Best dog towels and robes to keep your pet clean and dry

One way to keep your beloved doggo cool and clean is to give it a nice bath or let it enjoy some time in a doggie pool or lake. Equally important is to dry down the pet quickly and effectively with a towel. Your canine’s thick coat is not going to make it easy and you are better off using a special dog towel for the purpose.

But which are the best dog towels available in the market? How can they make the task of wiping down the pet as easy and effortless as possible?

In this article, we will look at answering specifically the above questions and list some of the best dog towels available in the market. We will briefly cover how these specialized pet bath towels are different from ordinary towels and how can they be useful.

We will also discuss the major factors to consider before picking the best dog towel for your needs and share our top picks. Read On!

As a side note, if you are worried about flea infestation and looking for some specialized flea shampoos to bathe your pooch, then check out DigDoggy’s article on the best flea shampoos for dogs.

You can also check out our article on the best dog cooling vests and best dog cooling bandanas for some other excellent products to keep your beloved doggie cool in summer.

Best dog towels list

Some of the best dog towels, dog shammy and dog bath robes available in the market for drying your pet are listed below:
PictureProductSpecifications

Bone Dry DII Microfiber Pet Bath Towel44” x 27.5”.


Soggy Doggy Super Shammy Dog Towel31” x 14”.

The Snuggly Dog Easy Wear Dog TowelS: Neck-20", Back-24", Height-12".
M: Neck-22", Back-26", Height-14".
L: Neck-24", Back-29", Height-15.5".
XL: Neck-26", Back-31.5", Height-17".
Geyecete Dog Drying CoatXS: Back-11"-12".
S: Back-13"-14".
M: Back-16"-17".
L: Back-19"-20".
XL: Back-22"-23".
XXL: Back-25"-26".
XXXL: Back-29"-30".
Adjustable neck.
Tuff Pupper Large Dog Shammy Towel35” x 14”.
Dog Gone Smart Dirty Dog Shammy Towel31” x 13”.

Zwipes 781 Microfiber Pet Towels36” x 30”.
Dolphin & Dog Super Absorbent Dog Towel52” x 30”.
Kole Ultra-Absorbent Pet Bath TowelM: 34” x 25”.
L: 44” x 28”.
Bonawen Microfiber Dog Drying Towel RobeXS: Back - 12".
S: Back - 15.7".
M: Back - 20".
L: Back - 23".
XL: Back - 29".
Sinland Microfiber Hooded Pet Bath Towel39” x 39”.

What are pet or dog towels and how are they different from standard bath towels?

Whether they get wet during baths, or after a swim in the pool, or during rains, most canines prefer to dry themselves down as soon as possible. One way you can dry your beloved pooch is by thoroughly grooming it with a dog towel.

Pet or dog towels are special pieces of soft fabric that are made specifically to wick the moisture from a pet’s body, quickly and effectively. These towels are also effective in getting the dirt, mud, and hair off the dog’s body and fur.

Dog towels are available in multiple types and designs – standard towels, hooded towels, shammies with hand pouches, even robes. Dog bath towels, shammies, and robes are generally made of microfiber or special cotton-blends which may be considered rough for humans but are still durable and soft to use with canines. The microfiber blend used is generally 80% polyester and 20% polyamide (nylon) – providing a nice balance between wicking capacity and comfort.

They also have special sizes, shapes and some even have pet-friendly design features such as grip pockets and pet hoods. Most dog towels also work equally well with other furry pets such as cats.

The first question that would obviously come to your mind is why do you even need specialized dog towels? Well, there are quite a few reasons:

  • Dog towels work better for pets than normal towels. Dog towels (or other pet towels) are made of special materials that can wick away moisture, dirt, and hair more effectively than standard human bath towels.
  • Most dog towels have specialized sizes and design features which make them easier to use with pets. Features such as hand pockets, neck hoods and sizes over 30″ x 12” make them comfortable and efficient to use with pets.
  • Having a separate bath towel for your dog is just more hygienic. It helps contain shedded hairs and dirt from the pet’s fur.
  • Dog towels are available in pet-friendly colors and generally not too costly, at least for their size. So, it is a good idea to get a special dog (or other pet) towel anyway.

As you can see from the above discussion, it is a good idea to have a separate dog or pet towel for your pets.

In the next sections, we will look at some of the best dog towels available in the market and share our top picks. We would also cover the main factors to consider before picking the best dog towel for your needs and some alternatives to these pet towels.

Which are the best dog towels and pet bath towels?

Bone Dry DII Microfiber Pet Bath Towel – Best dog towel (standard)Best dog towel (standard) - DII Bone Dry Microfiber Pet Bath Towel with Embroidered Paw Print, 44x27.5

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 Material and design: Super-absorbent 80/20 polyester-polyamide microfiber fabric towel with double-stitched borders.
Size: 44” x 27.5”.
Price: $.
Features:

  • Most popular durable and plush dog bath towels with double-sided 80/20 polyester-polyamide microfiber drying surfaces. Made in China under strict quality control measures.
  • Features an absorbent, soft drying surface that absorbs twice as much moisture as conventional towels (5-6X times its weight) and quickly removes dirt, mud, and bacteria.
  • Has an oversized 44″ x 27.5″ surface that is suitable for cats and dogs in different breeds and sizes. May not be as effective as shammy towels on dogs with thick furs.
  • Offers multi-purpose uses as a crate or kennel mat or cover to protect the couch, carpet, or car.
  • Machine washable and tumble dry in the gentle cycle. Recommended washing before first use and wash separately. Quick-drying.
  • Available in a single large size and over twelve elegant color combinations with an embroidered paw or bone print. Comes packaged with a hanging panel.
  • Backed by a 30-day, 100% satisfaction guaranteed or money back commitment by the manufacturer.

Detail Review:

If you are looking for a super-absorbent and soft standard dog bath towel, then the best-selling Bone Dry Microfiber Pet Bath Towel by DII is an excellent choice. It has been the most-popular standard dog towel for years and there is a good reason for that. These towels are made in China under the US-based company’s quality control measures.

The Bone Dry Microfiber Pet Bath Towel features a double-sided, soft and plush 80/20 polyester-polyamide microfiber-blend fabric surface. Most pet owners agree that the towel surface looks and feels like one of the softest among all the dog towels in the market. And the towel is super-absorbent too.

Each towel is capable of absorbing 5-6X its weight in water, which is more than twice the absorbing capacity of conventional towels. And the towels are also efficient in removing grime, dirt, and bacteria from the pet’s surface.

The Bone Dry towel is available in an oversized dimensions of 44″ x 27.5″, which is about 30% more than most other standard dog towels. This extra-large size means that the towel works really well even for the largest dogs. The towel is, however, not too heavy and packs reasonably small.

These towels are quite versatile and can also be used as crate or kennel mats and as protector sheets over your couch, carpet or car seats.

Like other microfiber dog towels, the Bone Dry towels are machine washable and can be tumble-dried in the dryer (in gentle settings). They dry quickly – about twice as fast as standard cotton towels.

One of the biggest advantages with the Bone Dry towels is that they are available in the widest selection of 12 color combinations, each with an embroidered paw or bone print, so you have plenty of options to pick from. And like other dog towels, the towel is backed by a 30-day, hassle-free satisfaction guaranteed or money back commitment by the manufacturer.

For its value-for-money quality, soft surface and superior wicking performance, the Bone Dry Microfiber Pet Bath Towel by DII is our Editor’s pick for the best dog towel in the market. If you are looking for a standard, multi-purpose pet bath towel that dries your pooch quickly and effectively, then you should definitely consider this towel as one of the options.
Pros
  • Best-selling standard dog bath towel with double-sided 80/20 polyester-polyamide microfiber drying surfaces.
  • Features an absorbent, 44” x 27.5” soft drying surface that absorbs twice as much moisture as conventional towels and also removes dirt and bacteria. Bindings on the side prevent fraying.
  • Offers multi-purpose uses as a crate or kennel mat or cover to protect the couch, carpet, or car.
  • Easy to clean and machine washable and tumble dry in the dryer.
  • Available in a single large size and over twelve elegant color combinations with an embroidered paw or bone print.
  • Competitively priced and offers great value-for-money when compared to most other dog towels.
Cons
  • Because of the big size, may be difficult to handle while using with small dogs and cats.
  • May not work as well as shammy towels on dogs with long hairs and thick furs.

Soggy Doggy Super Shammy Dog Towel – Best dog towel (shammy)Best dog towel (shammy) - Soggy Doggy Super Shammy Beige Microfiber Chenille Dog Towel with Hand Pockets

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Material and design: Super-absorbent 80/20 polyester-polyamide Chenille microfiber fabric strings on one side and non-slip terry surface on the other side. Microfiber noodle design with hand pockets on the ends for comfortable wiping.
Size: 31″ x 14″.
Price: $$.
Features:

  • Best-selling, soft and plush shammy dog towel with an 80/20 polyester-polyamide chenille microfiber noodle-strings surface on the drying side and non-slip microfiber terry surface on the other side. Made in China under the US-based company’s quality control measures.
  • Features an ultra-absorbent, one-inch thick drying surface that absorbs 7X times its weight and also removes bacteria, mud, dirt, and sand.
  • Comes with two, easy-on oversized hand pockets – one on each side of the towel for easy grip while wiping the pet.
  • Machine washable and tumble dry in the gentle cycle. Recommended washing before first use and wash separately.
  • Available in a single large size and four color combinations. Suitable for all dog breeds and cats too.
  • Backed by a 30-day, 100% satisfaction guaranteed or money back commitment by the manufacturer.
  • The manufacturer also offers the best-sellingSoggy Doggy Dog Doormat, available in two sizes and multiple color combinations.

Detail Review:

If you are looking for a high-quality shammy towel to mop-up a wet or snowy dog quickly and conveniently, then the best-selling Soggy Doggy Super Shammy Dog Towel is a perfect option. This super-absorbent towel is an excellent dog drying towel for rainy and snowy days, bath days and outing days.

The soft and plush Soggy Doggy Super Shammy Dog Towel features 80/20 polyester-polyamide chenille microfiber noodle-strings surface on the drying side and non-slip microfiber terry surface on the other side. The edges of the towel are double-stitched with microfiber polyester piping to provide extra durability and prevent fraying. These shammy towels are made in China.

Each noodle string is made of millions of textured, ultra-fine strands woven together to provide a 1-inch, super-absorbent surface that is capable of absorbing as much as 7X times its weight in water – about 4-5 times more than the standard cotton towels. And the large microfiber drying surface also does a good job in removing bacteria, mud, dirt, and sand from the pet’s fur.

The back or the holding side of the towel is made of textured terry microfiber material to provide a non-slip surface. Each towel comes with two, easy-on oversized hand pockets – one on each side, to provide easy grip while drying the underbelly of the pet.

The towel is available in a decent 31″ x 14″ size that is suitable for most dog breeds and can also work as grooming towel for cats.

The Soggy Doggy towels are easy to clean and machine washable and tumble dry. The manufacturer recommends that you wash the towel in cool water with no chlorine bleach and dry on low settings. And do not use any fabric softeners. Like other shammy towels, drying is somewhat of a hassle and they take a long time to dry – sometimes about a day and half in the sun or 1.5 tumble dry cycles in the dryer.

The Soggy Doggy Super Shammy Dog Towel is available in four elegant color combinations – blue, grey, beige and dark chocolate. We did find the dark blue color towel bleeding a little, so we recommend that you wash the towel before first use and then wash it separately from your own clothes. The towel is backed by a 30-day, hassle-free warranty, and money-back commitment.

For its high-density microfiber material, soft feel and superior wicking capability, the Soggy Doggy Super Shammy Dog Towel is our Editor’s pick for the best dog shammy towel in the market. This towel is a top-of-the-line product for pet parents who are looking for a high-quality, soft and lightweight shammy towel for their pets.
Pros
  • Best-selling soft and plush shammy dog towel with an 80/20 polyester-polyamide chenille microfiber noodle-strings surface.
  • Features a super-absorbent 1-inch thick drying surface that can absorb 7X time its weight in water and also removes bacteria, mud, dirt, and sand.
  • Comes with two oversized hand pockets with textured terry cloth holding surface for a comfortable grip while wiping the pet.
  • Easy to clean and machine washable and tumble dry in the gentle cycle.
  • Available in a single large size and four color combinations.
Cons
  • Like other shammy towels, takes a long time to dry – a full day in the sun or 1.5 dryer cycles.
  • The dark blue color towel bleeds color if not washed before first use.
 

The Snuggly Dog Easy Wear Dog Towelbest dog bath robe - THE SNUGGLY DOG Easy Wear Dog Towel.

Material and design: Thick 400GSM, 80/20 polyester-polyamide microfiber-blend fabric dog drying towel-cum-robe with a securing belly belt. No Hood.
Size:

  • S: Neck – 20″, Back – 24″, Height – 12″.
  • M: Neck – 22″, Back – 26″, Height – 14″.
  • L: Neck – 24″, Back – 29″, Height – 15.5″.
  • XL: Neck – 26″, Back – 31.5″, Height – 17″.

Price: $$$.
Features:

  • Versatile dog drying towel-cum-robe with a soft and plush 400GSM, 80/20 polyester-polyamide microfiber-blend fabric surface. Made in China.
  • Features a super-absorbent, fluffy double-sided drying surface that can wick up to 7X times of its own weight. Quick-drying and lightweight.
  • Comes with an adjustable neck toggle and button with an elastic loop to secure the towel around the tail and prevent rapid cooling by staying on the pet. A fabric belly belt is also included as a bonus to secure the towel as a robe. But no hood.
  • Machine washable and air dry. Recommended washing before first use and wash separately.
  • Available in four sizes and two standard colors – blue and red. The colors are non-bleeding. Suitable for all dog breeds.
  • Backed by a 100% satisfaction guaranteed commitment by the manufacturer.

Geyecete Dog Drying Coatbest dog robe - Geyecete Dog Drying Coat -Dry Fast Dog Bag - Dog Bathrobe Towel - Microfibre Fast Drying Super Absorbent Pet Dog Cat Bath Robe Towel,Luxuriously Soft-Khaki-XL

Material and design: Thick 400GSM, 80/20 polyester-nylon microfiber fabric dog drying robe with a securing velcro neck and back enclosures. No Hood.
Size:

  • XS: Back-11″-12″.
  • S: Back-13″-14″.
  • M: Back-16″-17″.
  • L: Back-19″-20″.
  • XL: Back-22″-23″.
  • XXL: Back-25″-26″.
  • XXXL: Back-29″-30″.
  • Adjustable neck.

Price: $$ to $$$ depending upon the size.
Features:

  • Smartly-design dog drying robe with a soft and plush 400GSM, 80/20 microfiber-blend fabric towel with Velcro straps. Made in China.
  • Features a super-absorbent, fluffy double-sided drying surface that can wick up to 7X times of its own weight. Quick-drying and lightweight.
  • Comes with an adjustable neck and back velcro hook and loop strap for secure and comfortable wrapping around the pet.But no hood.
  • Also prevents rapid cooling after a bath. Packs small so can also be used for outdoor trips and keep the car interiors dry.
  • Machine washable in cold water and air dry. Recommended washing before first use and wash separately.
  • Available in seven sizes and five bright colors. The colors are non-bleeding. Suitable for all dog breeds.
  • Backed by a hassle-free satisfaction guaranteed commitment by the manufacturer.

Tuff Pupper Large Dog Shammy TowelTuff Pupper Large Dog Shammy Towel | Ultra Absorbent | Durable 35 x 15 Size for Dogs of All Breeds | Quick Drying Chenille Fabric | Designed for Indoor and Outdoor Use | Machine Washable (XL, Blue)

Material and design: Super-absorbent 80/20 polyester-polyamide Chenille microfiber fabric strings with bindings on the sides and soft terry surface on the other side. Microfiber noodle design with hand pockets on the ends for comfortable wiping.
Size: 35″ x 14″.
Price: $$.
Features:

  • Oversized shammy dog towel with an 80/20 polyester-polyamide chenille microfiber noodle-strings surface on the drying side and soft microfiber terry surface on the back side. Made in China.
  • Features a super-absorbent, one-inch thick drying surface that absorbs 20X times its weight and also removes bacteria, mud, dirt, and sand.
  • Large 35″ x 14″ size makes it perfect for large canine breeds.
  • Comes with two hand pockets with elastic bands – one on each side of the towel for easy grip while wiping the pet.
  • Machine washable and tumble dry in the gentle cycle. Recommended washing before first use and wash separately.
  • Available in a single large size and non-bleeding blue color.
  • Backed by a one-year, 100% satisfaction guaranteed or money back commitment.

Dog Gone Smart Dirty Dog Shammy TowelDog Gone Smart Dirty Dog Shammy, Grey

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Material and design: Super-absorbent 80/20 polyester-polyamide Chenille microfiber fabric strings with bindings on the sides and non-slip terry surface on the other side. Microfiber noodle design with hand pockets on the ends for comfortable wiping.
Size: 32″ x 13″.
Price: $$.
Features:

  • Versatile, shammy dog towel with an 80/20 polyester-polyamide chenille microfiber noodle-strings surface on one side and soft terry surface on the back side. Made in China.
  • Features an ultra-absorbent, soft surface that absorbs 20X times its weight and also removes mud, dirt, and sand. Quick-drying and dries 8X times faster than standard cotton towels.
  • Comes with two hand pockets with elastic – one on each side of the towel for easy grip while wiping the pet.
  • Machine washable and tumble dry in the gentle cycle. Recommended washing before first use and wash separately.
  • Available in a single size and two non-bleeding colors – grey and brown.

Zwipes 781 Microfiber Pet TowelsZwipes 781 White with Black Bone/Paw Print Extra Large (30

Material and design: Super-absorbent 80/20 polyester-polyamide microfiber fabric towel with double-stitched borders.
Size: 36″ x 30″.
Price: $.
Features:

  • Ultra-soft, super-absorbent and durable dog towel set of two towels with an 80/20 polyester-polyamide microfiber-blend. Made in China.
  • Features an ultra-absorbent, soft terry weave that absorbs 8X times its weight and also removes mud, dirt, and sand. Bindings on the edges prevent fraying.
  • Machine washable and air dry. Recommended washing before first use and wash separately.
  • Can also be used as a grooming towel or as a crate pad. Also works for other pets such as cats, turtles, and pigs.
  • Available in white with black bone/paw print and set of two towels.

Dolphin & Dog Super Absorbent Dog TowelDolphin & Dog - Towel for Dogs - Super Absorbent Dog Towel - Quick Drying & Machine Washable - Dog Microfiber Towel - Dog Bath Towel - Pet Microfiber Towel - Dog Shammy Towel

Material and design: Super-absorbent 80/20 polyester-polyamide Chenille microfiber fabric strings with bindings on the sides. Microfiber noodle design with hand pockets on the ends for comfortable wiping.
Size: 32″ x 12″.
Price: $$.
Features:

  • Soft and plush, multipurpose dog towel with an 80/20 polyester-polyamide chenille microfiber noodle-strings design. Made in China.
  • Features an ultra-absorbent, soft surface that absorbs 7X times its weight and also removes mud, dirt, and sand. Bindings on the edges prevent fraying.
  • Comes with two hand pockets – one on each side of the towel for easy grip while wiping the pet.
  • Machine washable and air dry. Comes with a polyester loop for easy hanging. Recommended washing before first use and wash separately.
  • Available in a single size and two non-bleeding color combinations.

Kole Ultra-Absorbent Pet Bath TowelKole KI-OF663 Super Absorbent Dog Drying Towel, Medium

Material and design: Super-absorbent 80/20 polyester-polyamide microfiber fabric towel with double-stitched borders.
Size:

  • M: 34″ x 25″.
  • L: 44″ x 28″.

Price: $.
Features:

  • Standard, budget dog towel with an 80/20 polyester-polyamide microfiber-blend fabric surface. Made in China.
  • Features an absorbent, soft surface that absorbs twice as much moisture as a conventional towel and quickly removes dirt, mud, and bacteria.
  • Comes packaged with a hanging panel.
  • Machine washable and can be tumble dried in the dryer on gentle cycle. Recommended washing before first use and wash separately.
  • Available in a single soft light brown color and two sizes. The color is non-bleeding.

Bonawen Microfiber Dog Drying Towel RobeBONAWEN Dog Bathrobe Soft Super Absorbent Luxuriously 100% Microfiber Dog Drying Towel Robe with Hood/Belt for Extra Large,Large,Medium,Small Dogs (Blue,XL)

Material and design: Soft and plush 80/20 polyester-polyamide microfiber-blend dog drying robe with an oversized hood and securing belly belt having Velcro strips.
Size:

  • XS: Back – 12″.
  • S: Back – 15.7″.
  • M: Back – 20″.
  • L: Back – 23″.
  • XL: Back – 29″.

Price: $$ to $$$ depending upon the size.
Features:

  • Uniquely-designed pet towel robe with a soft and plush 80/20 polyester-polyamide microfiber-blend fabric surface. Made in China.
  • Features a super-absorbent, fluffier inner surface and a rougher outer surface. Can wick up to 8X times of its own weight. Quick-drying with bindings on the edges to prevent fraying.
  • Comes with a hood and a fabric belly belt with Velcro strips to secure the robe. Available in four sizes suitable for all dog breeds. XSmall size works well for cats.
  • Machine washable and can be tumble dried in the dryer on gentle cycle. Recommended washing before first use and wash separately.
  • Available in four sizes and two standard colors – blue and brown. The colors are non-bleeding.

Sinland Microfiber Hooded Pet Bath TowelSINLAND Microfiber Oversized Hooded Bath Pet Towel for Dogs and Cats Lightcyan 100cm x 100cm

Material and design: Soft and plush 80/20 polyester-polyamide microfiber blend towel with an oversized hood and a securing loop-and-knot button.
Size: 39″ x 39″.
Price: $.
Features:

  • Oversized hooded pet towel for dogs and cats, made of soft and plush 80/20 polyester-polyamide microfiber-blend. Made in China.
  • Features a super-absorbent surface that can wick up to 6-8X times of its own weight and dries quickly. Bindings on the sides prevent fraying.
  • Comes with a hood on one of the edges with a securing loop and knot button to prevent shaking down by the pet.
  • Machine washable and can be tumble dried in the dryer on gentle cycle. Recommended washing before first use and wash separately.
  • Available in a single size and three non-bleeding color combinations.

Alternatives to dog bath towels

Hertzko 2 Pack Pet Towel Glove - Ultra Absorbent Microfiber Material - Great for Drying Dog or Cat Fur After Bath

If you are looking for alternatives for drying your dogs, you can consider getting dog towel gloves or mitts. Some of the best dog towel gloves available in the market are listed below:

  • Hertzko Pet Towel Gloves: High-quality pair of microfiber pet drying towel gloves, made of soft and quick-drying microfiber blend. Capable of absorbing 7X the weight in water. Comes with elastic wristbands to secure in hand of any size. Measure 11″ x 8.0″ and are machine washable.
  • Hertzko Pet Towel Glove: Standard pair of microfiber pet drying mitts, made of soft, quick-drying 80/20 microfiber blend. Capable of absorbing 7X the weight in water. Measure 11″ x 8.5″ and are machine washable.
  • Clean Paws Chenille Dog Towel Mitt: Durable pet cleaning mitt by Ethical Pets. Made of super-absorbent Chenille Microfiber that can absorb 10X its weight and dry quickly. Measures 9.5″ x 7″ and is machine washable.

If you want to go a little more hi-tech and do not mind the extra cost, then you can look at getting a pet grooming air dryer. While a detailed discussion on the best dog dryers would be the topic of another article, you can consider the following best-selling options:

  • MetroVac Air Force Commander Dog Dryer: Best-selling, professional-grade pet dryer and groomer featuring an all-steel construction. Features a powerful 4 horse-power motor and two-speed operation that can cut the drying time by up to 75%. Backed by a one-year warranty.
  • Flying One High-Velocity Pet Dryer: Another popular, non-heating professional-grade pet dryer and groomer featuring an all-steel frame and 10-feet hose. Features a powerful 4 horse-power motor and multi-speed operation. Backed by a one-year warranty and available in three colors and a bunch of attachments.
  • Go Pet Club Pet Grooming Hair Dryer: Budget, domestic dog and cat grooming hair dryer with a built-in heater. Features two speeds and two adjustable temperature levels.

If you are looking for a lightweight and compact drying towel for travel, you can look at getting a separate human microfiber bath towel for your Fido. Check GearHose’s article on some of the best ultralight bath towels available in the market.

How to pick the best dog towels?

With so many different pet bath towels available in the market, picking the best dog towel for your pooch can be a challenge. After all, you need a towel that feels soft and comfortable on the pet’s skin and fur, absorbs water, mud, and dirt and dries quickly.

Once you have decided on the broad budget that you have, you need to look at a few important factors before picking the best dog towel. These major considerations are summarized below:

  • Type and design of the towel
  • Material of the towel
  • Wicking and drying capabilities
  • Size and weight
  • Additional factors and considerations

Type and design of the towel

Before picking a specific dog towel for your Fido, you would need to think about the type of towel you would like to opt for.

You basically have three broad categories of dog bath towels to choose from – standard dog towels, shammy towels, and dog bathrobes.

Standard dog towels are just like human towels with a rectangular shape and stitching the bindings on the borders. These towels are versatile and can be used on canines of all shapes and sizes. They can even be used in the cars or dog crates as pads or mats. Bone Dry DII Microfiber Pet Bath Towel and Zwipes 781 Microfiber Pet Towels are two examples of standard dog bath towels.

Shammy towels are specially designed dog towels with quick-absorbing microfiber noodle string surface on one side and non-slip terry surface on the other. They generally also have hand pockets for better grip while wiping the dogs.

Shammy towels are more absorbing and work really well on dogs with thick furs but they are generally heavier and costlier than standard dog towels. And they take a long time to dry – typically a full day in the sun or a full dryer cycle. Soggy Doggy Super Shammy Dog Towel and Tuff Pupper Large Dog Shammy Towel are two examples of shammy dog towels.

Finally, you also have the option of dog towel robes which are designed to cover the canine’s body like a robe. They are available with a securing belly belt and with or without the hood. These robes work really well in keeping the pet warm and preventing accelerated cooling after a bath or dip in the water. And they also work well in drying the dog, though they are not as wicking as standard bath towels or shammies. The Snuggly Dog Easy Wear Dog Towel is one such option.

So depending upon your preference and requirements, you can decide upon the type of dog towel you would like to opt for.

Material of the towel

The manufacturing material of the pet towel and quality of border-stitching is an important factor as it governs the softness, drying capabilities and durability of the towel. Why else do you think there is so much variation in the price of these dog towels?

Irrespective of their types, the best dog towels are made of high-quality microfiber material which keeps the overall weight of the towel down while providing the same water absorption capacity as cotton or linen towels.

The microfiber blend used is generally 80% polyester and 20% polyamide (nylon) – providing a nice balance between weight and comfort. This material also ensures that the towel is capable of removing dirt, mud, and sand without absorbing this grime. The density of the material of these towels, expressed in terms of GSM or Grams per Square Meter, ranges from 250-400 GSM.

Even the shammies with noodle strings have microfiber strands on one side and terry microfiber surface on the other.

The sides of the towel are stitched or hemmed with a microfiber thread or polyester binding. Double and triple stitched rims provide more durability and prevent fraying, though they can increase the overall weight and drying time of the towel.

In terms of the build-quality, our top picks –  Bone Dry DII Microfiber Pet Bath Towel and Soggy Doggy Super Shammy Dog Towel have probably the best quality-to-cost ratio and hence are our favorite recommendations.

Check out the building material before picking the best dog towel for your pooch. If in doubt, pick one of our top choices, as we have listed only the most well-built and durable quick-drying pet towels in the market.

Wicking and drying capabilities

The primary purpose of opting for a dog bath towel is to dry the pet after a shower or dip in the pool or wipe away dirt, mud or sand from the fur. So obviously, you need a pet towel that has decent wicking capabilities to actually absorb moisture and grime, not just displace it off the fur.

Considering that many dogs have thick furs, a dog towel must be capable of wicking 0.5 – 1.5 cups of moisture, so you would need a towel that can absorb at least 5x times its weight. And it should also be capable of grooming the pet by removing dirt and mud from the body.

Make sure you check the towel specifications to determine that the option you pick that such wicking capacity. Of the options we listed, our top picks –  Bone Dry DII Microfiber Pet Bath Towel and Soggy Doggy Super Shammy Dog Towel have the best wicking capabilities and hence are our favorites.

Closely related to the wicking and absorption capacity is the ability to dry quickly after use. This becomes especially important if you are looking for a towel for outdoor excursions such as camping and beaches.

Most of the options that we listed dry fast – over 40-50% faster than the cotton pet towels of the same size. The presence of a hanging loop can also help in the process, so make sure you pick a towel which comes with such a loop if you are looking for a towel or shammy specifically for this purpose.

Check the wicking and drying capabilities of the towel before picking the best dog bath towel or dog bath robe for your canine. You can generally get this information from the specifications, reviews or Q&A section of the product.

Size and weight

The size of the towel is also something you would need to take into consideration before picking the best dog towel for your pooch. Dog towels are available in different shapes and sizes as per their types.

We have only listed standard towels and shammies that are above the minimum recommended size of 30″ x 12″. Any towel with a smaller size would pose difficulty in thoroughly wiping a medium to large dog, and you are better off getting a pet towel glove instead.

The size of the towel is more important in case of dog towel robes because you would need to take the size of the neck, back, and height of the dog into consideration before picking the best option. Most manufacturers offer towel robes in multiple sizes, so you can pick the most suitable size as per the size of your pet’s size.

Typical Dog Robe Sizing (Source: The Snuggly Dog, Amazon)
Typical Dog Robe Sizing (Source: The Snuggly Dog, Amazon)

Check out the overall size of the towel before picking the best dog towels for your pets. You can generally get a lot of information regarding sizing from the product details and the manufacturer’s website.

Additional factors and considerations

In addition to the major factors discussed above, there are some other miscellaneous considerations that can make a particular dog towel a preferable option over other options in the market

The ease of cleaning and maintenance is one such factor to consider. Since a dog towel will invariably get dirty, a towel that is machine washable and can be tumble dried in the dryer or air dries quickly is a preferable choice. All the options that we have listed are machine washable and some of them can also be tumble-dried. We recommend that you wash the pet towels separately from other clothes to prevent the transfer of pet-hair to other clothes.

The color combinations and design patterns in which a towel is available is also something to look at. While all the options we listed claim to have non-bleeding colors, some dark shade towels tend to bleed color when washed, so you might want to opt for a light, neutral color option such as light-blue, brown or grey. Our top picks – the Bone Dry DII Microfiber Pet Bath Towel and Soggy Doggy Super Shammy Dog Towel score big in this category as they are available in more than a handful color combinations, giving you a lot of choices to pick from.

Finally, one of the most important additional consideration is the warranty and after-sales support offered on the towel by the manufacturer.  Most of the options that we listed are backed by some satisfaction guaranteed commitments and 30-day to one-year warranties. We recommend that you wash the towel as soon as you get it and try it on your pet to ascertain its quality.

You can look at all these features to determine if they make a specific dog towel or dog robe a better choice over others.

Final thoughts on the best dog towels

Keeping your beloved pet cool, comfortable and clean is not always an easy task. Most experts recommend that you bath your dog at least once in 30-45 days, especially in summers.

If you are one of the lucky ones, your dog would love taking a bath or a dip in the pool or pond. But it is important to dry the pet quickly after such an adventure to prevent any odor build-up – the wet-dog smell is definitely not a favorite of most pet owners.

In this article, we listed some of the best dog towels and dog bath robes available in the market. We looked at the major characteristics of these special pet towels, the advantages of using them, the factors to consider before picking the best dog towels and also shared our top picks.

We hope that you found this article useful and it would help you in picking the best dog towels as per your requirements and preferences. Do let us know your feedback and questions by commenting below. Until next time, have a playful time with your beloved Fido!

Image credits:Amazon.com

One thought on “Best dog towels and robes to keep your pet clean and dry

  • September 11, 2019 at 7:56 am
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    Great info. Lucky me I recently found your website by chance (stumbleupon).
    I have saved as a favorite for later!

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