The Best Towels For Drying Dogs

A wet pup can make a big mess as they come out of the tub, lake, or really any body of water. That's why every pet parent needs a few good drying towels for their dog. Pet drying towels are designed a little differently than those made for humans, and they usually work a lot better at getting all of the moisture out of dense fur, especially if they're high-quality. We've found quite a selection for you to consider. Take a look.

What to Look For

The best towels for drying your dog are easy to clean, soak up water quickly, and are big enough to get good coverage. For example, the cute and convenient Bone Dry pet grooming towels are large, machine-washable, and made of super-absorbent microfiber. However, their size can make them a little tricky to travel with. So if you’re frequently on the go, you may prefer the Dog Gone Smart Pet Products Dirty Dog Shammy. It’s compact but has drying power that packs a punch. And if neither of these seems like a good fit, you can find more below.

Bone Dry Pet Grooming Towel

Rapid results

These thick towels take your pup from drenched to dry in a flash.
Best Overall

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These extra-large pet grooming towels from Bone Dry are ideal for any dog, from a tiny Chihuahua to a massive Mastiff. Ultra-soft and quick-drying microfiber soaks up every drop of liquid in a flash while keeping your pup nice and warm. Plus, they’re lightweight and easy to toss right into the washing machine. They also come in tons of fun colors and patterns with adorable embroidered designs that add a unique touch.

Pros:

  • Dries quickly, so you can use it again as needed
  • Soaks up a lot of water and doesn’t leave a mess behind
  • Works well on long and thick-coated dogs
  • Lightweight when dry, so they don’t weigh down your backpack or go bag

Cons:

  • Lint and fur stick to it like a magnet

Dog Gone Smart Pet Products Dirty Dog Shammy

Hold on tight

Handy hand pockets help you get a good grip on your dog for faster drying.
Runner Up

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The Original Dirty Dog Shammy from Dog Gone Smart Pet Products is a conveniently compact option that helps you dry your pooch quickly. It features two elastic-lined pockets for you to place your hands, allowing you to fluff it around all over your dog until there’s no water left. The plush high-pile microfiber absorbs up to 20 times more water than standard cotton towels. And when you’re all done, you can throw them right into the washing machine.

Pros:

  • Small but cleans big dogs in no time
  • Thick fluffy microfiber gets deep into thick fur coats
  • Versatile design also helps you dry floors or other surfaces
  • Hand pockets give you better control than traditional towels

Cons:

  • High-pile microfiber can fray a little in the dryer

Barkbox Hooded Dog Bathrobe Towel

Photo ready

This absorbent towel robe is as cute as it is effective.
Best Wearable

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If it’s a little chilly and you want to keep your dog nice and warm as they dry off, the Barkbox hooded dog bathrobe towel has them covered. It comes in three sizes and several styles that are as cute as they are cozy. As a bonus, you can get some adorable pictures for your socials while your dog is lounging and drying comfortably.

Pros:

  • Size availability fits dogs up to 70 pounds
  • Works well for drying dogs that don’t like staying still for a traditional towel
  • Stays closed and comfortable until you take it off
  • Perfect for the trip home from the beach or lake

Cons:

  • Doesn’t dry as quickly as microfiber towels

Tegeme Microfiber Pet Drying Towels

Budget friendly

Affordably stock up on these super absorbent towels.
Best Value

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Whether you have several dogs to dry off or just spend a ton of time outside with your pup, Tegeme’s four-pack of microfiber towels help make life a little easier. They come in several colors and two size options, ensuring there’s always one to fit your needs. Meanwhile, they’re super soft and absorbent, ensuring your dog gets dry fast.

Pros:

  • Affordable way to stock up on drying towels
  • Machine-washable and easily dried for added convenience
  • Lightweight and fold compactly for effortless storage
  • Soft and comfortable to use

Cons:

  • You may need two when drying off larger breeds

Truly Pet Sponge Towels

Fabulously fluffy

Thick fabric and a squishy plush feel make these towels a must-have.
Best Texture

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Truly Pet Sponge Towels are ultra-plush, incredibly soft, and highly absorbent. They feel more like super fluffy blankets than terry cloth. But don’t let that fool you. These towels soak up faster and more effectively than any standard towel. Plus, they’re lightweight and super easy to fold up and tuck away, allowing you to keep everything neat and organized in your go bag or linen closet.

Pros:

  • Available in packs of up to eight for added value
  • Durable microfiber helps them hold up to frequent use
  • Machine-washable and quick-drying
  • Soft and cuddly texture helps dogs feel cozy

Cons:

  • Colors can run the first couple of times you wash them

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are so many dog-drying towels made of microfiber?

Microfiber is uniquely designed to hold up to seven times its weight in fluid, making it incredibly effective at drying your fluffy pets off quickly and completely. Regular towels are cotton, and while absorbent enough for people, they don’t do a great job getting into long, thick furry coats.

How many drying towels do I need?

If you have one dog that only gets wet after the occasional bath, one drying towel is usually enough. On the other hand, multiple dogs or an active outdoor lifestyle may require you to stock up. As a rule, we recommend keeping two towels on hand for each dog you own.

About the Author

Chelsia has grown up with cats all her life and now has two of her very own. As a mom of five kids, Chelsia has lots of little tricks to share about caring for and training cats to live harmoniously with everyone else in the home. She also knows the latest gadgets to make caring for cats a breeze so you can spend more time with your loved ones and less time worrying about cleaning up after your furry friends.

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