Why Proper Drying Matters After Your Dog’s Bath
Bathing a dog is a necessary process that keeps the animal's skin and coat healthy. It removes dirt, shed hair, and odors from the body of your pet. However, it is wrong to consider dog bathing finished when you stop washing your doggy. Besides, drying a pet properly is no less crucial than bathing for the dog's skin health and long hair.
The most common option for owners of pets is to leave their dogs dry after they shake off the extra water on their own. Though it seems quite simple, moisture in the coat causes multiple problems. The hair becomes entangled, and the skin feels unpleasant because of dampness. There may even appear some irritations because of moisture in the fur.
Thus, the Bath & Dry procedure will provide comfort for your doggy and prepare it for new activities of the day. Moreover, this procedure will facilitate the process of grooming for you.
Why Is Drying Your Dog Properly So Important?
Drying is not only the final stage in the grooming process but also serves to get rid of the excess water in the coat, to keep the skin comfortable and reduce the risks associated with having wet skin.
It is important to note that there is plenty of water in the coat of a dog particularly in the chest, abdominal, legs, ears, and tail region. The outer fur may appear to be dry when the inner part is still wet.
This period will ensure that your dog remains comfortable after the bath.
1. Helps Keep Your Dog’s Skin Healthy
Reduces the Risk of Skin Irritation
The moisture retained near the skin can create an atmosphere for the growth of yeast and bacteria, which in turn causes skin irritation, especially in dogs that have skin folds or allergies.
The moist skin folds and also other areas like the legs, neck, and places where skin folds meet, must be dried well, since they rarely have enough air circulation for them to dry naturally.
With the use of the Bath & Dry technique, you will be able to get rid of any extra moisture in these regions by patting the gentle towel against the dog’s coat instead of scrubbing it.
In case your dog shows any signs of redness, irritation, bad smell or discomfort during the bath, then it is recommended that you see a veterinarian. Although proper drying will help to maintain the coat, it can’t treat a skin problem.
Keeps Your Dog Comfortable
Wet fur feels cold and heavy especially in cases of small dogs, puppies, old dogs, and those with short fur. If a dog remains wet for a while, they may end up shivering or searching for warmth. They can also rub themselves against furniture or other materials to get rid of moisture.
By drying your dog gently, you are making sure that he/she becomes warm and comfortable. This is because the dog will not be forced to roll on the ground or carpet to dry.
2. Prevents Knots and Tangled Fur
Reason for Special Care of Wet Fur
Some breeds like the ones with long and curly hair require special care after being bathed. This is because their hair is likely to tangle easily since it will dry in knots and without the right combing.
If the hair is already in knots, then it will become even harder because of the added water and movement.
This is why brushing and drying should complement each other. Loose tangles should be gently removed before bathing when necessary, followed by drying the dog's coat in sections while brushing it.
Make Grooming Easier in the Future
A clean and completely dry coat is usually easier to brush. This will also allow you to detect the tangles before they get out of hand.
Professional dog groomers may help you choose the proper way to dry and brush your dog’s coat.
3. Helps With Controlling Unpleasant Odors
A dog can smell fresh right after bathing but become smelly due to the presence of moisture in its coat. This usually occurs because there is moisture trapped in the fur or in inaccessible spots.
Being moist alone does not always lead to an unpleasant smell. Nevertheless, continued dampness, skin oil, and some types of microorganisms can be responsible for the smell.
Dry your dog to help get rid of any excessive water from the coat, and the coat will not be wet anymore.
In case there is a strong smell remaining even after you have bathed and dried your dog, don't repeat the bathing process. A persistent smell can be a sign of an underlying disease that requires medical treatment.
4. Contributes to a Neat Coat
When you dry your dog correctly, it will help to make the appearance of the coat better. Drying the coat will allow you to get rid of all dead hair and fluff, and the coat will be straightened out.
It is necessary to consider the particular breed and coat when choosing the method and the tool for drying. In case the dog has short hair, it will require just some time of drying and a towel. Dogs with dense or curly hair will need more time and effort to dry them.
Professional Bath & Dry services can be considered helpful in case it takes much time to dry your dog at home. The professional groomer will choose the proper methods and tools for drying.
This should not be the only reason why you want the coat to be fluffy. The main objective here is to make sure that your dog feels fresh, dry, and comfortable.
5. Helps You Notice Skin and Fur Changes
During the drying process, you will have enough time to examine your dog. When using the towel or the brush to dry your pet's fur, you may be able to notice certain changes.
You may find some unusual lumps, ticks, areas with red spots, hair loss or even tangles that may have formed in the coat very close to the skin. Such signs can help you figure out whether your pet needs veterinary treatment.
Moreover, you should consider the behavior of your pet while undergoing this procedure. In case the dog is reacting badly when you touch a certain area, then it should be looked into more. Do not force brush and do not cut tangles with scissors.
6. How to Dry Your Dog after Bathing Effectively
A simple way of drying your pet will do fine in this case as the main thing is to absorb the water properly and apply the appropriate technique depending on your dog's coat type.
Step 1: Let Your Dog Shake Excess Water off Itself
Your dog will naturally do this after you rinse the water from its coat. Prepare yourself a towel so that you can protect the surrounding area.
Step 2: Absorb Water by Using an Absorbent Towel
Simply put a soft towel against your dog's coat to absorb water. Make sure not to rub roughly especially near its face, ears, and tender areas. In case of long-haired breeds, do this procedure section by section.
Step 3: Ensure Hidden Places Are Dried
Dry the underside of the tummy, legs, paws, chest, and underneath the tail thoroughly. If your pet has skin folds, be sure to dry them without pulling on or rubbing the skin.
Step 4: Using a Dryer When Appropriate
Don’t use very hot temperatures close to the body of your pet. In case your pet shows signs of fear, discomfort, or excessive heat, discontinue the drying process.
Step 5: Ensure the Coat Is Dry When Completing the Process
Touch your pet’s coat close to the skin. In case it is still wet, continue drying the coat gently. Brush the coat where possible and make sure that your dog is relaxed before finishing up.
7. Towel Drying, Air Drying, and Blow Drying
The selection of the right type of drying varies from dog to dog based on coat length, coat thickness, climate, and your dog’s comfort level.
Drying using towels combined with air or pet dryers is quite sufficient for most dogs. While some short-coated dogs can just do with air drying, depending on temperature, this does not apply to all coats.
8. Common Mistakes People Make When Drying Their Dogs
Despite owners' best intentions, there are some common mistakes that could reduce the efficiency and safety of the drying process.
Too Much Rubbing
Roughly rubbing the dog coat could lead to tangles and irritation of sensitive skin areas. Press a towel to your dog's coat.
Excess Heat
The hair dryer designed for humans may get too hot, especially when used at close proximity to a dog. It would be better to use a pet hair dryer.
Failure to Wipe Thick or Covered Parts
The outer part of the coat may appear to be dry, but underneath, the skin may not be dry.
Putting Your Dog on Cold Places When They Are Wet
Your dog may be uncomfortable with being wet in cold surroundings. Always make sure that your dog is in a comfortable location till their coat dries.
Neglecting Symptoms of Skin Issues
Chronic itching, redness, sores, or bad odor are not the usual aftermaths of your pet’s bath. You should call the vet if you notice these issues.
9. When Should You Opt for Professional Bath and Dry Services?
There are instances when you have to take your pet to the professional groomer. It happens if your dog has a thick coat, long hair, shedding, or behavioral issues.
Professional groomers have knowledge of dealing with various coat types and will use proper equipment to dry off any excess water from the coat, brushing, and drying difficult spots.
Professional dog grooming services can also be recommended to people who find it hard to groom their dogs due to their size or lack of suitable equipment.
It is important to make the dog groomer aware of any sensitivity issues your dog may have, or fears of hairdryers. It is important that the grooming regime suits the comfort of your pet and not vice versa.
Conclusion
Drying is an essential aspect of maintaining cleanliness, comfort, and proper grooming of your dog. This process will assist you in controlling the moisture content, reducing tangles, creating neat coats, and inspecting the skin of your dog. The right method will depend on various factors such as the type of coat that your dog has.
Incorporating drying into your bathing routine will make all the subsequent dog grooming procedures smoother and even more comfortable for you and your dog. When your dog requires additional attention or you have difficulties with drying his/her coat at home, professional dog grooming services can become the solution for you.
Give Your Dog the Care They Deserve
Make each bathing procedure productive by using drying and grooming properly. In case of additional care required, select the professional Bath & Dry service to keep your dog neat, healthy, and attractive. Visit Woof Society to get acquainted with their dog grooming services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it necessary to dry my dog after every bath?
Yes. Drying of the fur will help your dog feel comfortable and avoid moisture from getting stuck next to the skin. The required level of drying depends on your dog’s coat type and the conditions in which it is.
Should I let my dog dry out by air?
Yes, sometimes, it is possible to let short-haired dogs air dry in a proper place. If we talk about thick and long-haired breeds, then you will need some help because the water will remain in the fur close to the skin. It is necessary to check the dog's coat thoroughly.
How long does it take to dry the dog after bathing?
There is no exact drying time. A short-haired dog dries quickly, but a dog with a dense double coat or long hair dries longer.
What risks are there for developing skin disease with a wet coat?
The presence of moisture in the dog's coat or folds of skin can irritate the skin and create conditions for bacterial or fungal infections. Not all dogs with a wet coat get sick. Only those who had problems with their skin should visit a veterinarian.
Can I use a human hair dryer on my dog?
Using a human hair dryer may be unsafe as the temperature may be too high and it can burn the skin of your dog. A dryer made specifically for pets would be more suitable. In case you are going to use a human hair dryer, set it to a low temperature setting and keep moving it.
What should I do? Brush the coat before drying or after?
The best way would be to brush the dog’s coat before bathing, thereby removing any dead hair and tangles. After bathing, the dog’s coat should be dried and brushed depending on the breed. Avoid brushing any knots that may be formed and seek professional help if necessary.
What can I do if my dog smells bad after his bath?
First check to see whether the coat is dry. If the smell still persists or is coming from his ears or skin, refrain from giving him multiple baths to cover up the smell. The veterinarian should be able to rule out any skin or ear problem.
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