The best dog towels to get your pup dry and cosy

Fight the dirt and damp dog smell with the best dog towel for the job.

Best dog towels - Dog being dried with towel

by Rosie Floyd |
Updated on

It's no secret that our dogs love to get wet, but you'll always want to make sure you've got the best dog towels handy to dry them off again once they're finished splashing around. After all, as all of us owners can agree, that damp and wet dog smell is just not the one! So, it's essential to have at least one in your kit of dog grooming products.

Most dogs just can't resist the urge to get their doggy paddle on, whether that's to cool down in the summer heat or just for the sheer fun of it. They'll happily dash through puddles, take a swim in the sea, or even an impromptu dip in a local pond after they've leapt at the sight of a duck. After the splashing about is over, though, you're left with a soggy doggy who will need a helping hand to get dry and warm again, which is where a super adsorbent dog towel will come in handy.

Best dog towels at a glance:

Best quick-drying towel for dogs: Henry Wag Microfibre Pet Towel – View on Amazon UK
Best towel for absorbing moisture: Scruffs Noodle Drying Towel – View on Amazon UK
Best value dog towels: World Of Pets Super Absorbent Microfibre Pet Towel – View on Amazon UK

Sometimes all you'll need is to wipe them down to take the damp off, and they'll be good to go. However, if you've got a really mucky pup on your hands, they'll need a bath and a good dog shampoo to become squeaky clean again. It's important to have a great dog towel to hand to dry them off as soon as possible. You could just use your own bathroom towels, but towels designed specifically for dogs often use a smoother fabric to work better on their fur. Plus, they're usually extra absorbent, too, to really soak up the wet.

Whether you're wanting to dry your furry friend off after a trip to the beach, a walk in the rain, or a post-dog bath, a dog towel will keep your pooch cosy. Not to mention prevent water from getting shaken all over the car, kitchen floor or bathroom. We've picked out the best dog towels that are super soft, highly absorbent, and sure to make drying easier.

Best quick-drying towel for dogs

Henry Wag Microfibre Pet TowelHenry Wag/Amazon
Price: £26.44

Looking for the best dog towel to get the drying process done as soon as possible? This Henry Wag Microfibre Pet Towel is our top pick. The highly absorbent microfibres clean and dry your pet's coat, taking in more water and drying quicker than any regular towel. It comes in two sizes, so it’s fit for small and large dogs.

Customer review: "Every time Barney, my cocker, comes back from his walk, he has a wash on the patio and then gets a rub with his new blanket, then likes to lie on it for an hour. It's amazing how quick it dries him, so in my opinion worth every penny so must be good. I'm just about to order another."

Pros

  • Super soft and absorbent
  • Available in two sizes for all breeds

Cons

  • Some reviewers expected it to be thicker
Sizes:100 x 70cm, 150 x 100cm

Best towel for absorbing moisture

Scruffs Noodle Drying TowelScruffs/Amazon

Designed like a pair of joined oven mitts with twin hand pockets, the Scruffs Noodle Drying Towel actually has a fantastic surface area for optimal drying. Microfibre chenille 'noodle' strands run the full length, offering improved airflow and reduced drying time. It's extremely absorbent, enabling your dog's coat to dry quickly after a wet and muddy walk, and is super easy to use.

Customer review: "I’ve bought a few superior dog towels as advertised before, but they simply haven’t worked - this gorgeous, thick quality towel like huge oven glove is just fabulous - so easy to use and absorbs so much water and mud - me and my very muddy dog, love it & wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to any dog owner - great value for an excellent product"

Pros

  • Available in blue and grey as well as burgundy
  • Machine washable

Cons

  • As this works by you putting your hands inside and rubbing your dog, you may get a little wet in the process
Sizes:80 x 30cm

Best value dog towels

World of Pets Super Absorbent Micofibre Pet Towels for Dogs (2 Pack)World Of Pets/Amazon

Not only do these World of Pets Super Absorbent Microfibre Pet Towels for Dogs come in a pack of two, but each towel will also absorb up to eight times its own weight in water. Talk about excellent value for money! Even if one towel is in the wash, you have a spare ready to go and it'll dry quickly after use.

Customer review: "Got these after reading reviews! WOW, they are awesome. I used these this morning as I bathed our dog, super absorbent. I used them both which 90% dried him completely just a little damp which meant I didn’t need to use the hair dryer to dry him off!! Good size too for my lab x! Will definitely be buying some more!"

Pros

  • Claims to absorb eight times its own weight in water
  • Two in a pack

Cons

  • Towels could be bigger
Sizes:150 x 100cm

Best towel for all dog breeds

Pets at Home Microfibre Towel for Dogs & CatsPets at Home

Suitable for all breeds of dogs, this Pets at Home Microfibre Towel for Dogs & Cats will help get your dog dry to a professional finish. With a quick-drying fabric, it's a great choice for drying your pet after they've had that clean up in the bath. This towel will work wonders for your pup's coat, prevent nasty tangles and get them dry in no time!

Customer review: "Light and handy dog towel. Handy to keep in the car for when you take your best friend out for a walk. Wrap pouch up and keep them warm."

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Dries fast

Cons

  • May be more suited to smaller breeds despite being advertised for all breeds
Sizes:160 x 80cm

Best dog towel for softness

Glart Soft Absorbent Dog TowelGlart/Amazon

The thick, fluffy microfibre fabric of this Glart Soft Absorbent Dog Towel is very soft and gentle for your dog and is able to dry carefully and quickly, ready to be used again for the next walk. The grey colour doesn't show dirt, even mud seems to disappear on this towel, so it can be used multiple times before washing.

Customer review: "We originally kept this towel by the doorway to wipe the dog's paws after a walk in the rain, but after a particularly wet day we found this is more absorbent than the microfibre towel we were using before and also when left on the hook dries quicker as well. Chuck it in the washing machine and good to go again."

Pros

  • Washable and easy to clean
  • Available in two sizes

Cons

  • Even though it's available in two sizes, it may still be a bit on the small side for particularly large dogs
Sizes:80 x 55cm, 90 x 60cm

Best dog towel for style and substance

Harbour Hounds Striped Dog Drying RobeHarbour Hounds/Etsy
Price: £29.99-£64.99

www.etsy.com

This dog drying robe has it all: super soft, 100 per cent cotton fabric to wick away moisture, cool nautical style, and even the option to personalise with your pup's name in embroidery. With a turtleneck design, it keeps body heat trapped in, and it has a quick stud fastening, rather than Velcro or plastic clips, making it super easy to put on and take off.

Customer review: "Excellent quality, got it for my aged border terrier for after her hydrotherapy sessions, and she always gets lots of compliments. I'm recommending harbour hounds to everyone at hydro! Fabulous customer service, I initially ordered the wrong size and Sarah could not have been more helpful."

Pros

  • Made by a small business
  • Lots of sizes available

Cons

  • Prices vary on size
Sizes:XXXS, XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL

Best dog towel-drying coat

Regatta Dog Drying CoatRegatta
Price: £14.95 (was £30)

www.regatta.com

This Dog Drying Coat from Regatta will keep your pooch toasty and have them dry in no time at all as they can wear it while they're still on their walk. Made from hardwearing polyester, this dog coat is warming and quick drying as it moves moisture to the surface to keep your four-legged friend feeling fresh. An adjustable hook and loop strap provides a secure fit.

Customer review: "Bought two of these online for our cocker spaniels. They were a reduced price & they are great. Good material, well made & just what we wanted to put onto damp towel dried dogs after a walk. Our dogs love them too. They are a little on the big side but that’s fine, I think the next size down would have been too small. Overall they are great."

Pros

  • Warming and quick-drying
  • Available in two colours

Cons

  • Some dogs may not like wearing the hood
Sizes:S, M, L, XL

Drying coats offer an easy and efficient way to keep your pup snug and get them dry on the move, take a look at our best dog drying coats round-up for more options.

Best dog towel for car protection

Lucky Paws UK Dog Drying BagLucky Paws/Amazon

This Aztex Towelling Dog Bag is a life saviour for not only keeping your dog warm and dry but for protecting your car or furniture from mud, water, and fur! Thick and absorbent, you have a choice of colours and sizes to suit your dog, and you simply pull up the zipper and put the Velcro tab together to close. Perfect for drying your pup after they’ve been exploring the great outdoors.

Customer review: "Best item I have bought for our dog. She loves lying in muddy puddles, the muddier the better and as a result requires frequent baths. This item has revolutionised the process. After cleaning her up we just lay the open bag on the floor, she sits on it and then we do it up and she remains happily inside whilst drying off. The bag wicks away the moisture, the outside becoming damper as she dries off inside all snuggly and warm."
"Sometimes we help the process along by giving her a good rub down inside the bag and then just leave her to doze. After use, we open out the bag and give it a good shake out outside and then hang it over an airer to dry ready to be used again. We have also used it as a bed for her to lie on whilst visiting friends and the local pub and it now travels with us when we go out. Worth every penny it cost."

Pros

  • Great option for big dogs
  • Brushed for maximum softness

Cons

  • Can be machine washed but not on a cycle above 40c
Sizes:XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL

Dog drying FAQs

Can I use my own towels to dry my dog?

Whilst this is definitely an option if you're left high and dry, you'd be best using a towel designed specifically for dogs. It'll work better on their fur as the smoother fabric won't get caught up, making it much more comfortable for them and easier for you to use. A dog drying towel will also dry them quicker with extra absorbency and will last longer, making it a great choice for excitable pooches.

Dog drying towel
©Getty Images

Should you wash dog towels separately?

While we're sure the potential mud, dirt, and smell might have put you off mixing anyway, it is important to wash your dog's towels (and other belongings) separately from people's clothes. Doing so will make sure they're cleaned effectively and safely for your pet.

You should:

• Use a pet-safe laundry detergent
• Check the label on the towel for specific care instructions
• Remove as much hair as possible before adding to your machine
• Wash on the highest recommended temperature setting to oust dirt
Arm & Hammer recommend running an extra rinse cycle to ensure all detergent is rinsed from the fabric

How to dry off your dog with ease

It might seem like common sense as a dog owner, but the quicker and easier you can dry your dog, the better!

Once your dog has taken a dip in the sea or been caught in the rain, you'll want to dry them off to keep them from getting cold and staying damp.

Without drying your canine companion, they could be at risk of catching pneumonia from being exposed to the cold, especially if they're particularly young or old with a weaker immune system.

This video from Top Dog Tips gives an easy-follow guide to efficiently drying your dog after bath time that you can use on the go too.

Rosie Floyd is a Pets, Homes and Garden Product Writer for Take A Break Pets, specialising in all things dogs. She grew up always having at least one dog as part of the family and has experience in owning a variety of breeds, including Labradors, Cockapoos and Yorkshire Terriers.

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