How to Towel Dry Your Dog Correctly (You've Probably Been Doing It Wrong For Years)

When you own a dog, getting wet comes with the territory. Whether it’s rain, muddy puddles, an unexpected dip in a pond, or bath time after rolling in something questionable, drying them off is often part of the daily routine. 

But here’s the thing — how you dry your dog matters far more than most people realise.  

Done incorrectly, it can lead to a range of skin issues, discomfort, and even long-term coat problems. 

To get a truly skin-first perspective, 'Bark and Beau' joined forces with Vanessa from 'Wag-Wagatha Christie' — a holistic dog behaviour grooming specialist who works closely with nervous and sensitive dogs. With a DAATA Level 1 certification in Dermatological Grooming, her approach focuses on protecting the skin barrier while keeping the grooming experience as calm and stress-free as possible. 

And when it comes to drying dogs properly, Vanessa explains that there are a few things many of us have been getting wrong for years. 

Bath time! Courtesy of Wag-Wagatha Christie and Rachel Spencer

Why Does Thorough Drying Matter? 

It’s easy to think drying is just about getting your dog comfortable quickly, but there’s more going on beneath the surface. 

According to Vanessa, “...from a DAATA (dermatology-first, skin-focused) perspective, drying isn’t about how quickly we can get the coat dry, it’s about protecting the skin barrier, which is where true coat health begins.”  

When moisture is left sitting on the skin, especially in hard-to-reach areas, it creates the perfect environment for irritation and imbalance. 

“Incomplete drying can contribute to matting, discomfort, and ongoing sensitivity, particularly in dogs already prone to skin issues. Having the right tools to remove moisture efficiently, while keeping the dog comfortable, makes a significant difference to both skin health and the overall grooming experience.” Vanessa at Wag-Wagatha Christie. 

Drying dogs properly after a walk is important for health

The Right Drying Technique 

Most dog owners have been there — rushing to dry their dog before the inevitable full-body shake sends water flying across the room. But in that rush, technique often goes out the window. 

A common mistake is vigorous rubbing with a towel, but as Vanessa knows, vigorous rubbing can irritate the skin and damage the coat. 

Instead, a gentler approach works far better. Use a squeeze and pat method to absorb moisture without creating friction. Not only is this kinder to the skin and coat, but it also helps keep your dog calmer during the process. 

Drying robes can be helpful, particularly for the torso, but they shouldn’t be relied on entirely. They often leave key areas damp — and those are exactly where problems tend to develop. 

Areas That Are Often Missed 

Some parts of a dog’s body are much harder to dry — and much easier to overlook. 

Working with many dogs over the years, Vanessa knows only too well which areas are dried incorrectly. “Paws and ears are the two areas most commonly left damp; usually because dogs are wriggly, sensitive, or guardians are understandably trying to get the whole process over with quickly.”  

The issue is that these areas create ideal conditions for skin problems. 

“The spaces between the toes, paw pads, and ear folds are warm, enclosed, and low-airflow areas, which means moisture lingers far longer than people realise. From a skin health point of view, that’s exactly what yeast and bacteria thrive on.” 

This can lead to: 

• Irritated or inflamed skin between the toes  

• Reddish staining  

• A distinct “corn chip” smell (a common sign of yeast)  

• Recurring ear issues, particularly in dogs with drop ears or hair in the ear canal  

Taking a few extra moments to properly dry these areas can prevent much bigger issues down the line. 

Drying delicate areas like face and ears thoroughly is important for skin health

Drying Based on Coat Type 

Not all dogs dry the same way — and using the wrong approach for your dog’s coat type can leave moisture trapped where you can’t see it. Vanessa regularly works with a variety of dogs of various coat lengths, and knows the differences in drying both. 

“Short-haired coats don’t hold water, so a thorough towel dry is often enough if it’s done properly” says Vanessa. However “...for long-haired / double-coated dogs, towel drying alone is rarely sufficient. The top coat may feel dry, but underneath, the dense undercoat can stay damp for hours.” 

For these dogs, a layered approach works best: 

• Start with a thorough towel dry  

• Follow with gentle, low-heat or cool-air drying  

• Allow for natural airflow (e.g. a warm room, sunny spot, or near a radiator)  

“From a skin health perspective, I avoid high heat wherever possible. Hot air can dry out and irritate the skin, especially in dogs already prone to sensitivity or dermatological issues” explains Vanessa. 

The Right Tools Make All the Difference 

Knowing how to dry your dog properly is one thing — but having the right tools is what makes it effortless, effective, and consistent. 

That’s exactly where ‘Bark and Beau’ are helping to link the drying process and skin health. 

Our quick-drying microfibre kit is thoughtfully designed to support a skin-first approach to drying. The ultra-absorbent fabric draws moisture away with ease, allowing you to avoid harsh rubbing and instead use the gentle squeeze-and-pat technique recommended by professionals. 

The addition of hand pockets gives you greater control and precision, even with the most restless dogs. It means you can confidently reach those often-overlooked areas — paws, ears, and under the belly — without the usual stress or struggle. 

Crafted from soft, skin-kind materials, the Bark and Beau Drying Kit is suitable for even the most delicate areas, helping to reduce the risk of irritation where moisture tends to linger most. 

Using the right towel is dry your dog is as important as the products used to wash them

Because Every Detail Matters 

It’s easy to focus on shampoos, conditioners, and bathing routines — but drying is just as important. 

As Vanessa explains, “...from a dermatological perspective, thorough drying is just as important as the products used during bathing. Many owners focus on the wash, but it’s the drying stage that often determines whether the skin remains healthy.” 

A calm, thorough approach to drying isn’t just about comfort in the moment — it’s a key part of maintaining long-term skin and coat health, especially for dogs who are sensitive or prone to issues. 

Taking a little extra care during the drying process doesn’t just keep your dog comfortable — it plays a crucial role in protecting their skin, coat, and overall wellbeing. 

It’s not simply about drying faster — it’s about doing it properly, with care and intention. 

Because when it comes to your dog’s skin and coat health, every detail matters. 

Explore the Bark and Beau collection and elevate your dog’s drying routine today.

Available in three dog-friendly colours, and priced at just £22.99 each with FREE UK Tracked delivery with every order.

Drying Darcy with our Bark and Beau Kit