Golden Retrievers have thick, double-layered coats that hold water easily, so drying them properly after a bath or swim is essential. A damp coat can lead to odors, tangles, or even skin infections.
How to Dry Your Golden Retriever the Right Way
1. Start With a Good Towel Dry
- Use a large, super-absorbent towel or even two if needed.
- Pat and squeeze the water out of the coat instead of rubbing; rubbing can cause tangles and matting.
- Focus first on the heaviest, wettest areas, such as the chest, belly, and legs.
2. Use a High-Velocity or Blow Dryer
- A dog-specific blow dryer or high-velocity dryer is best suited for this purpose.
- Keep the setting on low or medium heat and move the dryer continuously to avoid overheating the skin.
- Blow in the direction of hair growth while brushing with a slicker brush — this helps separate the coat and speed up drying.
3. Brush While Drying
- Brushing prevents tangles and ensures the undercoat dries completely.
- Use a pin brush or slicker brush for the outer coat and a rake for the undercoat if needed.
- Be sure to brush through thick areas, such as behind the ears and around the neck.
4. Check for Damp Spots
Even after blow drying, check areas that stay moist the longest.
- Under the tail
- Behind the ears
- Under the legs and belly
If they feel damp, towel or blow dry again. Leaving these areas wet can lead to hot spots or mildew smells.
5. Let Them Air Dry (Optional)
If it’s warm outside, you can let your Golden air dry after partial towel and blow drying, but make sure they don’t roll in dirt or grass while drying.
6. Keep the Ears Dry
Gently wipe the inside of the ears with a vet-approved ear cleaner after drying to prevent infections.
Towel dry thoroughly, then use a blow dryer on a low heat setting while gently brushing the coat to prevent matting and moisture buildup. A clean, completely dry Golden Retriever will stay healthy, fluffy, and smell fresh much longer.