With the cost of everything going up, it may make sense for you to save some money and groom your dog at home. Washing your dog may not be a problem, but drying your dog can be very time consuming, particularly if your dog has a double coat, and can take an hour or more to do. The right dog dryer can significantly cut down the time it takes to dry your dog after a bath. This post explores the best dog dryers for home use.
Can I Use A Human Dryer On My Dog?
Yes. You can use a human hair dryer on your dog, but you may not want to. A human hair dryer uses hot air to create an environment that causes the water in your hair to evaporate and thereby, drying it.
If your hair is anything like mine, it can take FOREVER to dry. So just imagine drying your dog’s hair with that same dryer. It will take a very long time if you have a large and / or hairy dog.
Human dryers can also get very HOT. This is not good for your dog and you risk burning them if you linger on a spot for too long.
To dry your dog, you may want to use a high velocity dog dryer.
What Is A High Velocity Dog Grooming Dryer?
A high velocity dog dryer works differently than a human hair dryer. It works by blowing air out of the dryer at high speeds. This in turn blows the water off of your dog’s coat, and therefore, drying it.
Some of these dog dryers also have a warming feature so the air is not too cold for your dog.
These dryers do not get hot, thus avoiding the risk of burning your dog when you are drying them.
This method can also dry your dog in less than half the time it would take you to dry your dog with a human hair dryer.
**Note: Your dog may be afraid of the dog dryer at first. Use the dryer without a nozzle to get your dog accustomed to it, as this creates less noise.
Also, use a low speed setting until your dog becomes comfortable with having the air blowing on them.
Another tip is to stand between your dog and the motor of the dryer to minimize their proximity to the dryer.
Lastly, putting cotton balls in your dog’s ears or using a happy hoodie can help decrease the amount of noise your dog is exposed to.***
What Are The Pros Of Using A High Velocity Dog Dryer?
Pros Of A High Velocity Dog Dryer
- Dries your dog in half the time of a human hair dryer.
- Does not get hot, so it will not burn your dog.
- It can blow out any debris in your dog’s coat.
- You are able to see your dog’s skin as you blow dry it, enabling you to check for any sores or discoloration.
- Using a high velocity dog dryer will make blowing out your dog’s undercoat during shedding season much easier.
- Different attachments can give your dog the perfect styling.
- You can achieve that “just back from the groomer’s “ look for your pup.
Cons Of Using A High Velocity Dog Dryer
- Cost. These dryers are more expensive than normal hair dryers.
- Noisy. Being that they use a burst of air through a motor, these can be quite loud. If your dog is afraid of loud noises, this may not be for you.
- Hose. The attachment for the hose is not the strongest. On many of these dog dryers the hose comes off while using it and it needs to be taped in order to use it.
- The length of the hose may not be long enough for your needs depending on where you will be drying your dog.
- It does not get hot. For some people, this may also be a negative attribute. If you will be grooming your dog outside in the colder weather, having a dog dryer with a warming feature may help, but it still won’t be as warm as you might want it to get for your dog.
- Messy. Using a high velocity dog dryer will blow your dog’s fur all over the place. Wear a mask and goggles to protect yourself from breathing in any fur or getting it into your mouth or eyes.
Things To Consider When Purchasing A Dog Dryer
Here are a few things to consider when looking to buy a dog dryer to use at home:
Cost
How much are you willing to spend? Some of these dryers can be expensive. Compare it to the amount of money you pay at the groomer and how many times you will be using it to see if it will justify the cost. Most dryers will pay for themselves in just a few uses.
Longevity
How long do you expect to be using the dryer? At home dryers don’t have a long life span. A year or two, according to users, seems to be the average. Are you willing to spend the money for something that may not last as long as you would like?
Cord Length
Know where you want to dry your dog and make sure the cord is long enough for you to get the job done.
Hose Length
Most hoses are expandable. Is it as long as you need to reach all areas of your dog?
Attachment Nozzles
What are you trying to accomplish when drying your dog? A particular style? De-shedding? Be sure the dryer you choose has the right attachment to get the job done.
- Cone: This is good for tightly curled coats or for double coats. This can cause matting in long haired dogs as the air will come out in a vortex, like a tornado.
- Wide Flat or Wide Spade: For long coats. Will help the coat lay flat.
- Flat or Spade. This is an all purpose nozzle designed to force out as much water as possible. It can be used to straighten your dog’s coat.
- Finger: Can be used on double coats to help de-shed by dispersing the air that is blown out of the dryer.
Noise Level
Is your dog afraid of loud noises? Would they be able to become slowly accustomed to the sound of the dog dryer?
Blower Strength
Will your dog be afraid of the air blowing on them? Will the strength of the air blower be enough to de-shed your dog? This can be measured in feet per minute (FPM), meters per second (m/s), or miles per hour (MPH).
Heat Setting
Will you be drying your dog outside in colder weather? Does your dog mind cool air blowing on them?
Size
Is the dog dryer easy to maneuver around your pup when drying them?
The Best Dog Dryers For Home Use
Here are some of the top rated dog dryers for use at home. All but one of these is a high velocity dog dryer. Each of these dries very well and is easy to use. Any additional pros or cons according to users will be listed. All product information is according to the manufacturer.
Best Dog Dryer Under $200
Flying Pig High Velocity Dog Pet Grooming Dryer
- Available in 3 colors: Purple, Pink, and Green.
- 10 ft. Flexible hose.
- 2 nozzles: Cone and Spade.
- 1 filter.
- Heat settings: None, Low, High.
- Temperature settings from 81-160 degrees F.
- 4.0 Hp.
- Air speed: 2800 FPM.
Pros:
- Quiet.
Cons:
- The hose may come off when you are using it. Taping may be necessary.
Shernbao High Velocity Professional Dog Pet Grooming Hair Dryer
- Available in 4 colors: Purple, Black, Green, and Pink.
- 2 temperature settings from 55-131 degrees F.
- Ergonomic handle.
- Flexible hose from 4 to 8 feet.
- 3 nozzles: Cone, Wide Spade and Spade.
- 5 Hp.
- Air Speed: 5000 – 64000 FPM.
Pros:
- Does not get too hot.
Cons:
- Does not get hot (Pro or a Con, depending on how you look at it).
- Too loud for some dogs.
- Hose comes off when using, so you may need to tape it.
Best Dog Dryer Under $150
Burano Dog Dryer
- Available in 3 colors: Black, Pink, and Purple.
- Ergonomic handle.
- 3 temperature settings.
- Variable speeds.
- 4 nozzles: Finger, Wide Spade, Cone, and Spade.
- 2.5 M (8 Ft.) cable.
- 4.0 Hp.
- Air Speed: 235 – 64200 FPM.
Pros:
- Lightweight.
Cons:
- Loud.
- Hose can get hot.
My Pet Command Dog Hair Force Dryer
- Expandable hose 3.5-7.7 feet.
- 3 nozzles: Wide Spade, Cone, and Spade.
- Temperature 86-158 degrees F.
- Adjustable air speed.
- 7.6 foot power cord.
- 4.5 Hp.
- Air Speed: 25 – 50 m/s.
Cons:
- Noisy.
- Does not get very hot.
Pet Control HQ Dog Blow Dryer
- 4 nozzles: Cone, Wide Spade, Spade, and Finger.
- Temperature 86-158 degrees F.
- Adjustable speed.
- Expandable hose to 27-83 inches (2.25 – 6.9 Ft.).
- 4.5 Hp.
- Air Speed 50 – 180 MPH.
Best Dog Dryers Under $125
Free Paws Pet Dryer
- Available in 2 colors: Black and Yellow.
- Variable temperature: 96-167 degrees F.
- 5 nozzles: Finger, Wide Spade, Spade, and Cone.
- Extendable hose 2.6-7.9 Ft.
- Variable air speed.
- Rubber feet.
- 4.0 Hp.
- Air Speed: 25 – 56 m/s.
Pros:
- Good noise level.
Lan Tun High Velocity Dog Grooming Dryer
- Available in 4 colors: Sky Blue, Blue, Green, and White.
- Ergonomic handle.
- 4 nozzles: Wide Spade, Spade, Cone, and Finger.
- Expandable hose 3-8 Ft.
- Temperature 85-158 degrees F.
- Variable speeds.
- 3.8 Hp.
Pros:
- Quiet.
Best Dog Dryers Under $100
PETNF Upgraded Dog Dryer
- Available in 2 colors: Blue and Black.
- Ergonomic handle.
- Temperature 85-140 degrees F.
- Anti-skid bottom.
- 4 nozzles: Finger, Spade, Cone, and Wide Spade.
- Flexible hose up to 73 inches (6 Ft.).
- Variable speeds.
- 3.2 Hp.
- Air Speed: 65 – 135 MPH.
Cons:
- Does not get hot.
- Loud.
Pet Life Dog Dryer
- Available in 2 colors: Green and Purple.
- Variable speed.
- 4 nozzles: Cone, Wide Spade, Spade, and Finger.
- Expandable hose to 3-8 feet.
- Foam filter.
- Temperature 85-158 degrees F.
- 4.0 Hp.
- Air Speed: 50 – 75 m/s.
Cons:
- Too loud for some pups.
Best Splurge Dog Dryer
This is the only dog dryer that is not a high-velocity dryer on our list. It is a hands-free dryer, allowing you to hold, brush, and dry your dog at the same time.
DUZ Premium Hands Free Dryer For Pets
- 360 degree adjustable drying tube.
- Has a free standing base and a wall mount.
- Variable fan speed.
- Temperature settings: no heat, low heat 113 degrees F., medium heat 140 degrees F., high heat 170 degrees F.
- Can be rotated 90 degrees.
- 30 minute auto shut off.
Pros:
- Quiet.
- You are able to hold and brush your dog at the same time while drying.
Cons:
- May take a long time for larger dogs.
- Arm is stiff and hard to move around.
- Does not have a variety of nozzles.
Best Budget Dog Dryers
Shelandy Stepless Variable Speed Pet Hair Force Dryer
- Available in 2 colors: Blue and Pink.
- 4 nozzles: Finger, Spade, Cone, and Wide Spade.
- Flexible hose expands to 73 inches (6 Ft.).
- Can blow cold or warm.
- 4 levels of noise reduction.
- 3.2 Hp.
- Air Speed: 65 – 135 MPH.
Pros:
- Does not get too hot.
Cons:
- Hose comes off when using and may need to be taped.
- The hose gets hot.
Chaolun Dog Dryer
- Available in 4 colors: Black, Blue, Pink, and White.
- Ergonomic handle.
- Elastic hose 29.9 – 90.6 inches (2.5 – 7.5 Ft.).
- 3 nozzles: Cone, Spade, Wide Spade.
- Temperature 95 – 131 degrees F.
- Power cord is 59 inches (4.9 Ft.).
- Removable filter.
- Adjustable speed.
- Anti slip bottom.
- 3.2 Hp.
- Air Speed: 20 – 70 m/s.
Pros:
- Fair noise level.
Cons:
- Does not blow warm air.
- Short cord.
Washing and drying your dog at home can be easy to do and take less time than you think. A dog dryer can cut your dog’s drying time in half compared to using a human hair dryer and even quicker than using towels.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.