Dog hair dryers help make grooming faster and easier, no matter what kind of fur your dog has. “There are coats that absolutely need it, and others that don’t,” says grooming expert Julia Blackwell, founder of Pupwell, a company that makes at-home grooming products. “For example, hypoallergenic dogs (doodle, Yorkie, poodle, etc.) need their hair to be dried, and at a higher speed to help the coat from tangling together as it gets dried.” Other breeds, like Labradors, have short hair that wicks away water, keeping the hair from sticking together—they may enjoy a warm hair dryer, but going without it isn’t going to tangle their coats. 

This popular dog blow dryer comes with four grooming nozzles so you can choose based on the length and type of your dog’s fur. You don’t have to turn the dryer off to swap them out; you can do it while you’re grooming.

The hose expands to about 6 feet long, so you can work easily around your pet with the dryer sitting on the floor or a table. Our tester liked how long the hose was and how the base didn’t move when they shifted around to get different angles. However, the hose does get warm, so make a concerted effort to grab the handle and not the hose when moving it around.

There’s not a lot of temperature control—it’s either cold or hot—but there’s a knob that lets you control the airflow significantly, ranging from 65 mph to 135 mph. We found that keeping it on a low setting got the fur dry without being overly forceful and blowing things all over the room.

This isn’t necessarily quiet. It’s marketed as louder than a human handheld dryer but not as loud as a vacuum. Our tester said it was quieter than dryers at self-wash places, but it’s still loud. “It didn’t sound like a human hair dryer, but up close it kind of sounded like an airplane landing, which freaked the dogs out at first until they got used to it.” The long hose lets you keep the machinery farther away from your dog. 

The company says that it takes about 20 to 30 minutes to completely dry a 60-pound poodle using this tool. We found that the pups that used it looked like they had come right from the groomer. It comes in either blue or pink and has a pop-out filter that is easy to clean. We think it’s reasonably priced for a sturdy dryer with so many tools. We only wish it came with a storage case to keep it clean between uses.

Comes in pink or blue

The Weezie Dog Towel is made of microfiber with a tight weave that has a low pile, so it doesn’t snag on your pup’s fur.

There are hand pockets built into the towel to make it easy to keep it in place when you’re drying your dog. “I was actually amazed by how quick it was to dry him off,” says our tester. “Typically, we would use an old human towel no one wants anymore and it left his fur semi-wet after drying off.” 

The towel comes in two sizes and one color (navy) and can be personalized for an extra cost. The quality and texture are so good that it feels more like a nice blanket than a towel. But it is ultra absorbent and appears to stay dry while it dries your dog. It works quickly and it looks good. Our tester highly recommends it for after a dog’s bath or when coming inside on a rainy day.

Fabric dries quickly after use

How We Picked

Testing: We asked groomers, trainers, and pet parents what they looked for when choosing a dog hair dryer. Our team tested seven recommended, best-selling, and highly rated dog dryers. They considered air volume, available attachments, and whether there are heat settings. We also consulted with dog owners, foster families, and trainers, and read hundreds of product reviews.

More We Recommend

For Multiple Heat Settings: The bright Flying Pig High Velocity Dog Dryer promises to cut drying time by 60%, according to the manufacturer. It has two temperature settings (81°F and 160°F) and a dial where you can control airflow while you dry. The tool includes two nozzles that are easy to switch out. The round one is best for the heavier part of the coat, and the flat is best to use around the head, neck, and belly.

Our tester found the dryer very comfortable to hold and use. Even after hours at a time, it moves easily and doesn’t become particularly bulky or heavy. There’s a 10-foot flexible hose that stretches when you need it and retracts when you don’t, so it’s not always in the way. 

The dryer comes in pink, purple, and green, but our tester wished it came in a more subdued shade. Like most dryers, it’s pretty loud, particularly if the hose isn’t extended. But our tester found it quieter than a human hair dryer. It feels solid and well-made and is priced fairly for what it is. The filter is easy to clean, and there’s a replacement filter when you’re ready to switch it out.

10-foot flexible hose

An Affordable Choice: The B-Air Fido Max 1 Dog Dryer is an affordable at-home dog hair dryer that uses air power and not heat to repel water from your dog’s fur. Instead, there are two speeds—high and low—and the dryer comes with four nozzle attachments to help direct airflow to different parts of your dog’s coat. The dryer also has a 3-foot hose and a 10-foot cord, so you have plenty of room to move while you groom.

The dryer comes in four bright colors—hot pink, lime green, turquoise, and purple. It’s relatively affordable for an at-home dryer. Although it is marketed as quiet, the vacuum can be quite loud. Our tester found it incredibly effective and fast, but said their pup was traumatized by the sound. Be sure to slowly get your dog used to it before doing a full blow-dry.

Easy to maneuver

A Heat-Free Dryer: Shernbao is a popular pet dryer/blower brand with professional groomers. This particular model is very durable and sturdy. It is quieter than some other similar models, but that’s relative because they are all pretty loud. One pet owner says their dog is skittish around the vacuum and human hair dryer but is fine with this device.

The Shernbao comes with three nozzles so you can direct air or spread it out to cover more fur. It has two air filters and a flexible hose that stretches from 4 to 8 feet. The hose can get very warm after a lot of use. Our tester had to take breaks during grooming in order to give it a chance to cool down.

The air speed is adjustable, but there are no heat settings. It gets warmer the longer you use it. It is more expensive than many dryers, but this dryer can handle a lot of grooming sessions. It’s portable and easy to move around when you’re working around your pup. “It’s easier to move the dryer than it is to move the dog,” says Blackwell.

Portable and easy to move around

Best Kit: You’ve got plenty of options with this blow dryer-vacuum kit for your dog. It’s a good starter kit for new pet parents who don’t already have grooming tools such as a deshedding brush and electric clippers. The dryer has seven heat settings and three flow speeds, so you can experiment with it until your dog is comfortable with the temperatures, velocity, and noise. The unit operates at less than 60 decibels, quieter than most human hair dryers and vacuum cleaners.

Although we didn’t test the OneIsAll vacuum and dryer kit, it’s a top-rated pick at Amazon, so it’s worth including in our list.

Use clippers alone or with vacuum

Other Dog Hair Dryers We Tested

In addition to our winner and recommended dog hair dryers, we also tested some others that didn’t make our list.

iPettie Pet Hair Dryer 2 with Slicker Brush: This is a convenient two-in-one tool to brush and dry a dog’s fur after a bath. While testing, we found that it takes a lot longer to dry a dog with this product than with a traditional dog hair dryer because the air is not very forceful.

Frisco Microfiber Dog & Cat Bath Towel: If you like microfiber towels, this is a good option. It comes with two towels in the set, but it’s only available through Chewy and not as efficient as the Weezie Dog Towel.

Why Trust The Spruce Pets?

This article was written by Mary Jo DiLonardo, who has covered animals and pets for several decades. Mary Jo has fostered more than 70 dogs and puppies. She is always searching for the healthiest and most effective products to use with them.

To find the best dog hair dryers, we consulted with grooming expert Julia Blackwell, founder of Pupwell, a company that makes at-home grooming products, as well as dog owners who groom their pets at home. We asked them what they like and don’t like about individual hair dryers and sorted through many online product reviews.

Whether your dog gets a full trim every 6-8 weeks or just needs touch-ups around the feet, dog clippers are likely to come in handy at home. You might be tempted to grab the same trimmers used in your household for beards or personal grooming, but that’s not a great idea.

“Dogs generally have more hair compared to the hair on our heads, so a human clipper is not designed to handle that,” says veterinarian Amy Fox, DVM. “Human clippers could just glide over the fur and not actually cut the hair, or the tool will get clogged too quickly to be effective.”

To find the best dog clippers, we tested 21 clippers on real dogs with a variety of grooming needs. All human participants are dedicated pet parents, but not professionally trained in dog grooming, so they relied on the instructions supplied by the product manufacturer, along with our testing methodology.

Your dog just rolled in something questionable at the park (again), and now you’re both back home, standing in the bathroom preparing for bathtime. But there’s a problem: you’re out of dog shampoo. As you scan the shelves, your eyes land on a bottle of baby shampoo labeled “gentle” and “tear-free.” It seems like it might be a safe alternative, but is it actually okay to use on your dog?

Let’s explore whether baby shampoo is safe to use on dogs, when it might be an acceptable short-term solution, and why shampoos made specifically for dogs are the best choice for regular use.

Understanding Dog vs. Human Skin

One of the biggest differences between dogs and humans is something you can’t see: skin pH. 

A human’s skin pH is typically about 5.5, which is slightly acidic. All human shampoos are formulated to take this acidity into account. Dog skin, on the other hand, is more neutral, or even slightly alkaline, typically ranging between 6.5 and 7.5, says Vicki Doyle, founder of Dirty Bertie.

Why pH Matters When It Comes to Shampoo

“Though baby shampoo is mild for humans, it’s not meant for dogs and can create issues with their skin,” says Molly Bissantz, owner of Grooming By Molly. That’s because a dog’s skin pH is different from a human’s.

Baby shampoo is formulated for the more acidic pH of human skin, not the more neutral skin of dogs, Bissantz explains. This makes even the mildest human shampoos potentially too harsh for a dog’s skin.

To maintain your dog’s coat and skin in good health, Bissantz says you should use a dog shampoo, which is formulated to be safe for a dog’s pH. 

When Baby Shampoo Might Be Okay

While baby shampoo isn’t a good choice for regular use on dogs, it can work in a pinch.

“In an emergency situation, a gentle, mild baby shampoo can be a temporary substitute until you can get more dog shampoo,” Doyle says.

Before using a baby shampoo, make sure it’s: 

• Fragrance-free or lightly scented: Strong fragrances can irritate a dog’s sensitive nose and skin.
• Hypoallergenic: These formulas are less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions.
• Tear-free: While this feature is designed for human babies, tear-free formulas are formulated to be gentle on the eyes and minimize stinging or burning if it gets in the eyes,

Stick to a very small amount of shampoo, rinse thoroughly, and monitor your dog’s skin afterward for any signs of irritation. 

Risks of Using Baby Shampoo on Dogs

Even though baby shampoo is marketed as gentle, it’s still formulated for human skin, not canine. 

“Using shampoos made for humans can throw off the pH balance of your dog’s skin,” Doyle says. “It can strip away their natural oils, causing dryness, itching, flakiness, and in the worst cases, infections.”

Because dogs have a thinner skin barrier than humans, they’re more prone to irritation, she adds. 

Best Practices for Bathing Your Dog

When it comes to keeping your pup clean, dog-specific shampoos are the safest and most effective choice. They’re specially formulated to match a dog’s skin pH and are less likely to cause irritation or dryness.

When shopping for grooming products, Bissantz advises making sure they’re clearly labeled as made for dogs. Also, consider choosing a shampoo with these features:

• Hypoallergenic ingredients: Designed to minimize the risk of skin irritation, especially in dogs with sensitivities.
• Fragrance-free or lightly scented: Helps prevent overwhelming your dog’s sensitive nose or irritating the skin. 
• Free from harsh chemicals: Avoid ingredients like alcohol, parabens, and phosphates that can dry out or irritate the skin.

If your dog has specific skin issues or medical concerns, ask your vet for product recommendations tailored to their needs.

What to Do If Your Dog Has a Reaction

If your dog has a reaction to shampoo, whether it’s baby shampoo or dog shampoo, you might notice signs such as:

If this happens, immediately rinse your dog thoroughly with clean, lukewarm water to remove any remaining shampoo. For mild reactions, this may be enough to ease the symptoms. 

However, if the irritation continues, gets worse, or your dog seems distressed, contact your veterinarian or an emergency pet clinic right away.

The Bottom Line on Baby Shampoo

While baby shampoo may be safe for occasional, one-time use in an emergency, it’s not a permanent substitute for regular grooming. Canine skin has different needs than human skin, and using the right shampoo helps keep your dog’s coat healthy, their skin balanced, and irritation at bay. 

For the best long-term care, stick with products made specifically for dogs, and always keep a bottle on hand so you’re ready for whatever mess your curious pup gets into next.

There are so many kinds of dog supplies available for new pet parents that you may wonder what is really necessary and what is extravagant. Realistically, there are multiple factors that contribute to a happy, healthy life for your dog, ranging from their grooming needs to any health concerns. When purchasing dog supplies, meet your pup’s basic needs and practice responsible dog ownership. Then you can move on to the fun details, like bandanas for every season and life jackets for summer swimming.

Here are 10 essential dog supplies you need before bringing home your new dog.

Affection Level	High
Friendliness	High
Kid-Friendly	High
Pet-Friendly	Medium
Exercise Needs	High
Playfulness	Medium
Energy Level	Medium
Trainability	High
Intelligence	High
Tendency to Bark	Low
Amount of Shedding	Medium

History of the Silken Windhound

The silken windhound was developed by borzoi breeder Francie Stull, who sought to create a smaller, long-coated sighthound with a gentle temperament, good health, and the sporting abilities of the larger sighthounds.

The foundation dogs were carefully chosen from top-winning show and performance borzoi lines, a multi-generational line of small whippet-based lurchers, and whippets from show and coursing lines. The first recognized silken windhound litter was born in 1985, and the breed was officially named in 1998. The International Silken Windhound Society (ISWS) was established in 1999 to maintain pedigrees and DNA-verified registrations. 

Although not yet recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), the United Kennel Club first recognized the silken windhound in 2011. 

Silken Windhound Care

Like any dog, silken windhounds require regular activity, mental stimulation, consistent training, and occasional grooming to keep them happy and healthy. Here’s what you need to know about their care needs. 

Exercise

“For puppies, the general consensus is silken puppies (and sighthound puppies in general) should have regular access to large enclosed outdoor spaces for ample free running,” Golebiewski says. “This encourages appropriate muscle and skeletal growth in the puppy.” She adds that, if possible, having a second silken windhound or other puppy that enjoys zooming around will help them get enough activity. 

Adult silken windhounds need about 60 minutes of daily exercise to stay physically and mentally healthy. Golebiewski notes that regular walks are usually enough to keep them happy, though, as natural athletes, they also enjoy activities like hiking, agility exercises, obedience trials, rally, and lure coursing. Because they have a strong prey drive, they should always be exercised in a fenced area or on a leash. 

After an active outing, Golebiewski says most silkens are happy to settle in for a relaxing nap on the couch.

For mental stimulation, puzzle toys, scent work, and trick training can help keep them engaged. 

Grooming

Silken windhounds have a medium-to-long silky coat that requires minimal grooming. Their coat naturally repels dirt and doesn’t mat easily, making them lower maintenance than many long-haired breeds. Brushing your silken once a week will help prevent tangles and remove loose fur.

According to the ISWS, the amount that a silken sheds varies on the dog, but they do not blow their coats like other long-haired breeds, such as golden retrievers or borzois. They may shed more during seasonal coat changes in spring and fall.

Nail trimming (every two to three weeks), daily teeth brushing, ear cleaning, and occasional bathing (about once a month) are also essential to maintain their overall hygiene and health.

Training

Silken windhounds are intelligent and eager to please, which makes them relatively easy to train using positive reinforcement. This entails rewarding good behavior with treats and praise, which helps reinforce desired actions. 

Training should start early, with basic commands and socialization beginning around eight weeks old. Puppy training classes, along with regular exposure to new people, environments, and experiences, will help them develop into confident, well-mannered adults. 

While a silken windhound’s prey drive can be strong, recall training can be improved with repetition and positive reinforcement, especially when introduced at a young age.

Common Health Problems

Silken windhounds are a remarkably healthy and long-lived breed, with many living into their mid to late teens—and some even reaching 20 years old! Careful and selective breeding has helped preserve the breed’s overall health.

While health issues in silken windhounds are generally rare, the most commonly seen conditions include:

• MDR1 sensitivity: A genetic mutation that makes them sensitive to certain medications. A simple DNA test can determine if a dog carries this gene.
• Cardiac issues: While uncommon, there have been reports of mitral valve disease, congenital heart abnormalities, and sudden cardiac events in some silkens. Regular veterinary checkups can help monitor heart health.
• Eye conditions: Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) and other inherited eye disorders may occur in some silkens. Routine eye exams are recommended to catch any issues early.
• Autoimmune thyroiditis: An immune-related disorder that can lead to hypothyroidism. Regular thyroid function tests can help with early detection and management.

Diet and Nutrition

Like all dogs, silken windhounds thrive on a high-quality, well-balanced diet tailored to their age, size, and activity level. Their diet can consist of kibble, fresh or raw dog food, or a mix of both. Golebiewski recommends choosing a food that meets AAFCO standards for their appropriate life stage. Most adult silkens do best with two meals daily, but puppies may require three to four smaller meals as they grow. 

Golebiewski notes that as a dolichocephalic (long-nosed) breed, silken windhounds produce less saliva and slobber than some other dogs, which can make them more prone to dental issues. To help maintain their oral health, she recommends regular teeth brushing and incorporating dental chews.

Where to Buy or Adopt a Silken Windhound

Silken windhounds are a relatively rare breed, so they’re not commonly found in shelters or rescues. However, it doesn’t hurt to check adoption sites like Adopt a Pet, as silken windhounds may occasionally be available for adoption in your area. You can also check in with Silken Windhound Health and Rescue. 

Reputable silken windhound breeders typically produce only one or two litters yearly, so finding an available puppy to purchase can take time. Staying in touch with breeders and joining breed-specific networks can improve your chances. 

Purchasing a silken windhound puppy generally costs $2,000 to $4,000, depending on factors like breeder reputation, lineage, and location. Before purchasing, always confirm that the breeder conducts health testing, provides early socialization, and adheres to ethical breeding practices.

For additional details about this breed and resources for finding a reputable breeder, check out:

Silken Windhound Overview

The silken windhound is a graceful, medium-sized sighthound admired for their friendly temperament, athleticism, and soft, flowing coat. This breed thrives in active households, balancing a love for play and activity with time for quiet relaxation at home.

Silken windhounds are intelligent, eager to please, and respond well to positive reinforcement training. They are generally a healthy and long-lived breed.

Pros of the Silken Windhound

• Known for being friendly, easygoing, and social
• Relatively free of major health issues, with many living into their late teens
• Love to run and play but are also content to lounge at home

Cons of the Silken Windhound

• Relatively rare dog breed, meaning longer waitlists for puppies and fewer adoption opportunities.
• May instinctively chase small animals, making them less suited for homes with small pets unless properly socialized.
• Instinct to chase can make recall training challenging, so they should only run freely in securely fenced areas.

More Dog Breeds and Further Research

Not sure if a silken windhound is the right fit? Look into similar breeds, such as:

There’s a whole world of dog breeds out there—with some research, you can find the perfect match to bring home.