Chelsea Ross
It is perfectly normal to bath your dog at timely intervals. That’s just basic hygiene. If you want to prevent bacterial and fungal problems for your dog, you should bath him regularly. It’s not hard at all to bath your dog; follow the same process you use in bathing yourself.
Usually, after you bathe your pup, he comes out wet. He’d definitely love to run around the house, getting everywhere wet. Although this is a cute routine, it’s hard to clean up after your dog. You must have thought of blow-drying your dog after a bath, but the big question is, is it safe?
Blow-drying your dog after a bath is perfectly safe, as long as you do it correctly. Doing this is as important as bathing the pet itself. It helps prevent hot spots, a condition also known as moist dermatitis.
Blow-drying your dog helps to improve his appearance and keep his coat well-groomed and shiny. However, while blow-drying, the safety and comfort of your pup must be considered, so you have to take specific precautions.
The Benefits of Blow-Drying Your Dog
Blow-drying your pet will help prevent acute moist dermatitis (a skin condition characterized by localized, damp, erythematous areas), also known as hot spots, as well as matting.
It is important to blow-dry your pet if you live in a humid place or if it’s the summertime because matting occurs more often in humid environs. In the cold winter months, blow-drying your dog can help to keep him warm and comfortable.
How Do I Blow-Dry My Dog?
Once your dog comes out of the bath, towel-dry him first to get the moisture off. Avoid vigorous drying because it only mats and tangles your dog’s fur. Instead, try the squeegee method, pressing the towel over his coat and squeezing one section of his coat at a time.
If it’s your dog’s first time, introduce the blow-dryer slowly. Use a warm setting, not cold or hot. Also, do not begin with the highest airflow speed that your dryer allows. You can always switch between warm and cold to prevent your dog from getting too warm or too cold.
Use your hand to brush through your dog’s coat as you blow-dry him. It helps speed up the process. Also, keep the dryer at least 5-6 inches away from his coat; don’t hold it in one area at a time. Instead, keep it moving so you won’t hurt your pup. Look out for skin problems and don’t blow-dry near his eyes because that can irritate them.
Human Hair Dryers VS. Dog Hair Dryers
A human hairdryer is perfectly fine for a dog with a short coat as long as you use it safely. But if it’s a dog with a longer, thicker, or double coat, then you’ll have to purchase a dog hair dryer.
Instead of using heat, dog blow-dryers shoot air out at high speeds and rids the coat of water quickly. The higher the airflow, the faster the coat will dry. After a session with one of these blow-dryers, your dog will be slightly damp without losing much hair during the process. It prevents excessive shredding excessively later.
Dog Bath Time Tips
Make sure your pet has a great bath before blow-drying. You can bathe your dog about once a month unless they seem smelly or dirty. Be sure to avoid over-bathing; it causes dry skin, which can be very uncomfortable. Only use dog shampoo, they are safe for pups, and you don’t have to worry about side effects.
Since humans and dogs have different pH levels in their skin, regular use of human shampoo will irritate your dog’s skin. When bathing him, look for sensitive areas on his skin and then avoid blow-drying them. Ensure the whole process if friendly and enjoyable, you don’t want to cause him any discomfort.
Summary
A healthier coat comes as a result of blow-drying your dog. Take safety precautions when blow-drying, and purchase the special dog blow dryer if your dog has a thick, long, or double coat.
NB: If the blow-drying causes any skin irritation for your dog, ask your veterinarian what to do.