Course 05 · Drying · Lesson 5 of 12
How do you dry a double coat fully?
Dry a double coat fully by towel drying in sections, then using airflow to reach the undercoat, parting the coat to check dryness to the skin, since the surface can look dry while the undercoat stays damp.
Drying a double coat fully means towel drying in sections, then using airflow to reach the undercoat, parting the coat repeatedly to check dryness to the skin, since the surface can look dry while the undercoat stays damp for hours. A double coat holds water in its dense, soft undercoat, beneath guard hairs that shed water and look dry quickly. That hidden dampness can chill a dog, cause skin irritation, encourage odour, and allow tangles to form as the coat dries unevenly. Full drying is therefore not complete when the surface feels dry, but when the skin, when parted, feels dry and warm, and a comb passes through the coat without snagging on damp clumps. The process takes longer than for a short coat, and it should be planned for, with towels, airflow and time ready before the bath ends.
Why does a double coat stay damp underneath?
A double coat stays damp underneath because the undercoat is dense, fine and absorbent, while the guard hairs are coarser and shed water from the surface. Water is trapped in the undercoat, air cannot circulate through packed hair, and the surface can dry while the layer next to the skin remains wet. The thicker the undercoat, the longer it takes to dry, and the more important section drying becomes. A dog that is left with a damp undercoat may shiver, may develop a musty odour, and may scratch or rub at the coat as it dries unevenly. The undercoat should be dried as a separate task, not assumed to dry because the top coat looks dry, and the handler should expect drying to take a significant amount of time for a dense double coat.
How do you towel dry a double coat?
Towel dry a double coat in sections, pressing towels into the coat to reach the undercoat, squeezing gently, and changing towels when they become saturated. Part the coat with a hand, press a towel into the parting, and squeeze gently, moving systematically over the body, legs, chest and tail base. Use several large towels, since a double coat holds a lot of water, and keep the dog in a warm, draught-free room throughout. Do not rub the coat, since rubbing creates tangles in wet undercoat, and do not assume the coat is dry because the towels are coming away less wet. Towel drying should remove the bulk of the water, so airflow drying has less work to do, and it should be done thoroughly, even though it takes time.
How do you use airflow to dry the undercoat?
Use airflow in sections, parting the coat with a hand or comb, directing air into the parting so it reaches the undercoat and skin, and moving steadily so no area is overheated or chilled. A high-velocity dryer is effective for double coats, provided the dog has been introduced to it and the handler uses safe distance and movement, while a household dryer on a cool, low setting can work for a less dense coat if it is kept moving. Dry the body first, then legs, chest and tail, leaving the head for towels and gentle air. Part the coat frequently to check dryness, and continue until the skin feels dry and warm, not cool and damp. Brushing during drying can help separate the coat, but it should be gentle and stopped if the coat snags, since wet undercoat tangles readily.
How do you check that a double coat is fully dry?
Check full dryness by parting the coat in several places, including the thickest areas over the back, sides, chest and tail base, and feeling the skin and undercoat with a hand. The skin should feel dry and warm, the undercoat should feel dry and loose, not cool, damp or clumped, and a comb should pass through each section without snagging on damp tangles. The dog should not be shivering, the coat should not have a damp smell, and the bedding the dog lies on afterwards should stay dry. If any area feels damp, continue drying that area, since a small damp patch can spread chill and odour. A final check after a short break, when the coat has had time to cool, can reveal dampness that was missed when the coat felt warm from airflow.
What does a workable checklist look like?
- Towel dry in sections, press into undercoat, change saturated towels. 2. Airflow in sections, part coat, direct air to skin. 3. Body first, head last with towels. 4. Check skin and undercoat by touch in several places. 5. Comb check when dry, check again after a short break.
When should you stop and get help?
Stop and get groomer help if a double coat cannot be dried fully at home, if the undercoat is packed or matted, or if the dog panics at airflow. Get vet help for pain, skin problems, ear problems, shivering that does not settle, or distress. Do not leave a double coat damp, do not use high heat, and do not point airflow at ears or eyes. A double coat that stays damp despite careful drying needs professional equipment and handling, and a dog that cannot be dried safely at home should be dried by a groomer.
A double coat dried to the skin, section by section, is a coat that will stay clean, loose and comfortable, and the extra time spent drying it fully is the difference between a bath that helps and a bath that leaves a hidden damp problem behind.
Further reading
- American Kennel Club, grooming guidance
- PDSA, dog care guidance
- RSPCA, pet care guidance