Experienced groomers know that the time and skill put into preparing a dog for grooming is the cornerstone to good results. A great groom cannot happen on a pet that has not been cleaned and dried correctly. Getting a clean pet dried appropriately takes a lot of time, but tools are available to make the job go much quicker.
- There is a new product that not only helps remove undercoat and tangles but also dramatically reduces drying time. Made by Best Shot, The Maxx can be added to shampoo, conditioner, the final rinse, or even put in a spray bottle to apply after the bath. It coats the hair shafts, smoothing the cuticle to make brushing and drying more efficient.
- Many groomers like to use super absorber-style towels to remove as much water as possible from pets after a bath. This type of towel varies in quality, usefulness, and longevity. The Artero brand of carbon ultra-absorbent towels is a game changer. They do a magnificent job of pulling large quantities of water from the coat, are easy to wring out, and maintain their usefulness for hundreds if not thousands of uses. The carbon helps prevent bacterial growth and odors. Getting all that excess moisture out of the coat before you fire up your dryer will save lots of time at the table.
- Once your well-toweled dog is on the drying table, spritz some drying spray all over it and brush it in lightly. Drying sprays contain proprietary ingredients that help break the ionic bond of water to the hair shafts. This means that when you add the movement of air from your dryer to the pet, the water will be more quickly and efficiently blown away.
- Remember that dogs have a keen sense of hearing. The sound and sensation produced by the motor and airflow of high-velocity dryers can be very uncomfortable. Happy Hoodies not only reduce the sound to those sensitive ears, but the fabric also wicks moisture away from the pet while the rest of the body is being dried, effectively reducing the time you will spend drying the pet’s heads. Many groomers find that dogs are more cooperative in the grooming process when their ears are protected with this tool.
Choosing and using the best products and tools available when it’s time to dry dogs can save you valuable time and produce extraordinary results.
By Daryl Conner, MPS, MCG
Daryl Conner has been devoted to making dogs and cats more comfortable and beautiful for almost 40 years. You can find her happily working at FairWinds Grooming Studio with her daughter and infant granddaughter, or typing away at her latest grooming-related article. Daryl was awarded both a Cardinal Crystal Award and Barkleigh Honors Award for journalism. She shares her meadow-hugged antique Maine farmhouse with her practically perfect husband and too many animals.
