How to dry your dog properly after a bath

Most people focus on the bath and rush the drying. But in humid Indian weather, drying is where good baths succeed or fail. A coat that stays damp near the skin smells musty and can lead to itching and hot spots.

Step 1: Let them shake

Before you reach for the towel, let your dog shake in the tub. One good shake removes a surprising amount of water. Hold a towel up like a curtain to protect your bathroom walls.

Step 2: Squeeze, don't scrub

Run your hands down the legs, tail and ears to squeeze out water. Then use a thick, absorbent towel and press it into the coat. Rubbing hard tangles long fur and can irritate the skin. Microfibre towels hold much more water than ordinary cotton ones.

Pay attention to the spots that stay wet longest:

• Under the ears and the ear flaps
• Armpits and the groin
• Between the toes and paw pads
• Skin folds, on breeds like Pugs and Bulldogs
• The base of the tail

Step 3: Choose how to finish

Air drying

Fine for short-coated dogs on warm, dry days. Keep them in a warm room, away from fans and AC blowing directly on them, until fully dry. Don't let them out to roll in the garden while damp.

Hair dryer

Useful for thick and double coats, and during the monsoon. Rules for a safe blow-dry:

• Use the coolest, lowest setting. Human dryers can get hot enough to burn.
• Keep it moving and at least 30 cm away from the skin.
• Never point it at the face, eyes or ears.
• Introduce it slowly over several days with treats if your dog is nervous.

Grooming dryer

Professional pet dryers blow strong, unheated air. They're great for heavy coats, but loud, so introduce them gradually.

Step 4: Brush while drying

For medium and long coats, brush in sections while you dry. It speeds up drying and stops tangles from setting.

Step 5: The finishing touches

Once the coat is completely dry:

• Check between the paw pads and dry them with a cloth.
• A light spritz of Long-Lasting Pet Perfume on the back (not the face) adds a fresh finish.
• At bedtime, rub a little Cracked Paw Repair Balm into dry pads.

Drying in the monsoon

When it's humid, coats can take hours to dry on their own. Bath in the morning so there's time, use a fan in the room (not pointed at your dog) for airflow, and use a cool dryer for thick coats. Read our full monsoon grooming guide.

When damp smell won't go away

If your dog smells musty even when dry, check the ears and skin folds. A persistent smell, redness or discharge can be a sign of an infection, so see your vet.