Wet Pooch? Tips and tricks on how to dry your dog
- Search trends for 'best dog shampoo for itchy skin' has increased by 400 percent
- Leaving your dog to air-dry can cause matting and bad odour – top tips on how to efficiently clean and dry your dog below
With wetter months ahead, we can expect lots of muddy and rainy walks with our pooch! Google Search Trends such as 'dry dog shampoo' have increased by 80%, while 'best dog shampoo for itchy skin' search trends also rose a whopping 400% in 20211!
For any pet owner looking for the best ways to dry their pooch effectively, dog-friendly holiday letting specialist, Canine Cottages, has collated five top tips on how to dry your dog effectively.
- Brush before washing
If your dog has got sticks and moss in their fur that simply won't come out, the best procedure is to brush them before washing. Comb through the fur with a good brush that will get a proper grasp on whatever's hiding in there. If your dog's fur is very wet, use your hands to brush through the fur, as using a brush on wet fur can cause discomfort and pain for your pooch.
- Get your hands dirty!
Washing a dog can be difficult as not all dogs like having a bath or a shower, but it is essential when it comes to having a clean and fresh dog! It's important to properly clean and rub your dog's paws as dirt might stick between the toes and cause infection, so make sure this is a key focus. Make sure you are using the right soap if your dog is sensitive to certain ingredients too.
- Avoid air drying
Letting your dog air-dry post-washing is perhaps the easiest solution, but it can cause the most problems. Leaving your dog's fur to dry on its own can increase the risk of matting, and leaves room for fungus and bacteria to grow, which results in strong odour! For short-coated dogs, drying on their own is usually not a problem, but long-coated dogs may struggle. Instead, try drying your dog the old-fashioned way with a towel, but use a soft cloth or sponge to dry their face.
- Your own blow dryer works, too!
For long hair, there's usually no harm using a blow dryer on your pooch, but make sure it's on the lowest settings and coolest air setting as full heat can irritate and hurt your pooch. Make sure to blow-dry in the direction of the fur to prevent discomfort. If your dog is frightened by the blow dryer and won't get used to it, it might be better to towel-dry instead! If ever unsure, consult a professional dog groomer to see if your blow dryer can be used.
- Use a Quick Drying Spray
For a quick solution, try using a quick drying spray. They are created to make water leave your dog's fur quicker, so are a fast solution. How many sprays are needed depends on your dog's fur. Just spray on damp fur, then proceed to towel or blow-dry your pooch. There are many brands out there, so make sure to find one that suits your dog and their coat best.
Commenting, Shannon Keary, Digital PR Manager at Canine Cottages says, "As we approach the winter months, it's time for pet owners to prepare for muddy and rainy walks with their pooches once more! Getting your dog clean and dry is not always easy, but it's important to properly clean them to hinder any matting and bacterial growth, and keep them super comfortable. Hopefully these tips will help pet owners understand how best to clean their pooch as we approach the rainier season!"
Even when they are soaking wet, our pooches continue to capture our hearts. Check out Canine Cottage's blog on The UK's Cutest Wet Dogs! For some of our favourite soggy pups.
