Can You Blow Dry A Dog?

Can you blow dry a dog? Everyone that has a dog knows how important proper coat care is. Specifically, you must put enough time and effort into your dog’s fur to keep your dog healthy and satisfied. However, this immediately does raise some questions, For example, is using a blow dryer a suitable option? Keep reading to find out the answer!

Can You Use A Blow Dryer On A Dog?

Well, the short answer is a resounding yes, you could use a blow dryer to dry your dog fur, but there are definitely some things to take into account. That is, while it’s technically possible to use a blow dryer to dry your dog’s fur, you can’t just use it like you would with human hair. Namely, if you would do that, you risk doing damage to your dog’s fur and skin.

How To Blow Dry A Dog?

If you decide to use a blow dryer on your dog, you should know the proper way to do it. Otherwise, the whole process won’t be very pleasant, for both you and your dog.

Dog being blow dried

The Do’s

1.Use A Blow-Dryer For Dogs

First and foremost, if you have the chance, make sure to use a blow dryer, specifically designed for dogs. You can also use a blow dryer for humans, but if you do, you need to know that this isn’t exactly ideal, for multiple reasons.

For example, it’s clear that regular blow dryers are meant to dry human hair and human hair is fundamentally different from a dog’s coat. Consequently, when you use such a blow dryer on your dog’s fur, you’ll find that it will take a relatively long time and even then, it won’t be done in the most optimal way.

Specifically, a regular blow dryer isn’t designed to accommodate the consistency of a dog’s coat and this will show when you actually use it on your dog.

So, instead, consider purchasing a blow dryer meant for dogs and you’ll find that this will create a world of difference.

Golden retriver getting blow dried

2.Low Heat

Another thing to keep in the back of your mind is that you should use the lowest heat setting when you’re blow-drying your dog’s fur. Otherwise, you risk slightly burning your dog’s skin and that’s something to avoid at all costs, for sure. Another negative consequence of too much heat is that your dog’s fur will potentially start to break down, which again is less than ideal, to say the least.

Besides that, your dog will also just simply not like the sensation of a blow dryer’s heat. So, better be safe than sorry and just use the lowest heat setting to minimize damage to your dog’s skin and fur.

3.Brush In The Meantime

Moreover, while you’re blow-drying your dog’s coat, make sure to brush its fur in the meantime. Otherwise, chances are that your dog’s fur will start to mat.

The Don’ts

Dog getting a bad blow dried

1.Not Having Enough Distance

When you’re in the process of blow-drying your dog’s fur, make sure that you don’t keep the dryer too close to your dog’s skin and fur. Otherwise, you risk damaging your dog’s coat and skin. Additionally, try moving the blow-dryer around enough to avoid putting too much heat in the same place!

2.Blow-Drying For Too Long

Lastly, some dogs have a very delicate coat. If this sounds familiar when it comes to your dog, you should especially be careful that you don’t blow-dry your dog’s fur for too long. Otherwise, you risk damaging your dog’s coat!

Remember That Every Dog Is Different

It should be noted that every dog is unique and that also applies when it comes to blow-drying. Namely, while some dogs don’t really mind being blow-dried, others do.

Also, some dogs struggle with certain skin conditions. If this is the case, using a blow dryer especially isn’t the way to go. A blow dryer already has the potential to do damage to healthy skin in some circumstances, so, logically, it can really do damage to unhealthy skin.

So, you should always make sure that you know your dog before trying to blow dry its fur. If you notice that your dog doesn’t respond well to it, it’s best to look for other ways to dry its fur. Your dog will be grateful for it!Dog with a hairdryer under his paws

Alternatives

Speaking of alternatives, luckily there definitely are other ways to dry your dog’s coat, if blow-drying doesn’t really work for both of you.

1.Letting It Dry Naturally

To start with the most evident way to dry your dog’s fur after washing it, there’s the option of letting it dry naturally. However, please note that this is only a suitable option for dogs with a short coat and even then, it’s not always the best option.

Concretely, this method requires a lot of time, so you should bear this in mind. Moreover, when you let your dog run around with a wet coat of fur, this could potentially create a huge mess. Not to mention the smell that can come along with it.

Finally, this method could also cause your dog to develop skin infections through a build-up of yeast on your dog’s skin, so that’s also something to take into account.

2.Using A Towel

Furthermore, many people swear by using a towel to dry their dog’s coat. However, if you decide to go this route, make sure that you aren’t too rough in the process. Otherwise, your dog’s fur may start to break down, which is very impractical, to say the least.

However, if you do it right, this isn’t a bad technique to dry your dog’s fur. Just remember to dry in the direction of the coat growth and you should be good to go. You’ll even find that your dog’s natural body warmth will help you along the way!

dog with a towel on him

3.Using A Grooming Dryer

As mentioned above, the best option by far is to use a grooming dryer specifically designed to be used on dogs. A grooming dryer can give your dog’s fur the care it needs to be healthy and shiny, which is always something to strive for. Even more so, this is the kind of dryer that professional dog groomers use so you absolutely can’t go wrong with this appliance.

You could even ask your local dog groomer for advice if you’re looking to purchase such a blow dryer to make sure that you can provide the best quality for your dog!

Conclusion

All in all, can you blow dry a dog? if you keep the above-mentioned information in the back of your mind, you shouldn’t face too many problems. Lastly, if you’re still not sure, you could always consult a professional to gain some insight into the best tips and tricks!

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