For some dog owners, grooming is a chore. Having a high-quality dog dryer can cut your grooming time and the drying process in half. There are many different kinds of dog dryers on the market, including various types, brands, and sizes.
We’ve compiled a list of 10 of our favorite dryers including our top pick, the K-9 III Dog Grooming Dryer. We have also summarized the characteristics that we think you should consider before purchasing a dog dryer.
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Purchasing the Best Dryer for Dog Grooming
You may have already learned the hard way that using a regular hair dryer won’t cut it when you’re drying your dog. Dog grooming dryers are designed specifically for dogs and their unique coat types. We are going to provide the different characteristics below that we feel you should consider.
Types of Dryers
Let’s start with what may be the most important factor. What type of dryer do you need and want? There are four types of dog dryers: High velocity, cage, stand, and handheld dryers. Each serve their drying purpose in a different way and depending on your dog’s temperament, one may be better for you than another.
High Velocity Dryers
High-velocity dryers are meant to blow out a lot of air at a quick rate to get your dog as dry as possible in the least amount of time. These popular with the professional groomer because they really get the water out fast.
Some high-velocity dryers include a heating element, while others will simply blow cool air out. These dryers also can be purchased at a variety of price levels, so you should be able to find one in your budget.
Though technology has come a long way in helping to reduce noise, high velocity dryers still tend to make a decent amount of noise. Skittish pups may hate the noise and having to stand closer to the dryer because of its cord and hose length.
Cage Dryers
Cage dryers are designed to blow dry your dog while they are inside their kennel. They are great for restless dogs who struggle with staying still during a grooming session because your dog is free to move about their kennel.
However, cage dryers are not ideal for dogs with thick hair, since they generally push out less air. If you want to purchase a cage dryer but have a dog with long thick hair, make sure to get a cage dryer that has a higher CFM (more on that below…it’s all about the airflow).
Another option would be to use a handheld blow dryer following the use of a cage dryer. This option allows the cage dryer to get rid of some if not most of the excess water, while the handheld dryer can finish up the job.
Stand Dryers
Stand dryers are commonly used by professional dog groomers. It’s highly recommended that dogs are groomed while they are standing or sitting on an elevated surface. A stand dryer enables you to do just that. They also allow for more hands-free movement.
They can be bulky since they do include a stand along with the dryer. If you aren’t sure that you have storing space or a dedicated area for drying your dog with a standing dryer, then this might not be the ideal option for you.
Handheld Dryers
Handheld blow dryers are as close to the human hair dryers you might have around the house. They are small and portable and can be easily held in your hand. They do not require extra hoses and are ideal for traveling. If your dog is small with thin hair, then a handheld dryer may be the most ideal. They don’t have tons of airflow.
A handheld dryer is well suited for dog owners who travel often with their dogs since all you need is an electrical outlet and you’re good to go!
Durability
High-quality dryers can cost a lot so choosing a dryer designed with durable materials is a good idea, since it should increase the longevity of the product.
Rust-controlled steel and impact-resistant materials are features worth investing in. Metallic materials have a higher chance of rusting, so opting for rust-controlled steel will lower the risk of rusting over time. There’s always the risk of accidentally dropping or knocking the dryer so impact-resistant materials might just be the saving grace you need.
Cubic Feet Per Meter
Time for a little ‘groomer lingo’. Grooming dryers are measured by cubic feet per meter (CFM), which specifically measures the amount of air dryers blow. As you would expect, a dryer with more air output will have a higher CFM. Though it may seem like a higher CFM rating would be an automatic perk, that is not always the case.
Dryers with a low CFM rating are better for dogs with thinner and shorter coats because of their sensitive skin. However, dogs like Huskies, Malamutes, and Newfoundlands would definitely require a heavier duty dryer with a higher CFM rating. A dryer with multiple airflow options is key.
Quietness
Dryers will always make noise, but there are features you can look for that may help reduce it. Choosing a dryer with varying flow options will enable you to choose the speed that makes the least amount of noise. If your dog panics at the sound of a roaring dryer, then having the option to tone down the speed is a must-have.
If your dog is skittish with noises, then a dryer with a polymer housing unit may be a better fit for you since it absorbs more sound. Some dryers, like stand dryers, may include vibration padding to help alleviate excess noise. Generally, manufacturers like to advertise their sound-proofing technology, so read the product description for their sales pitches regarding noise level.
Before moving on to our review and recommendations, watch this tutorial video on dog drying. In the video, you’ll see several different types of dryers with explanations on how to use them.
The 10 Best Professional Grooming Dryers
1. K-9 III Dog Grooming Dryer
There are many other great dryer products on the market today. The best ones sport functional and durable designs, reduce noise, and are easy to store and carry. Depending on what your grooming routine looks like, you may choose one or more dryer types to complete your tasks.
No matter what dryer you decide to purchase, we hope that it makes your life easier and your grooming sessions more pleasant and enjoyable for both you and your dog.
Last update on 2022-12-10 at 22:23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API