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When your dog comes in sopping wet from a heavy downpour, getting them dry quickly isn't just about keeping your house clean—it's essential for their health. Wet fur loses its insulating properties, dramatically increasing the risk of hypothermia in cold weather, whilst prolonged dampness creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and yeast that cause hot spots and skin infections.
The UK gets an average of 1,163mm of rainfall annually spread across about 159 days, and recent decades have seen the country getting wetter, with 2011-2020 being 9% wetter than 1961-1990.[1] If you're in the western regions—including Wales, western England, or Scotland—you're dealing with even more rain thanks to Atlantic weather systems and orographic effects from hills and mountains.
This guide will show you practical, safe ways to dry your dog at home after heavy rain, what tools actually work for different coat types, and when professional help is worth considering. Whether you're in Folkestone, Dover, or anywhere across the UK, these strategies will help you keep your dog healthy and comfortable through the wettest months of the year.
Medical Disclaimer
This article provides general educational information only. It is not veterinary advice. If your dog shows signs of hypothermia, hot spots, skin infections, or any other health concerns, contact your vet immediately. Always consult a qualified veterinary professional before making decisions about your dog's health, grooming, or treatment needs.
Your dog's skin has a natural barrier that keeps moisture in and harmful bacteria out. This barrier is made up of skin cells held together by a lipid-rich matrix containing ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids.[2] When your dog's coat stays wet for extended periods, this barrier breaks down.
Extended wetness actively disrupts the skin's natural lipid structure, making it "leaky" and vulnerable to bacterial and yeast infections. The stratum corneum—the outermost protective layer of your dog's skin—relies on these lipids to function correctly. When they break down from prolonged moisture exposure, allergens and pathogens can penetrate deeper into the skin, triggering inflammation and itching.
This is why your dog might develop that distinctive "wet dog smell" after walks in heavy rain. The smell isn't just unpleasant—it's a warning sign that bacteria and yeast are multiplying in damp fur.
Hot spots (acute moist dermatitis or pyotraumatic dermatitis) are sudden, painful skin infections that appear as wet, red, inflamed patches, often on your dog's head, hips, or chest.[3] They develop quickly—sometimes within 24 hours—and can double in size overnight if left untreated.
Here's what happens: when moisture gets trapped in thick or matted fur, it creates a warm, humid microenvironment where bacteria like Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and yeast like Malassezia pachydermatis thrive exponentially.[4] Your dog feels the irritation and starts licking, chewing, or scratching the area, which breaks the skin barrier even further. This creates a vicious cycle: more moisture, more bacteria, more itching, more scratching.
Dogs with thick, double coats are particularly vulnerable because their dense undercoat holds moisture for hours or even days after getting wet.[5] If you own one of these breeds, you need to be especially vigilant about proper drying after rain:
If your dog's undercoat isn't regularly groomed and becomes matted, the problem gets worse. Matted fur prevents air from reaching the skin whilst trapping water, debris, and creating ideal conditions for infection.
Not all drying methods are created equal. Here's how the most common approaches compare in terms of cost, speed, effort required, safety, and what they're best suited for:
| Method | Cost | Speed | Effort | Safety | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Towel Drying | £5-15 | Slow | High | Very Safe | Short coats, initial drying stage |
| Microfiber Towel | £8-20 | Medium | Medium | Very Safe | All coats, better absorption |
| Drying Coat/Robe | £25-60 | Medium (30-60min) | Very Low | Very Safe | All coats, passive hands-free drying |
| Home Dog Dryer | £30-80 | Fast | Medium | Safe (if used correctly) | Regular use, all coats |
| High-Velocity Dryer | £150-400 | Very Fast | High | Requires training | Serious commitment, multiple dogs, thick coats |
| Human Hair Dryer | Already owned | Slow/Dangerous | High | High Risk (Burns) | NOT RECOMMENDED |
| Professional Grooming | £15-40/session | Very Fast | None | Professionally managed | Occasional deep drying, when home methods aren't enough |
Important Warning:
Never use human hair dryers on dogs. They can reach temperatures of 80°C (176°F) or more, which can cause severe thermal burns on canine skin.[6] Dogs' skin is more sensitive than human skin, and applying high heat to chilled, wet skin after a rainy walk can cause painful temperature shock.
The good news is you don't need expensive professional equipment to dry your dog safely and effectively after heavy rain. Here are the tools and techniques that actually work for home use.
Microfiber towels are significantly more effective than regular cotton towels for drying dogs. They can absorb 5-8 times their weight in water, compared to cotton which absorbs much less.[12] The thousands of tiny fibres trap water inside the towel rather than just spreading it around on your dog's coat.
How to use them properly: Blot rather than rub. Rubbing can push water deeper into thick undercoats and cause matting, especially in curly-coated breeds like Cockapoos and Doodles. Instead, press the towel firmly against your dog's coat and squeeze gently, working systematically from head to tail.
Why they're better: Microfiber towels dry faster themselves, preventing the musty smell that builds up in damp cotton towels. They're also softer and gentler on your dog's skin, reducing irritation during the drying process.
Extra-large (150cm x 100cm) premium microfiber towel that absorbs 5-8 times its weight in water. Thicker and softer than standard microfiber, machine washable, and perfect for all coat types.
Shop Pawdaw →For owners who find towels ineffective but aren't ready for powered dryers, drying coats are a brilliant solution. These double-layered microfibre robes wick moisture away from the skin whilst keeping your dog warm, effectively drying them over 30-60 minutes whilst they rest.[13]
How they work: The inner layer draws water away from your dog's coat through capillary action, transferring it to an outer layer where it evaporates into the air. This passive drying process is particularly effective because it penetrates deeper into the coat than towel rubbing, reaching the undercoat where moisture tends to get trapped.
Key benefits:
Best for: All coat types, but particularly beneficial for double-coated breeds (Retrievers, German Shepherds, Huskies) where towels struggle to reach the dense undercoat. Also excellent for elderly dogs, puppies, and breeds prone to chilling.
Super absorbent microfiber drying robe that passively wicks moisture away from your dog's coat in 30-60 minutes. Features adjustable straps for a snug fit and keeps your home clean while your dog dries naturally.
Shop on Amazon UK →Pro Tip:
Combine methods for best results: use a microfiber towel first to remove as much surface water as possible, then put on a drying coat for the next 30-60 minutes. This combination is highly effective for most dogs and requires minimal effort.
If your dog gets soaked regularly and you want faster results than passive drying, home dog dryers designed specifically for pets are available in the UK for £30-80 and offer a safe, effective solution.[14]
Critical safety requirements: Any dog dryer you use must have adjustable heat and speed settings. The safe temperature range for dog drying is 35-57°C (95-135°F), which is much cooler than human hair dryers that can exceed 80°C.[6] Your dog's normal body temperature is only 38-39°C, so careful temperature control is essential.
What to look for when buying:
How to use safely: Keep the nozzle moving constantly, maintaining a distance of 15-30cm (6-12 inches) from your dog's skin. Never point the dryer at your dog's face, ears, or genitals. Start with the coolest setting and lowest speed, gradually increasing as your dog becomes comfortable with the sensation.
Quiet operation dog hair dryer with adjustable heat and speed settings (35-57°C safe range). Features temperature control, multiple attachments, and designed specifically for pet grooming - much safer than human hair dryers.
Shop on Amazon UK →High-velocity dryers (HVDs) are what professional groomers use, but they're also available for home use if you're committed to regular grooming, particularly if you have multiple dogs or thick double-coated breeds. These machines use powerful airflow rather than heat to blast water off the coat, reaching speeds up to 72 metres per second.[7]
Expect to pay £150-400 for a reliable home model. Whilst this is a significant investment, it cuts drying time dramatically—what might take an hour with towels can take 15-20 minutes with an HVD.
Benefits: The powerful airflow separates hairs and penetrates right down to the skin, ensuring complete dryness even in dense undercoats. They also remove dead undercoat whilst drying, which is especially helpful during shedding seasons.
Considerations: These machines are loud and can be intimidating for nervous dogs. You'll need to invest time in desensitisation training (more on this later). They're best suited for owners who groom regularly at home rather than occasional users.
Here's a systematic approach to drying your dog at home after heavy rain, combining the methods we've discussed for maximum effectiveness.
Choose your method based on your dog's coat and your available equipment:
For short-coated dogs (Boxers, Beagles, Whippets): Microfiber towelling is usually sufficient. These dogs dry relatively quickly but are more prone to chilling, so keep them in a warm room whilst they finish air-drying.
For double-coated dogs (Retrievers, German Shepherds, Huskies): Put on a drying coat for 30-60 minutes and let them rest somewhere warm. If you have a dog dryer, use it on low-medium heat, working in sections and constantly moving the airflow to prevent hot spots.
For curly/wavy coats (Cockapoos, Poodles, Doodles): These coats mat very quickly when wet. Use a drying coat combined with gentle brushing as they dry, or a dog dryer on low heat whilst simultaneously working through the coat with a slicker brush to prevent tangles forming.
Before you consider your dog fully dry: Feel deep into the coat, particularly on the back, rump, and chest where the fur is thickest. If the undercoat still feels damp to the touch, continue drying. Remember, surface fur that appears dry can hide a completely soaked undercoat underneath.
Drying is only half the battle. You also need to protect and repair your dog's skin barrier during wet weather to prevent infections and irritation.
Never use human shampoo on your dog—it disrupts their skin's natural protective film. Human shampoos have a pH of around 5.5, whilst dogs' skin has a pH of 6.2-7.4. Using human products strips essential oils and damages the skin barrier, making moisture-related problems worse.
Look for dog-specific shampoos that maintain the skin's natural protective layer. During wet weather when your dog needs more frequent washing, consider these types:
Veterinary-recommended shampoo with 3% chlorhexidine for bacterial and yeast overgrowth. pH-balanced, soap-free, and clinically proven to reduce bacterial counts within three weeks. Safe for regular use during wet weather months.
Shop on Amazon UK →After bathing and drying, conditioning products containing ceramides and fatty acids can actively repair the skin's lipid matrix. These products help rebuild the protective barrier that moisture has damaged, making your dog's skin more resilient to future wet weather exposure.
This is particularly beneficial for breeds prone to atopic dermatitis, as these products stimulate the production of the skin's natural ceramides, strengthening the outermost protective layer against allergens and moisture.
The best way to deal with wet dogs is to minimise how wet they get in the first place, and establish a consistent post-walk routine.
Paw protection: Apply paw balm or petroleum jelly to your dog's pads before walks. This creates a barrier against road salt and de-icing chemicals, which are commonly used across the UK in winter.
Year-round paw protection with natural beeswax, aloe vera, vitamin E, and eucalyptus. Creates a protective barrier against salt, ice, hot pavements, and de-icing chemicals. Safe for use on dry noses and elbows. Made in USA with cruelty-free ingredients.
Shop Warren London →Waterproof coats: For dogs with single coats, lean builds, short legs, or elderly dogs, a raincoat makes a real difference. French Bulldogs, Dachshunds, Chihuahuas, and similar breeds benefit significantly from waterproof coats that prevent their undercarriage getting soaked from splashing through puddles and mud.
100% waterproof polyester coat with adjustable straps for neck, chest, and belly. Reflective strips for visibility in low light. Breathable design prevents overheating. Available in multiple sizes for small to large breeds.
Shop on Amazon UK →Dog boots: If your dog will tolerate them, boots provide the best protection against salt, ice, and sharp objects hidden in puddles. They also prevent ice balls from forming between the paw pads.
Make this routine automatic, so it becomes part of the normal post-walk process:
Many dogs find powered dryers stressful. The noise, air force, and sensation can trigger anxiety, especially in noise-sensitive breeds or rescue dogs with unknown histories.
Desensitisation at home: If your dog is anxious about dryers, introduce them gradually over several weeks:
The goal is to build a positive association: dryer = amazing treats that don't appear at any other time. Be patient. Some dogs take weeks or months to become comfortable, whilst others never fully accept it. Drying coats are an excellent alternative for dryer-phobic dogs.
Whilst the home methods in this guide work well for most situations, there are times when professional grooming offers significant benefits, particularly during extended periods of heavy rain.
Professional groomers have high-velocity equipment that can dry thick double coats completely in 15-20 minutes—something that might take hours at home even with good equipment. They also use professional-grade medicated shampoos and barrier repair treatments that aren't widely available to consumers.
During heavy rain periods—particularly in autumn and winter—many groomers offer quick drying sessions specifically for this purpose, separate from full grooming appointments. These are typically £15-25 and take 30-40 minutes.
In the UK, professional groomers should follow Best Practice Guidelines established by the Canine & Feline Sector Group (CFSG).[8] Look for groomers who:
If you're in Folkestone, Dover, or anywhere across Kent, professional groomers operate under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, which makes them temporary keepers of your pet, legally responsible for their welfare.[11] This means they're trained to identify health problems hidden under the coat and should alert you to any concerns.
Contact your vet immediately if you notice:
These symptoms suggest bacterial or fungal infections, chemical burns from de-icers, or hypothermia—all of which require veterinary treatment.
Hot spots can develop surprisingly quickly—sometimes within 24 hours of moisture getting trapped in the coat. The combination of trapped moisture, warmth from your dog's body, and the friction from scratching or licking creates ideal conditions for bacteria to multiply rapidly. This is why thorough drying after heavy rain isn't something you can put off until later.
Even on the cool setting, human hair dryers aren't ideal for dogs. They're designed for human hair, not thick dog coats, and they dry far too slowly to be effective. The prolonged drying time means your dog stays damp longer, increasing the risk of chilling and bacterial growth. Many dogs also find the noise and direct airflow stressful. If you need powered drying at home, invest in an affordable dog-specific dryer (£30-80) designed for safe use on pets.
Drying coats are genuinely effective, not a marketing gimmick. The microfiber material can absorb 5-8 times its weight in water, and the double-layer design actively wicks moisture away from your dog's skin. They won't dry a soaking wet dog completely on their own, but when used after initial towel drying, they can reduce total drying time from hours to 30-60 minutes whilst keeping your dog warm and comfortable. Many UK dog owners find them invaluable during the wet autumn and winter months.
A persistent smell after your dog is dry usually indicates bacterial or yeast overgrowth in the coat. That distinctive "wet dog smell" comes from the waste products of microorganisms like Staphylococcus and Malassezia that thrive in damp conditions. If the smell persists even when your dog is completely dry, this suggests the bacteria or yeast have already established themselves in the coat and skin. Try bathing with an antifungal or antibacterial shampoo, and if the problem continues, consult your vet as this may indicate an underlying skin condition.
Not all dogs need raincoats, but certain types benefit significantly. Dogs with single coats, very short fur, lean builds, short legs, or elderly dogs struggle to maintain body temperature when wet and cold. Breeds like French Bulldogs, Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, Whippets, and senior dogs of any breed should wear waterproof coats in heavy rain. Thick double-coated breeds like Huskies or Newfoundlands typically don't need raincoats, but they still need thorough drying after getting soaked.
This guide is based on verified sources from UK weather services, veterinary research, and professional grooming standards:
Browse our directory of qualified, reviewed dog groomers in Folkestone. Compare services, prices, and availability for expert coat care.
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