Last Updated on September 26, 2023 by Pauline G. Carter
As a professional dog groomer, Christine knew the importance of choosing the right dryer for the dogs that visited her salon. She prided herself on providing top-notch grooming services to all of her furry clients.
Today, a Golden Retriever named Max stood on her grooming table, so she chose a dryer that would work best for drying Max’s thicker and silkier coat.
She attached the hose and turned on the dryer, adjusting the airflow to a comfortable level for the calm-tempered and friendly canine.
Max seemed to enjoy his drying session, his tongue lolling out of his mouth as he allowed Christine to remove the excess water and brush and comb his hair. Christine smiled, knowing that she had made the right choice in a dryer.
Each dog has its own drying requirements, so selecting a dryer is not a “cut-and-dried” choice (no pun intended).
Whether you’re a professional groomer or a dog parent, investing in the best dog grooming equipment is a priority.
So, how do you select the right dryer or dryers for dog grooming activities?
After all, dryers are used that are described as blasters and cyclone, tsunami, and hurricane models as well as finishing dryers with anionic detanglers. You can also find dryers with single or duo motors, or wall-mounted and stand alone styles.
Deciding on a Dryer
You’ll need to select a dryer based on the size of the dog, coat type, environment, and the dog’s temperament.
Again, finding the best dryer may become confusing, given the various choices..
So, let’s explore the popular types of dryers dog groomers and pet owners regularly use.
Types of Dog Dryers
As dryers come in various designs, the following descriptions will help you narrow your choices.
1. Forced Air Dryers
Forced air dryers, also known as high-velocity dryers, are some of the most popular choices among professional groomers and pet owners alike. These powerful blowers use a motor to blast high-speed air at a dog’s coat to remove water and loose and fluff hair quickly and efficiently.
They do not have heating elements or an auxiliary heater, Therefore, they’re considered safer for dogs with sensitive skin or delicate coats. The dryers are sought-after products as they are considered safe and reliable. They quickly remove water from both a dog’s outer and inner coats.
2. Stand Dryers
Stand dryers are best suited for salons or pet owners who groom their dogs regularly. They come with an adjustable stand that holds the dryer in place, allowing the user to employ both hands for brushing and styling a dog’s coat during the drying time. These dryers typically feature variable temperature controls to avoid overheating and accommodate different coat types.
Because a stand dryer can be adjusted in angle and height, you can brush or comb a dog and calm a more nervous canine. Stand dryers are also easier to move around. You can adapt the direction of the dryer without having to move the dog.
3. Cage Dryers
If you work in a busy grooming salon with limited space or need to dry multiple dogs, you might look at a cage dryer as an option. As the name suggests, these dryers are designed to attach to a crate or cage, providing hands-free operation.
While they may not be as powerful as forced air or stand dryers, their gentle airflow makes them suitable for dogs prone to anxiety or stress.
However, they are not as safe, as a dog should still be monitored if he is left alone in a cage and is getting dried. The dog may receive too much heat if he is left by himself for too long of time.
4. Handheld Dryers
Handheld dryers resemble human hair dryers but have been specifically designed for pet grooming purposes. They are lightweight, portable, and often come with multiple attachments to adjust airflow intensity and volume. While not as powerful as other types of dog dryers, handheld dryers are suitable for smaller breeds or occasional grooming sessions at home.
Choosing the Best Dryer for Your Dog or Salon
Now that you’re familiar with the different types of dog dryers, consider the following factors when selecting a dryer.
Size and breed of the dog:
Larger dog breeds may require a more powerful dryer, such as a forced air dryer, while you may find a handheld dryer sufficient for small or miniature breeds.
Coat type:
Dogs with thick or double coats may benefit from high-velocity dryers for faster drying times and better grooming results.
Noise levels:
If your dog is sensitive to loud noises, consider investing in a dryer with a quieter motor to reduce stress during grooming activities.
Budget:
The ideal dryer should strike a balance between your budget and your specific grooming requirements. While professional-grade dryers may have a higher price tag, they are well worth the investment in terms of durability and performance.
Environment
You also have to consider dryer access and where it will be used. For instance, if you’re a mobile groomer, it might be best to choose a wall-mounted dryer.
Conclusion
Finding the best dog dryer for your specific needs requires understanding the various types of dryers in the marketplace. This will help you make the best choice for a dryer, based on the type of dog being groomed, the place you’ll be doing the grooming, and how much you can afford to spend.