeps shivering after they are warm and dry, or seems weak or unusually tired. Your vet can also advise how often to bathe your dog and which shampoo suits their skin.

You can find all of our towels and robes in the Bath collection.