Anyone who has given a dog a bath knows the drill. Most dogs hate the bath and can’t wait to get themselves dry. They frantically try to jump out of the bathtub and will shake as much water as they can off at the first opportunity.
Beyond that, if you have an active dog they’re also likely to try to run around the house, potentially slipping and injuring themselves, and potentially getting wet dog smell all over your furniture.
If you bathe your dog frequently, skipping the “wet dog” stage of bath time is pretty appealing, so a dog blow dryer might be a really worthwhile purchase for you.
But dog hair dryers can be a tricky purchase:
- Some will offer a weak blower or heater, meaning the blast of air is either not enough or not hot enough to dry your dog
- Some may be too noisy for your dog and make bath time even more of a pain as your pup runs away from your expensive new hair dryer
- Obviously, some heaters may run too hot or even have dangerous malfunctions putting your dog at risk
Don’t worry, though. To help you sort out which dog hair dryer is the right one for you and your pup, we asked our veterinary advisor, Dr. Melody Aitchison-Steed, DVM, to personally review each and every major dog hair dryer on the market so that she can share her research and recommendations with you.
Dr. Aitchison-Steed chose the MetroVac Air Force Commander Variable Speed Dryers, 4 HP as her top pick. The MetroVac dryer is a versatile drying unit, good for both professionals and pet owners to use for small and large dogs.
While this is Dr. Aitchison’s top choice, she’s got you covered even if this dryer isn’t a fit, with a series of tips for finding the right hair dryer, a section on which dog owners should avoid dog hair dryers altogether, and her personal recommendations for the best choice across a number of specific use cases.
The 5 Best Dog Hair Dryers
- Best Overall – MetroVac Air Force Commander Variable Speed Dryers, 4 HP
- Best Budget – XPOWER B-53 Airrow Pro Multipurpose Pet Grooming Dryer
- Best Grooming – XPOWER X-800TF Cage Dryer & Drying Kit
- Best High Velocity – Flying Pig Grooming High-Velocity Dog & Cat Grooming Dryer
- Best Cage Dryer – B-Air Grizzly Dryer
Hair Dryers Compared
Below are the top picks from Dr. Aitchison-Steed so you can compare the ratings and features of different models.
| Vet’s Picks | Model | Rating | Nozzle Attachments | Handheld | For Multiple Dogs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | MetroVac Air Force Commander Variable Speed Dryers, 4 HP | ||||
| Best Budget | XPOWER B-53 Airrow Pro Multipurpose Pet Grooming Dryer | ||||
| Best Grooming | XPOWER X-800TF Cage Dryer & Drying Kit | ||||
| Best High Velocity | Flying Pig Grooming High Velocity Dog & Cat Grooming Dryer | ||||
| Best Cage Dryer | B-Air Grizzly Dryer |
*Ratings are on a scale of 1 to 5 and based on reviews, feedback, and opinions of actual customers
In This Article
Who Should Buy a Dog Hair Dryer
- Professional dog groomers – If you’re drying dogs on a regular basis, or drying more than one dog at a time, consider a dog hair dryer for the job. It will be easier on you and better for the pups.1
- Pet owners who groom their dogs regularly – If you bathe your dog yourself and live in a colder climate, a dog hair dryer is a good addition to your home.
- Those who have dogs that swim or get wet often – Dogs who swim should also be dried off. Likewise, if your climate is often damp from rain or snow, then a dog hair dryer could come in handy when your wet dog is waiting at the door to come in.
Who Should Not Buy a Dog Hair Dryer
- Pet owners in hot or dry climates – If you live in a hot climate, chances are your dog will dry quickly with just a good towel.
- Pet owners of tiny dogs – No matter how slow a dog hair dryer blows the air, a small dog may be easily frightened by the speed or volume of air.2 Additionally, the noise or large size of the unit might come across as threatening to a small dog. Using a gentle towel or a distant cage dryer might be the better bet.
Buying Guide: Research Tips From a Veterinarian
When selecting a dog hair dryer there are several things to consider. Here are some tips and best practices when purchasing a dog hair dryer. Be sure to do adequate research on the product you are considering purchasing to look for key features and ask your friends, family, or veterinarian if they have any recommendations on hair dryers for dogs.
- Decide if the dryer is for professional grooming or pet owner home use – How many dogs will you be drying during a day or week? Do you need to dry multiple dogs at once? If you are planning on grooming multiple dogs, it is ideal to consider a cage or free-standing dryer so that some dogs can dry while others are being bathed. For at-home use, any of the dryers mentioned would work well.
- Keep your budget in mind – Budget plays a role in deciding which dryer is best. There is a large range of costs for dog hair dryers. The more economical dryers are likely to dry a bit slower than the more expensive dryers. One savings tip is to avoid dryers with digital temperature and time keypads. The digital system tends to cost more and has the potential to overheat or break. There are some very nice, effective non-digital dryers available.
- Consider the versatility of the dryer – Choose a dog hair dryer that is versatile enough to be used at home or a grooming shop. A versatile dog hair dryer has various nozzle styles to use depending on the coat type of the dog.3 Be sure the cord is long enough to use the dryer wherever you need to move it, and consider whether the dryer can be used on the floor or a table.
- Consider the airspeed and volume the dryer will produce – If you are drying a dog in a kennel, the volume and speed of the air may be less, but the air will likely be a bit warmer to increase efficiency. If you are drying a dog on a table or the floor in your home, then using the no-heat dryers with high volume and very fast drying speeds works well. The feet per minute, or FPM, listed on the dryer will tell you how fast the air flows. The cubic feet per minute, or CFM, tells the air volume the dryer will produce. Looking at these two factors can tell you how efficient the dryer will be.4 The high FPM dryers will dry the dog’s coat more quickly.
- Avoid purchasing a human hair dryer – Typical human hair dryers don’t blow the air as fast, and they can get too hot, potentially causing a burn to a dog’s skin. Also, if you are purchasing a dog dryer for professional use, make sure to know the laws and regulations in your area. In some locations, only no-heat dryers are allowed.
Though towels are good for drying your dog when the weather is warm, dog hair dryers are recommended to help your pooch from getting too cold due to wet fur and skin.
How Much Do They Cost?
Between $30 and $450
The price of a dog hair dryer varies in range, from budget-friendly to hundreds of dollars, depending on what you’re looking for. Expect to pay roughly $30 to $450 for a dog hair dryer. Dryers for the average pet owner can fall under $100, while those who groom professionally may need to invest a bit more to get a powerful and efficient dryer that will last through regular use on multiple dogs. Handheld dog hair dryers tend to be cheaper, while the larger dog hair dryer units that feature the capability of drying multiple dogs will run you more money.
Our Methodology: Why Trust Pet News Daily
Based on my profession and experience with numerous pet owners, professional groomers, as well as other veterinarians, I chose the top five products with safety, efficiency, and versatility in mind. There are several factors to consider when selecting a dog hair dryer, whether you are planning this purchase for your home or grooming shop. It’s important to avoid human hair dryers and check with your local business laws regarding professional grooming regulations. – Dr. Melody Aitchison-Steed, DVM
The Best Dog Hair Dryer Reviews
1. Best Overall – MetroVac Air Force Commander Variable Speed Dryers, 4 HP
Our vet chose the MetroVac Air Force Commander Variable Speed Dryers, 4 HP as the best overall dog hair dryer. Whether you’re a professional groomer or a pet owner who prefers to do it yourself, the MetroVac is easy to use, does not use heat, and delivers a 4.0HP motor with variable speeds to control the flow of air – suitable for small and large dogs. The unit can be positioned upright or horizontally and features a 12-foot power cord, convenient for drying small dogs on top of tables or large dogs on the floor.
The MetroVac weighs less than a gallon of water, and is roughly a foot long, making it compact enough to move around or store for later. The various nozzle styles that attach to the 6-foot hose – air concentrator, air flare tool, and groomer rake – quickly dry short or long hair, as well as thick coats. The dyer unit has a replaceable filter, is made from steel, and is available in multiple colors. The company offers a 1-year warranty on parts, switches, and cords, and a 5-year warranty on the dryer unit and motor.
- For small and large dogs of all coats
- Variable air speeds
- Includes multiple attachments
- Not for cage use
- Not for drying multiple dogs
2. Best Budget – XPOWER B-53 Airrow Pro Multipurpose Pet Grooming Dryer
Your personal budget plays a big part in which type of dog hair dryer you choose. Dr. Aitchison-Steed, DVM, likes the XPOWER B-53 Airrow Pro Multipurpose Pet Grooming Dryer as an effective, but affordable, option for the best budget dog hair dryer. The XPOWER weighs just over 2 pounds, comparable to a human hair dryer, which creates an easy-to-use, no-heat, air blower for drying pets of all sizes. Outfitted with two speeds, the handy unit can also be used as a portable electric duster and air pump.
The XPOWER dog hair dryer has been certified by the Electrical Testing Lab, or ETL, and features a 3/4HP motor. This unit is made from durable ABS plastic, similar to football helmets, and is not made to be free-standing. Available in multiple colors, this budget-friendly dog hair dryer comes with nine attachments for a variety of styling or cleaning needs. The 10-foot power cord allows you to reach both big and small dogs, up on tables or standing on floors.
- Lightweight, easy to use
- Multiple attachments included
- Variable air speeds
- Not free-standing
- The unit may be noisy
3. Best Grooming – XPOWER X-800TF Cage Dryer & Drying Kit
If you specialize in grooming, and especially multiple dogs at once, the XPOWER X-800TF Cage Dryer & Drying Kit is a win for our vet as the best dog grooming hair dryer. This hands-free drying cage unit features a 3/4HP motor and can be used for up to three cages, helping to dry more than one dog at a time and separately. Control the airflow of each hose, choose up to three different airspeeds, and set the 3-hour timer to customize the drying process for each cage.
The dog drying cage unit uses room temperature air and has been certified by the Electrical Testing Lab. The three flexible hoses measure 8 feet by almost 5 inches and are made from vinyl. The hoses feature a metal inner support ring so they collapse and expand easily, allowing you to attach the hoses to separate cages in different positions. Hook up the hoses using the clamps and cage attachments that are included. The unit features a carry handle on top and a 20-foot power cord, so you can easily move it around your grooming area. Filters are washable and reusable.
- Dry multiple dogs at one time
- Hands-free drying
- Variable air speeds and timer
- Not for handheld use
4. Best High Velocity – Flying Pig Grooming High Velocity Dog & Cat Grooming Dryer
Our vet chose the Flying Pig Grooming High Velocity Dog & Cat Grooming Dryer as the best high-velocity dog hair dryer because it features a 4.0HP motor, up to 240 cubic feet per minute in air volume, and up to 28,000 feet per minute in airspeed. This creates a powerful and efficient dryer with variable speeds to dry dogs of all coats and sizes. The unit also comes with two attachments so you can dry dogs using a flat or round nozzle for short or long hair.
Made from steel, and featuring a 10-foot flexible hose, the Flying Pig dog hair dryer uses heat for drying. Settings include warm, and low or high heat with temperatures from 81 degrees Fahrenheit to 160 degrees Fahrenheit. The unit has a carry handle on the top to help you move it around more easily. Keep the unit clean with the extra filter that’s included. The company also offers a 1-year warranty.
- Portable
- Powerful and efficient
- Multiple temperature settings
- Not for cage use
5. Best Cage Dryer – B-Air Grizzly Dryer
The best cage dog hair dryer is the B-Air Grizzly Dryer, (read our review of the Grizzly dryer as well) according to our veterinarian. The heavy-duty unit can be used as is, or with the compatible duct drying kit, which features three 8-foot, flexible, vinyl hoses with three airflow controls, and six clamps for attaching to cages. Choose from three angles to direct your flow of air – 0, 45, and 90 degrees, as well as a fourth option, which uses a swing-out kickstand that adds 4.5 inches to the height of the dryer unit.
Suitable for commercial and industrial environments, such as a grooming salon, the B-Air dryer has a 1HP motor with multiple speed settings. Dry multiple cages at once by placing them on the floor or a table, and aim it in the direction needed. The unit is Electrical Testing Lab certified, and features a carry handle and 25-foot power cord, giving you easy maneuverability. The dryer is available in multiple colors, and the company offers a 1-year warranty on parts and labor, as well as a 5-year warranty on housing.
- Multiple airflow angles and speeds
- Hands-free drying
- Dry multiple dogs at once
- Duct drying kit sold separately
Frequently Asked Questions
Article Sources
Pet News Daily uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
- Animal Behavior College. Drying a Dog After a Bath. AnimalBehaviorCollege.com. Accessed March 15, 2021.
- Martin K, Horwitz D, Landsberg G. Fear of Noises in Dogs. Vcahospitals.com. Accessed March 13, 2021.
- Hunter T, Yuill C. Grooming and Coat Care for Your Dog. Vcahospitals.com. Accessed March 3, 2021.
- Hair Dryer. Encyclopedia.com. Updated March 13, 2021. Accessed March 14, 2021.
Dr. Melody Aitchison-Steed graduated with her doctor of veterinary medicine degree from the University of California at Davis in 2005. Following graduation, she completed a 1-year rotating internship in small animal medicine and emergency care. After completing her internship, Dr. Aitchison-Steed has practiced small animal general medicine in Southern California. When she’s not practicing medicine, Dr. Aitchison-Steed is usually with her family (a husband and two sweet daughters, two dogs, and a cat!) enjoying the outdoors by hiking and camping, reading, or attending the kids’ sports events.
