While some dogs need the services (and the best dog hair dryers) of a professional groomer, many big-breed owners wash and dry their canine at home. This makes good economic sense for most. The majority of Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and other large dogs are often easy to bathe and may enjoy the process.
At A Glance: Our Top 5 Picks for Dog Hair Dryers for Home Use:
- Go Pet Club High Velocity Dog Hair Dryer – Our Top Pick
- Flying Pig Flying One Grooming Force Dryer with Heater
- Metro Air Force Quick Draw Dryer
- Free Paws 3.2HP 2 Speed Adjustable Heat Pet Dryer
- K-9 III Dog Grooming Dryer
However, once you’ve lathered, rinsed and repeated, you are left with a sopping wet dog. Often, they are determined to dry off by shaking water all over the house and rubbing up against your carpet, bed sheets, and curtains. You can use a towel, but this only dries them a bit – they’ll still remain damp for hours.
Fortunately, there is a solution: You can use a dog dryer to help accelerate the drying process. Most groomers use professional dog dryers and consider them indispensable to their work.
Below, we’ve compiled 7 of the best dog dryers available for home use, which you can see below. Be sure to check out our tips for drying your dog and selecting the best dog dryer that follows.
Best Dog Hair Dryers: Quick View
| Image | Product | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Our Top Pick  | Our Top Pick | Go Pet Club Dog Hair Dryer
| Check on Amazon |
 | Flying Pig Flying One Dog Hair Dryer
| Check on Amazon | |
 | Metro Air Force Quick Draw Dryer
| Check on Amazon | |
 | Free Paws 3.2HP 2 Speed Pet Dryer
| Check on Amazon | |
 | K-9 III Dog Grooming Dryer
| Check on Amazon |
Best Dog Dryer Reviews
1. Go Pet Club High Velocity Dog Hair Dryer
The Go Pet Club Dog Hair Dryer is designed for people who wash their dogs at home. However, it features a couple of the characteristics of a professional groomer’s tool as well. This unit sits on the floor while you move around the attached hose and nozzle to dry your pooch.
Price: $$
Features:
- The blower can be adjusted to produce air flows of either 25 or 50 meters per second
- Blower temperature can be switched to either 86 or 158 degrees Fahrenheit
- Comes with three different attachments for targeting different types of hair and different body parts
User Reviews: Most owners who purchased the Go Pet Club Hair Dryer for Dogs were pleased with how the unit functioned. Several owners compared it favorably to high-end professional units. Also, more than one owner reported that it was easy to blow dry dogs with double coats using the dryer. However, a few owners were disappointed with the durability of the unit and noted problems with its long-term performance.
Bottom Line: If you are looking for a functional dryer for dogs, with enough horsepower to blow out your dog’s undercoat, yet won’t cost you a fortune, the Go Pet Club Dog Hair Dryer is a great option.
2. Flying Pig Flying One Grooming Force Dryer with Heater
The Flying Pig Flying One Hair Dryer for Dogs is a floor-mounted unit that includes a 10-foot-long hose that makes it easy to move around and dry your dog after a bath. All the switches and dials you’ll need while using the dog dryer are conveniently located on the front control panel.
Price: $$$$
Features:
- Steel shell and heavy-duty components guarantee a long lifespan for the unit
- Three heat options: None (room temperature), 81 degrees Fahrenheit or 160 degrees Fahrenheit
- Comes with two different nozzle attachments and a filter to remove air impurities
- Available in three colors: green, pink and purple
User Reviews: Most owners absolutely loved the Flying One Dog Dryer, and rated it highly. The majority of users noted that it was a very high-quality machine that dries dogs quickly and effectively. There weren’t many complaints about the unit from owners. However, a few noted that the air hose gets hot during extended use.
Bottom Line: This high-velocity dog dryer is probably a little more blower than most people need. However, owners who have dogs that require frequent baths or have thick, double coats will likely appreciate the power and durability of the Flying One Dog Hair Dryer.
3. Metro Air Force Quick Draw Dryer
The Metro Air Force Quick Draw Dryer is a very flexible high-velocity blow dryer for dogs that can rest on the floor (supported by three rubber-tipped feet) or be held in your hand.
Price: $$$
Features:
- Weighs only 3.1 pounds
- All steel construction to ensure durability
- Includes two nozzle attachments, a shoulder strap, and a mounting hook
- Six-foot-long stretch hose and 12-foot-long extension cord make the unit easy to move around your dog
User Reviews: Owners had varying experiences with the Metro Air Force Quick Draw Dog Hair Dryer. Most owners found that the unit’s small size and light weight made it easy to use. However, some felt that it was too heavy to be used by hand. Additionally, several owners were disappointed in how long it took to dry long-haired dogs.
Bottom Line: The Metro Air Force Dog Hair Dryer is probably a suitable choice for owners of small pooches or those with short hair. However, owners who have Chows, Standard Poodles or other thick-coated dogs will probably be better served by another dryer.
4. Free Paws 3.2HP 2 Speed Adjustable Heat Pet Dryer
The Free Paws 3.2HP 2 Speed Pet Dryer is another floor-mounted unit, but it comes packed with several features similarly priced models lack. The high-velocity unit is manufactured with premium parts to ensure problem-free operation. It’s also backed by a one-year warranty — something few other dog dryers at this price level provide.
Price: $$$
Features:
- Provides two speed options: 25 or 50 meters per second
- Two temperature options: 96 or 158 degrees Fahrenheit
- Three noise-eliminating covers keep the unit quiet, with a maximum volume of 78dB
- Comes with four nozzle attachments
User Reviews: The overwhelming majority of owners who tried out the Free Paws Pet Hair Dryer were thrilled with the product. As one customer put it best when describing the prospect of a blower that could dry an 80-pound Labradoodle in ten minutes: “Shut up and take my money.” The few negative reports seemed to be the result of one-off component failures.
Bottom Line: The Free Paws Pet Hair Dryer is probably the best dog dryer for most pet owners, given how effective and affordable it is. It is as flexible and easy-to-use as most other consumer-level pet dryers. Yet, it works as well as most professional-caliber units.
5. K-9 III Dog Grooming Dryer
The K-9 III Dog Grooming Dryer is a professional-caliber high-velocity dog dryer. It’s designed for entry-level professionals and owners who find themselves bathing their dogs frequently. A two-motor unit, it can be used with either one or both motors in operation, giving you two different speeds from which you can choose.
Price: $$$$$+
Features:
- Comes with two filters and two nozzle attachments
- The 10-foot-long hose makes it easy to move around your dog while drying him off
- Available in nine colors: black, blue, brown, burgundy, green, lime green, pink, purple, and red
User Reviews: Most users – including several professionals – rated this dog dryer very highly, finding that it helped dry pups quickly and effectively. Several customers used phrases like “best dryer for dogs on the market,” and “would give 10 stars if I could,” to describe this dryer. A few owners and groomers who tried it were disappointed in the quality of the hose. However, because this was such a rare complaint, it shouldn’t stop you from buying this model if you like it.
Bottom Line: Because it is designed with professional groomers in mind, the K-9 III is probably out of the price range of most dog owners. However, those who are comfortable coughing up a little more cash will surely be pleased with how well it works and how quickly this high-velocity dog dryer can dry your pet.
6. SHELANDY 3.2HP Stepless Adjustable Force Dryer
If you’re looking for a good dryer at an entry-level price, this SHELANDY model fits the bill. It has a variable speed, and you can use it with or without heat. It comes in pink or blue and has “new tech for noise reduction.”
Price: $$
Features:
- Includes a one-year warranty
- Available in pink or blue
- Includes 4 nozzle types and one filter
User Reviews: Despite the company’s claims that it has “new tech for noise reduction,” most complaints (even from people who like the dryer otherwise) mention how loud the dryer is. There are also a fair amount of complaints about the hose breaking. However, many people complimented the customer service. Also, the majority of people love this dryer and say it’s an excellent value.
Bottom Line: This is an exceptional dryer for the price point. It may not withstand daily use from a groomer, but the SHELANDY 3.2HP Stepless Adjustable Speed Pet Hair Force Dryer is an excellent choice for most pet owners.
7. K-9 II Dog Grooming Dryer – All Colors
If the larger K-9 III takes up too much space, the K-9 II is another high-quality, heavy-duty dryer that will blow out even the thickest coats. Even without two motors, it has enough power to dry any coat type without much trouble. It also comes in 10 colors.
Price: $$$$$+
Features:
- Comes in 10 colors: black, blue, brown, burgundy, green, lime green, pink, purple, red, and silver
- Includes 10-foot hose, blower tip, and filter
- 2 speeds
User Reviews: This dryer has so much power behind it that it may trip a circuit breaker, so make sure you can power it. Otherwise, nearly everybody gave this dryer glowing reviews. From Husky owners calling it “worth its weight in gold” because of how much it helps reduce their dog’s shedding and professional groomers stating that it’s sturdy enough to handle 30-40 dogs per day, 365 days a year, nearly every purchaser was thrilled with this dryer.
Bottom Line: This dryer is pricy, but it will get any dog dry, blow out any amount of undercoat, and withstand daily beating from groomers. If you can afford it, the K-9 II Dog Grooming Dryer is well worth the money, especially if you have a large dog with a thick undercoat.
Why Use a Dog Blow Dryer at All?
Right about now, many readers are probably wondering if a dog dryer is even necessary. While some owners may get away with skipping the blow dryer, most owners should make the investment for these reasons:
- Wet dogs can become ill. Being cold and wet isn’t the direct cause of illness. However, it can reduce your dog’s immune response, exposing him to a variety of illnesses. Accordingly, you’ll want to make sure you dry him as much as possible after giving him a bath.
- It helps reduce matting. As wet hair dries naturally, tangles can turn into tight mats. Using a blow dryer can help prevent some mats from forming. A good high-velocity dryer can even loosen mats that have already formed.
- Wet dogs smell up your entire house. Most owners are quite familiar with the musty smell of a wet dog. This wouldn’t be a terrible problem if the smell were confined to the area immediately surrounding your dog. However, this odor tends to waft through the entire house. Dry your dog thoroughly after baths, and you won’t have this problem.
- It helps reduce shedding. If your shedding dog air dries, all their loose fur will fall off around your home. Using a dryer after the bath helps you blast out as much loose hair as possible. That reduces how much fur your pup leaves around your home.
- Wet dogs often soak your carpet and furniture. Many dogs engage in a post-bath ritual in which they run all over the house, rubbing their shoulders and head on any fabric they can find. This usually leads to a damp (and smelly) house and saddles you with even more work. Completely dry dogs may still get the zoomies after a bath. But, if they’re dry they won’t cause as much chaos.
Do You Need a Hair Dryer for Dogs?
Many owners try to use a dryer designed for humans after giving their pup a bath or letting them go for a swim. While this may work for some, it is typically a bad idea that you should avoid.
There are two primary reasons for this:
1. Most human hair dryers get far too hot for dogs and can cause overheating or burns. Some dog breeds can become overheated very easily. Also, using a hot dryer in one spot too long could cause you to burn your dog. Therefore, using a human hair dryer could actually lead to a vet visit.
2. Dryers made for humans are rarely capable of drying a thick-coated dog completely. Human hair dryers are made to push air through, around, and over the relatively sparse hair of people. Dogs have much denser hair than people. This is especially true of double-coated breeds, who have two extraordinarily thick layers of fur.
Accordingly, you’ll want to forego using your dryer and purchase one just for drying your dog. Dog dryers are more powerful while also using less heat, so they’re a much better option for drying your fur child.
Different Types of Dog and Pet Hair Dryers
Hair dryers for pets come in three basic styles, each of which is designed to suit different circumstances.
1. Cage Dryers
Cage dryers are usually used by professional groomers. They are designed to attach to the side of a dog’s crate or kennel. Since they’re intended to be used with less supervision, these don’t blow as hard as some other dryers. It’s a much slower way to dry your dog than other dog dryer styles do.
However, cage dryers are great for professionals, who can use them to dry one dog, while they move on to bathing the next. But, they are typically not the ideal solution for regular dog owners. However, if you do want to use a crate-style dryer, the B-Air Pet Dryer is a good choice.
2. Stand Dryers
Stand-style dryers for dogs are also a great option for groomers. They are designed to be used with a dog who is secured to a table. With a stand to hold the dryer, your hands are free to brush your dog while they dry.
Stand dryers take up a lot of space and aren’t the best choice for most pet owners. They also don’t have the same power as a velocity dryer. However, you can purchase after-market stands (like the SHELANDY Grooming Table Arm) that will hold your force dryer in place if you like.
3. Velocity Dryers
The most common type of dog dryer is called a velocity dryer or force dryer. Rather than using heat to evaporate water from your dog’s coat, it blasts the water off. Velocity dryers get dogs dry more effectively than other dryers with less risk of causing overheating. However, some force dryers have optional heat settings that allow you to dry your dog even faster.
One downside to velocity dryers is that the noise and power can frighten some dogs, so they need to be introduced to it slowly. However, the added bonus of a velocity dryer is that it can help remove undercoat and reduce shedding. Just remember to use the dryer outside or in your garage or bathroom to contain the hair that will blow out!
How to Choose the Best Dog Dryer for Your Pup
When picking out a dryer for your dog, you’ll want to make sure you select a unit that will work well and be safe. To do so, keep the following things in mind when making your selection:
- Keep your dog’s coat in mind. Dogs with thick double coats will require a more powerful dryer than dogs with thin, short fur. Accordingly, those with Huskies and Chows will want to select a unit that can move a lot of air.
- Pick a good dryer for your dog’s size. You’ll have to use a dryer for longer to dry your Great Dane than you will to dry your Chihuahua. So, make sure you select a unit that can operate for an extended period without overheating if you have a big dog.
- Select a dryer for dogs with adjustable heat and airflow settings. You’ll want the ability to adjust the amount of heat and air pouring out of the dryer to help keep your dog comfortable. Therefore, you should try to stick with models that provide this kind of flexibility.
Note that professional groomers need to look for dog hair dryers that will stand up to constant and prolonged use. Therefore, it is wise for professionals to spend a little more on a dryer than amateur dog owners may feel obligated to spend.
Tips for Drying Your Dog Quickly and Easily
→ Let your dog get comfortable with the blow dryer before turning it on. The loud noises associated with dryers cause many dogs to become nervous. Therefore, you’ll want your canine to be as comfortable as possible before turning it on.
→ Don’t point the dryer directly at your dog’s face. This is especially important with high-velocity dryers. You can actually injure your dog by pointing the nozzle at your dog’s eyes, ears, or genitals on a high setting. Dry those areas last on the lowest available setting. You can also reduce the amount of force that hits your dog by holding the dryer farther away.
→ The best way to help your dog adjust is to start near their butt. Work from the back of your dog to the front so you use the “scary dryer” near their head last.
- There are two ways to dry your dog based on your goal and your dog’s coat type. For double-coated dogs, you will want to blast the air against the direction that their hair grows. That helps remove more hair and helps the fur dry at the root of the hair. For dogs with thinner coats, blow the hair in the direction it grows to reduce tangles and excess volume.
→ Move your fingers through your dog’s fur (or use a brush to do the same), to help dry (or even pull out) the undercoat.
→ Be sure to keep the blower’s heat setting on the lowest effective level. Move the dryer around frequently to avoid causing hot spots.
Dog Dryer FAQ
Do Dog Dryers Have Other Uses?
If you’re going to invest in a dog dryer, it would help if it had other uses, right?
Force dryers are a great way to remove undercoat and reduce shedding, even if you don’t wash your dog first. Take them outside, if possible, and watch their hair float away instead of falling on the floor or your furniture.
Dog dryers can also be used on other animals, from rabbits to horses to cattle. They can be a great way to blast dirt off your horse before saddling them up. Or, you can use it to wash and dry prize cattle before a competition.
Dog dryers can even have non-pet uses if you’re creative. For example, they’re perfect for blowing dust out of computers and keyboards.
How Loud Are Dog Dryers?
Unfortunately, moving around that much air is pretty noisy, even with the best technology. Dog dryers are typically louder than human hair dryers. Some may be louder than vacuum cleaners. Apart from letting your dog get used to the noise gradually, it sometimes helps to put cotton balls in their ears to muffle the noise.
How Do I Get My Dog Used to the Dryer?
Between the noise and the force, dog dryers can be pretty scary for dogs who aren’t used to them. You’ll want to use plenty of treats and praise at first to help them overcome their fear.
- First, let your dog sniff the dryer hose before you turn the dryer on. Dogs like to investigate new things by sniffing them.
- Turn the dryer on the lowest setting, but DON’T point it at your dog right away. Point the nozzle at the ceiling, the floor, or yourself, but not at your dog. Let them get used to the sound first.
- Once your dog is used to the sound, point the dryer at their back end. The thigh is a great place to start since it’s far away from the feet and face. These are areas dogs tend to be the most sensitive about.
- Always keep the dryer moving. Leaving it in one spot can bother your dog or irritate their skin.
- Eventually, your dog will get used to the sounds and feel of the dryer. Then, you can increase the speed and move around their body more.
What’s the Best Heat Setting to Use on My Dog?
Dogs are much more heat-sensitive than humans, so use the lowest heat setting possible.
Do Dog Dryers Need a lot of Maintenance?
The biggest thing you need to do is keep the filter clean and replace it when it looks worn. Dog hair getting into the motor will kill it faster than anything. Otherwise, wiping down the dryer with a vinegar and water solution should help reduce that dog smell.
Bonus Tips: How to Use a Dog Dryer to Reduce Dog Shedding
A good high-velocity dryer can be the best tool to reduce your dog’s shedding, even better than any brush. Here are some tips to help you get as much hair as possible out with the dryer:
- Start with a good dog shampoo for shedding. These shampoos help loosen up even more hair. That way, it comes out during the drying rather than around your home. They work best in conjunction with conditioners for shedding, like the Furminator deShedding Ultra Premium Dog Conditioner. The hair practically melts off your dog in the bath.
- Blow against the direction of hair growth. That blasts out the maximum amount of undercoat and gets the hair dry down to the root.
- Brush while blowing (if you’re coordinated enough). Otherwise, you can use your fingers to pluck out undercoat as you go.
- Blow between baths. You don’t need to wash your dog first to blast out undercoat with a force dryer. Weekly blowouts with a bath every month or two can help keep your home free of fur.
For more brushing and deshedding tips, check out 13 Best Dog Brushes for Shedding (Short, Long, and Thick Hair).
Do you use a dog blow dryer to help fluff your pet after his baths? We’d love to hear about the model you use and your experiences with it. Have you been happy with it? Would you buy it again?
Let us know in the comments below.
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A big-dog lover, successful marketing executive, and website developer, Brian founded Canine Weekly in 2016. Brian lives just outside of Seattle with his wife and child. Brian grew up with labs and the family is eager to get another Labrador once their newborn is a little older. Brian is the former owner of Canine Weekly.