Plenty of dogs love the water, but nobody likes that damp dog smell! So, when your pooch has been splashing in puddles while out for a rainy walk or swimming at the beach, a good dog towel is a must-have.
When walking your dog, you definitely start to get a routine in place. Make sure you've got your walking bag and poop holders ready, jangle your doggy lead and get the show on the road. Now, with these top picks of towels, you'll also have a dog towel in your routine.
Whether you want to keep your car mud free with a super absorbent towel, you're looking for a soft snuggly towel to dry your dog off after a bath, or a wearable towel to get your dog warm and dry after a chilly and damp winter walk, there are lots of options available.
Here's our pick of the best dog towels on the market
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Best for absorbing moisture
The Scruffs Noodle Drying Towel is extremely absorbent, easily soaking up excess moisture, enabling your dog's coat to dry quickly after a wet and muddy walk. Microfibre chenille is used to produce the u2018noodlesu2019. The microfibre material is made from millions of textured, ultra-fine strands woven together to achieve a surface area that is much greater than the actual size of the dry towel. This vast surface area improves airflow, which means drying time is greatly reduced.
Best large towels
Coming in a pack of two, this option is excellent value for money. It also means even if one towel is in the wash, you have a spare ready to go. They aren't the biggest of towels but they are super absorbent, in fact, each towel can absorb eight times its own weight in water. It also dries quickly after use.
Best for all dog types
Suitable for all types of dogs, this is a great replacement for your normal towels. Made with help from professional dog groomers, this towel will be great for your pup's coat. It will prevent nasty tangles and get them dry in no time!
Best quick-drying towel
Highly absorbent microfibre cleans and dries your pet's coat. Reduces the risk of damage to the car and domestic interior furnishings. It absorbs more water and dries more quickly than regular towels. Comes in two sizes: 100 x 70cm or 150 x 100 - making it a great option for larger dogs. The small towel will be back in stock on September 7, 2021.
Best soft towel
The thick, fluffy microfibre fabric of the dog towel is very soft and gentle; it can soak up a lot of moisture thanks to its microfibres. It also dries particularly quickly, so it's ready to be used again for the next walk. Even mud seems to disappear on this towel, so it can be used multiple times before washing.
Best for softness
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Harbour Hounds super snuggly beach dog drying robe is nautically styled and a must for any water-loving pooch. This practical, stylish drying robe, made from the softest 100 per cent cotton quickly wicks away moisture, trapping air and body heat.
Best towel drying coat
Absorb moisture quickly and effectively after your dog has been bathing, swimming or walking on rainy days. The warm and soft material means your dog basically dries itself! Having a wearable towel is also suggested if your dog tends to get stiff joints. The tape fastening means it can be put on and taken off quickly, and the waist and neck can be adjusted to fit your dog. Machine washable and also safe to tumble dry, the towel is reusable with no damp dog odours. The manufacturers recommend opting for the larger size if your dog is between sizes. Sizes range from Small to Extra extra large.
Best for car protection
Not only can these dog bags be used to dry off your dog after a walk, but they can also be used to protect your furniture or car from mud, water, dirt and fur or simply to keep your dog warm in the colder winter months. Made from 100 per cent cotton, these thick and absorbent cotton towels quickly dry off your dog after they have been exploring the great outdoors.
Can I use my towel for my dog?
You can, but by using a towel designed specifically for dogs, you'll be able to dry your dog quicker and more comfortably as the smoother fabric won't get caught up in your dog's fur. A dog towel will work better and last longer making it the best choice for your pup.
How to dry off your dog
After being out in the rain, splashing in the sea, or bathing, you'll want to dry your dog to keep them from getting cold and staying wet for longer.
Exposed to being cold and wet for a long period of time, your dog could catch pneumonia which is more likely for older and younger dogs with a compromised immune system.
This video from Top Dog Tips shows you how to efficiently dry your dog after bathing. It might seem like common sense but it's a great way to make sure you're drying your pooch in the quickest, and easiest, way.
Should you wash dog towels separately?
You should wash your dog towels separately from people's clothes, using a pet-safe laundry detergent. Check the label on the towel to make sure it's machine washable, and to see if it has any specific care instructions.
Remove as much hair as possible before adding to your machine and wash on the highest recommended temperature setting to oust wet dog smells and dirt.
Arm & Hammer also recommend doing an extra rinse cycle after the run has finished ensuring that all detergent rinses from the fabric.