Winter walks in the UK often mean rain, mud, sleet, and damp air that clings to your dog’s coat long after you’re back home. If your dog stays wet too long, it’s not just muddy floors you have to worry about: chills, skin irritation, matting, and that familiar “wet dog” smell can quickly follow.
The key to drying your dog fast after winter walks is using the right tools and techniques immediately, ideally right by the door. When you combine absorbent materials with gentle handling and warmth, you can cut drying time dramatically while keeping your dog comfortable and calm.
Start with an Absorbent Towel (Not a Standard One)
The first few minutes matter most. Instead of a regular bath towel, reach for a microfibre or dual-loop cotton towel designed specifically for dogs. These towels can absorb up to five times their weight in water, meaning they pull moisture out of the coat instead of just pushing it around.
Work from head to tail, gently pressing and squeezing the fur down to the skin rather than rubbing vigorously. Pay extra attention to areas that stay wet longest:
- Legs and paws
- Belly and chest
- Behind the ears and under the tail
This pressing motion prevents tangles and matting, which is especially important for long- or double-coated breeds.
Use Drying Coats and Mitts for Hands-Free Drying
Once the excess water is removed, a toweling drying coat is a game-changer. Slip it on straight away to continue wicking moisture while keeping your dog warm. This is particularly helpful if you’re heading back in the car or need to juggle leads, bags, or muddy boots.
For detailed areas, noodle drying mitts or gauntlets work brilliantly. They let you dry paws, ears, and underbellies quickly without soaking your hands. If your dog has a long coat, check the fur occasionally and smooth it out to avoid matting as it dries.
Short-coated dogs can also benefit from fleece drying coats, but thicker or curly coats usually do better with toweling fabrics that pull water away rather than trapping it.
Speed Things Up (Safely)
After towel and coat drying, encourage your dog to have a gentle shake ideally outside or on an easy-to-clean mat. This natural movement helps release trapped water from the coat.
For an extra speed boost, use a pet dryer on low heat or a fan set to cool, keeping it at a safe distance. Never blast hot air directly onto damp skin, especially in cold weather. A calm, draft-free room works best for final drying.
Some groomers use quick-dry sprays to reduce drying time further. If you do, brush lightly afterward to distribute natural oils and improve airflow through the coat.
Once your dog is fully dry, a quick brush helps prevent tangles and keeps the coat healthy. If needed, tidy up muddy edges or feathering once dry, trimming wet fur can lead to uneven results.
With the right routine, winter walks don’t have to mean soggy dogs and cold stress. A few well-chosen tools and a calm, efficient process can turn post-walk chaos into a quick, cosy reset for both you and your dog.