After you've given your dog a bath, you can dry them using a towel or a pet dryer. Special pet dryers for dogs not only make the process quicker and easier – they're also safer for dogs and make your pet's coat look more puffy, presenting the hair with more volume.

You cannot use a human hair dryer on dogs for two reasons:

The Best Pet Dryers for Dogs1) some aren't powerful enough to dry dog fur all over their body;
2) others can be unsafe for pets due to their heat production.

Not all dogs will accept being dried with a pet dryer or dog blower. To test whether your pooch can get used to a noisy, air-blowing device, use your existing vacuum cleaner (if it has the “blow” setting).

The main rule for choosing best pet dryers for dogs is they must be safe and dry the dog quickly. For home grooming, there are two types of dog dryers you can buy. First is a simple dog blower that looks like a human hair dryer. Second is what's called a cage dryer – these are more powerful and better equipped devices with additional features. They're also more expensive, often used by professional groomers.

How to Choose the Safest, Best Pet Dryer for Dogs

The first tip about choosing a safe dog dryer is that it must have “Cold Air” setting at the very least. Ideally, it has variable temperature and variable air speed, which gives you more control. The reason for this is because your dog won't tell you when air gets too hot for them.

You will also want “Multiple Speeds” feature for one of two reasons: a) if your pooch has thick fur, you may need to experiment with different speeds to find the sweet spot for drying; b) for owners of multiple dogs with different coats (like in our case), you'll be able to use the same pet dryer and not buying two separate ones.

In terms of price, you'll notice that it differs significantly. Some pet dryers for dogs are designed to be used by groomers in their salons, while others are only good enough for home grooming. There's nothing wrong with buying a “professional” dog blower, because they will decrease the time drying a dog by 3, 4 or 5 times compared to small, low power dryers. This also means you're less likely to burn your dog.

How to Choose a Safe Pet Dryer for Dogs

Floor and Tabletop pet dryers seem big and clunky, but they're actually better for households with multiple pets or for dogs that require to be bathed more often. As long as you can find a perfect spot for such a big dryer, you will be happy to have chosen this over a “portable” version. Floor pet dryers are easier to use, and they're also generally more quiet than portable, smaller dog blowers.

Finally, handheld dog dryers (resembling human hair dryers) are the cheapest of all. However, you'll notice that we haven't even included any of them among our best pet dryers for dogs rankings. There are several reasons for that why we didn't like any of them: a) constant worry about the short cord and risks of getting a dog tangled up in it; b) increased anxiety for the dog because the whole drying is always moving about their body; c) most of them have low power, not strong enough for thick coats; d) heat control is poorer.

Top 10 Best Pet Dryers for Dogs

1K-9 III High Velocity Blower Dryer

K-9 III High Velocity Blower Dryer works well on dogs with heavy coats. It comes with two different dryer speeds and in a variety of colors (black, silver, burgundy, pink, purple). The warm air comes from the motor, meaning there is no heater attached to it, making it safer. It contains two different vacuum attachments for versatility as well. We liked that it's very portable, and constructed of 18-gauge steel. The dryer also has an outlet (120 volt) attached to it that can work for dog clippers.

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K-9 III is the first among best pet dryers for dogs, and it’s also very expensive. Out of all dog blowers tested, this one appears most durable and dried the hair quickest. This itself dryer is pretty much a tank. It contains all the horsepower necessary to get the job done and get your pet dry, and often used by professional groomers.

PROS: We've also confirmed this with working groomers, who said that this brand works on dogs with even the heaviest coats. For example, one groomer mentioned that it took about 15 minutes to dry a Chow Chow. It’s high powered and cuts the drying time in half compared to even other best dog dryers below. Yet, despite the heftiness of the machinery, we found it fairly portable. Other professionals also commented on the sheer power of this dog dryer and how it held up, even after drying multiple dogs in a row.

CONS: As with any heavy-duty pet dryer, this one should not be used on your dog's facial area. Make sure you don’t put it too close to your dog’s face at all, as it can be too intense for such a delicate space. Also, a few groomers said that the hose material is thin and, if you’re too rough with it, it will break. If you run into this issue, we recommend that you replace the material with something thicker.

 

2SHELANDY Adjustable Speed Pet Hair Dryer for Dogs

Shelandy dog blower is a similar, cheaper version of the above K-9 pet dryer. It shares many of the similar features, but on a smaller scale. The output is lower in power, and the airflow is slower too. However, that also makes this one not only more lightweight and portable, but also far more affordable for owners drying dogs at home.

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While this Shelandy dog blower comes as second among best pet dryers for dogs, it's not necessarily better than several below mentioned options. However, when it comes to its cost-effectiness, this is easily one of the winners. At its current price, this is simply the best dog blower for home groomers that don't wish to spend on more serious products that professional groomers buy. It took us a little longer to finish drying our dog, but at this price, we can't argue.

PROS: Similar to the above K-9 dog dryer, this one is safe and secure to have around your pets. It works for dogs with all types of coat, and will dry them effectively (only taking slightly more time). It also appears durable enough for continued usage and prolonged drying periods. For a dryer that runs continuously on end, this is also very sturdy.

CONS: The only disadvantage is that it's missing some safety features, but being lower in power, this pet dryer for dogs also doesn't need them as much as the above product. There was also some vaguely mentioned thumb screw issues from another groomer who pitched in with their opinion and said that it impacted the dryer until it was fixed. Pay attention to the nuts and bolts of the equipment and prepare to repair any signs of faltering.

 

3Flying Pig High Velocity Dog Dryer

Flying Pig dog blower is adjustable and contains a height stand that you can maneuver to direct your dog to the position you want him or her in. The adjustment stand is made from tubular steel and features three different heat settings (as well as a setting for air only). You not only can adjust for height; you can adjust for flow and air direction as well.

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The Flying Pig product comes as the third best pet drying for dogs due to its high a quality design and maneuverability. It does have multiple different heat settings for different breeds and coat types, and it has variable speed levels. This is a fantastic choice for a groomer's salon, but it's a little too large and clunky to be used at home. If, however, you have the space, this is a worthy purchase.

PROS: Based on the feel of materials, this pet drying for dogs is clearly durable and long-lasting. One groomer reported that she’d had it for 14 years and it's still going strong. It’s also not as loud and roaring like some similar designs, making for a more quiet and pleasant drying experience that won’t scare you or your dog. Its several temperature settings were great in our case when drying two dogs with different coats.

CONS: Obviously, just like the first of best pet dryers for dogs, this one is also pricey (though cheaper than the portable blower). Another subjective disadvantage is its size and lack of portability. It's hard to maneuver, and ideally it's only used in your home grooming setup (with bath and/or grooming table).

 

4K-9 II High Velocity Blower Pet Dryer

K-9 II dog drying is the older version of the first mentioned best pet dryer for dogs. It's also portable and usable for breeds of all coat types and sizes. It contains an industrial strength 10” hose, an outlet for plugging in clippers, an extra air filter, and a one-year-warranty. You can use it with a double-hose or even in a cage. There are two speed choices and two temperature choices to pick from. The heat comes from the motor, not an outside heating element.

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Although K-9 II dog dryer is an excellent, high-quality pet blower, some groomers told us that it was hard to change the nozzles for them (something we haven't had the time to test). For them, that was the only issue, some of whom decided to exchange this for the K-9 III.

PROS: The adjust-ability of K-9 II pet dryer in terms of temperature and speed were extremely useful for us when, with two dogs, we needed that level of change and flexibility. The ease of portability was another factor that made this dryer a great choice.

CONS: While we didn't experience this issue, some groomers reported nozzles on the hose as being a little difficult to adjust, something that proved inconvenient for different clientele.

 

5Chris Christensen Kool Pup Dryer

Chris Christensen Kool dog dryer provides over “200 positions” of air flow, which is a unique feature among all of these best pet dryers for dogs we're reviewing. The adjustable blower contains sound-absorbing foam that prevents it from getting too loud and roaring and the outside of the dryer is rust-proof. The dryer itself is tiny, coming in a 6x6x6 inch body that is small and portable.

Despite the advantageous adjust-ability, we felt that Chris Christensen pet dryer didn’t have the power that the others dryers higher on the list had. Its small size and stature make it best-equipped for dogs that aren’t very large, probably stopping around medium breeds with coats of moderate length and thickness.

PROS: Chris Christensen dryer has an air flow that is continuous and will provide enough force to get the job done if you have a dog that doesn’t have an unusually moisture-absorbent coat. The smallness of the dryer makes it portable and simple to use, and we certainly liked that. Average or small sized dogs are unlikely to have any issues with its power.

CONS: Several groomers reported that they wouldn’t have minded if these dog dryers came with more heat options, especially when grooming during the winter. This is the issue we've considered as well. All in all, this was a minor concern for anybody with small to medium breeds, and doesn't have a big of an impact on the quietness or quality of the dryer.

 

6Xpower B-5 4 HP Variable Speed 2-in-1 Pet Dryer and Vacuum

This lightweight Xpower B-5 4 HP pet dryer/vacuum weighs less than eleven pounds and contains four types of air nozzles and an internally protected motor. The feet of the pet dryer are rubber-tipped preventing slipping, and there is a three-filter system to keep the motor clean. The heat does not go above 109 degrees. The dog blower also contains a vacuum for a dual-action pet cleaning.

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Although this is a 2-in-1 pet vacuum and pet dryer, which is very convenient and useful for most of us, the Xpower B-5 4 HP doesn’t have strong enough force that the other best pet dryers for dogs mentioned above have. We would recommend it for owners of dogs that don’t need high-voltage drying.

PROS: The 2-in-1 factor (vacuum and dryer combined) of Xpower B-5 4 HP makes it for an attractive choice. This pet dryer is also quiet and gives off “40%” less noise than most of its competitors. It's somewhat true, because comparing it to other, louder, pet dryers, the difference does sound to be there. Also, the portability (it’s only 11 pounds) of this machine was a big plus for us should we groom at home.

CONS: As aforementioned, this dog dryer isn’t the best for pets that are larger, with long and thick coats, and need more heavy-duty drying. The heat doesn’t go up over 109 degrees, which is a deal breaker for some.

 

7Metro Air Force Steel Commander Variable Speed Dog Dryer

Metro Air Force dog blower contains different speed levels and is adjustable based on your own preference. It measures 20 by 8 inches (length and height) and contains an air filter and legs that are dual-mounted and can be used to prop up the dryer either vertically or horizontally. There is no heating element; it’s just warm air from the motor. It’s made of steel and is very durable.

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Although Metro Air Force pet dryer for dogs is durable and effective, it didn’t have the portability that the other dog dryers had. Another noticeable difference is that the long length of it made this pet dryer hard to carry around in our house and bathroom.

PROS: The cord of Metro Air Force pet blower is elongated, meaning that if you need a longer hose-tube, this is the pet dryer for you. The air filter is also simple to change, so you won’t have to struggle during cleaning. It’s a very powerful piece of equipment, so be careful when using it around smaller dogs or, we've joked during this pet dryer review, your dog “will take flight.”

CONS: Be sure that you purchase the variable model; otherwise, the power will be too much for your smaller dog. By getting the variable speed model, you’ll be able to adjust the power to your liking.

 

8B-Air Dryers Bear Power 2 High Velocity Dryer

B-Air Bear Power 2 is compatible in 110 volt outlets only. It is insulated, making the equipment quieter, and there are three interchangeable nozzles. The speed control is adjustable as well and the dog blower has double the drying power of its earlier model, Bear Power I (mentioned below). The motors work by twin turbines and there is no heating element to the equipment.

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B-Air Dryers Bear Power 2 is definitely a high-quality piece of machinery, but comparing it with the other best pet dryers for dogs we've reviewed, the durability left much to be desired (see cons section).

PROS: The drying time gets cut down immensely with this pet dryer because of how powerful it is. The nozzle variations also allow you full control over how much power change you can have in the dog dryer. The two motors are what really give it the edge over the competition in terms of sheer power.

CONS: Unfortunately, the double motor has given us some problems. We weren’t happy about its perceived quality and it does seem a little flimsy. Some groomers who owned this in the past also reported needing to fix it after 2-3 months.

 

9B-Air Dryers Bear Power 1 High Velocity Dryer

B-Air Bear Power 1 is the older version of the above mentioned pet dryer. It contains four nozzles, all interchangeable. There are two different selectable air-speeds and it is insulated to make sure that there is a quiet operation. The dog dryer is lightweight and portable, and the rubberized feet of the unit make sure it stays in one place during usage. This machine is suitable for dogs of all coat types and sizes.

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B-Air Dryers Bear Power 1 comes after the Bear Power II in our best pet dryers for dogs reviews ranking because its power level is a little lower, as it only has one motor (instead of two). This power downgrade put this dryer below the previously mentioned one, but most of its other features are identical.

PROS: The four interchangeable nozzles of this pet blower provide a wide-range, adjustable experience that gives you as the owner versatility over your pet’s grooming experience. The difference in nozzles helped us with multiple dogs doing multiple grooming sessions a day. The portability of this dryer makes it easy-to-clean and the insulation keeps the motor from roaring loudly.

CONS: The power isn’t as strong as the Bear Power II, so if you have a dog with a coat that needs a high level of air, you might find this to be lacking in the “oomf” you need. The other disadvantage of the above mentioned dryer and the issues of flimsy quality are still present in this one too.

 

10Go Pet Club 2 Speed Adjustable Temp Pet Dryer

Go Pet Club 2 is the final mention among these best pet dryers for dogs and a decent alternative for owners on a budget. It has two speeds and two adjustable controls. It also has four different nozzles and is puncture-resistant. The airflow is controlled and is low-noise, meaning that your dog won’t get spooked during grooming.

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Though Go Pet Club 2 Speed is a good dog dryer for the price, it seems like it won't last too long – its quality does appear a little cheap. One groomer also reported and confirmed these suspicions. Also, the portability was a little difficult, as this dryer only is compatible with 110v outlets.

PROS: The versatility of Go Pet Club 2 is a major benefit. It contains different speeds, controls, and nozzles that you can use to customize the grooming experience and provide your dog with everything they need to be groomed efficiently, and for the price, it's great to have. It also weighs only around 10 pounds, so it’s easy to move from place to place.

CONS: A groomer reported that they had some issues with durability, claiming that their dryer tuckered out on her after only fifteen uses. This was also our suspicion when testing it. Though others didn’t share the experience, it’s something to take note of.

READ NEXT: 48 Ways to Save Money on Dog Grooming, Training and Supplies


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Dom Naish is a Phoenix-based writer, vegan, cupcake addict and dog lover. Years in the animal rescue trenches have taught him every aspect of dog ownership from behavioral problems, personality and breed specific trait differences of all dogs.