You know it well, dogs signature shake-off, spraying water everywhere and sending fur flying in all directions. Wouldn't it be better if your dog sat nicely for you while you dried them with pleasant warm air instead?
While cats are known to be common household pets that hate water, dogs would have to be their equal with their disdain for blow dryers. Bath time can be hard enough with some dog breeds having water avoidance issues. Adding a paralyzing fear of the dog dryer to the mix could cause any patient person to want to throw in the towel.
Did you know there are things that you can do to make your dog more comfortable? While some dogs may never have a great love for the blow dryer, there are ways to make bath time a better experience for both of you. Keep reading as we reveal some tips!
Why Does My Dog Hate the Dog Dryer?
The best place to start in getting your dog more comfortable with being blown dry is to figure out why they hate it so much in the first place. There could be a few key reasons your fur baby is being a cry baby.
The Noise
First of all, blow dryers are loud! It's not uncommon for dogs to be stressed out by loud noises like blow dryers, thunder, or fireworks.
If your dog seems okay in the presence of the dryer until it's turned on, there's a good chance that he just can't handle the sound. If he seems uneasy when it's not even plugged in, you may have introduced him to it a little too quickly.
That's alright! We can fix this.
The Heat
Understandably, a dog might be uncomfortable if the dryer is making him too hot or even burning his skin. Did you know your dog's skin is more sensitive than yours?
The heat of the dryer could be too much for his skin to take, and he's just letting you know that. You could be holding the dryer too close, which is an easy fix!
Anxiety Issues
If the dryer isn't the only thing that makes your dog shudder, he could have more generalized anxiety issues. These can be harder to fix, but it doesn't mean it's impossible!
Be prepared to make slow progress if this is the case. It's not a lost cause!
Tips to Make Your Dog Comfortable
Now that you may have figured out the underlying issue, you may have already been able to piece together some solutions. If not, never fear, we have a few tips for you!
Tip 1: Headphones
That's right. There are noise-canceling headphones, ear muffs, and ear plugs for dogs. If your dog's issue was the first option where the dryer is just too loud, try a pair of noise-cancelling headphones!
You can also try cotton balls if you have them laying around the house. A word of warning though, don't push them too deep into your dog's ear canal.
These work great for several things that are too loud for your pooch. It's definitely worth a shot if it will help him relax!
Tip 2: Avoid High Heat
We said this could be an easy solution, and it is! If your dog is avoiding the dryer because he's too hot, simply use a lower setting and dry him from further away.
You should be doing this anyway. It's extremely dangerous to use a dryer up too close to a dog that is on a high level of heat. You can cause serious burns.
Tip 3: Desensitize
This tip is more of a long-game approach. You need to introduce the dyer slowly and carefully.
Dogs are curious creatures and will benefit from being able to sniff and explore the device before it is ever used on them. Start with having your dog near the dryer unplugged.
It may take a few days, but slowly work your way up to turning the dryer onto its lowest setting. Positive affirmations and treats are key!
Don't use it on your pet yet! Just let it run a few seconds at a time, several feet away from him, and give positive affirmations immediately. If you have a handful of treats, you can use these to lure him closer proving to him that good things are by the dryer!
Once your dog has gotten used to this and seems to be reacting well, you can move up to pointing the dryer his way. Always start from underneath your dog, such as his chest, as he may feel threatened to have it above him.
Small dogs you may want to put in your lap and bring the dryer to him while giving treats. Either way, move through the steps slowly and, if need be, over a few days.
Keep your sessions short. Fifteen to twenty minutes is all you need. Forcing your dog into a stressful situation will only traumatize him and cause him to regress.
Tip 4: Medication
Speak to your veterinarian if you believe your dog has anxiety that isn't manageable. There are medications that they can prescribe to help relieve some of your canine's stress. There could be an underlying medical reason that needs attention if positive reinforcement, giving treats, and desensitizing aren't working.
If you are wary of medications, CBD treats or CBD oil could be a potential option. Only your veterinarian would be able to speak on that.
Final Thoughts
The most important piece of the puzzle throughout all of these tips to get your dog comfortable with the dog dryer is praise. Whatever way your pup accepts rewards needs to be how you are reinforcing his positive behaviors.
Grab some high-value treats, put on your best "good boy" voice, and prepare all the pets. Your dog will feel your pride and trust your guidance. Since you're here, take a moment to check out our dog grooming services!