How to Dry a Wet Dog After a Walk: Towels vs Drying Coats

By Collared Creatures | Published: 2026-10-14

Category: How-to Guides

Learn a step-by-step routine to dry your dog after a wet walk, from towel technique to drying coat choices, plus how to protect collars from mud and rain.

Quick answer

Start with a dog towel to remove the worst mud and water, then decide whether your dog needs to finish drying in a dog drying coat or in a warm room. If your dog wears a waterproof dog coat on walks, take it off before towelling so you can reach the chest and belly. Check the collar too: waterproof Biothane collars can be wiped clean, but a wet collar left on damp fur can chill your dog and trap dirt.

Set up before you step inside

A wet walk goes more smoothly if you prepare a drying station before you open the door. Keep a dedicated dog towel by the entrance, plus a second towel for paws and a shallow tray or mat to catch drips. If your dog wears a waterproof dog coat, unclip it outside or in a porch so the muddy outer layer does not brush against clean floors. The same applies to a waterproof collar: a quick wipe with a damp cloth before it comes indoors stops mud from drying into the hardware.

Towel the heavy wet areas first

Work from the back of the neck toward the tail, then down each leg. Use a blotting motion rather than vigorous rubbing, which can tangle longer coats and push water deeper into the undercoat. Pay extra attention to the chest, armpits, belly, and between the back legs, because these areas stay damp longest and are easy to miss. A dog towel with a smooth, absorbent surface works well for this stage; microfiber or cotton both do the job, but a towel that is already soaked will only spread water around, so swap it for a dry one when it stops absorbing.

Decide if a drying coat is needed

A dog drying coat is not a substitute for towelling, but it can finish the job while your dog rests. It works best for dogs with thick or double coats, older dogs, or any dog that gets cold quickly after a wet walk. Put the drying coat on over a towel-dried dog and let it draw remaining moisture away from the skin while your dog settles. If your dog is still dripping, the coat will just become saturated, so towel first. For short-haired dogs that dry quickly, a warm room and a dry towel may be all you need.

Dry the collar and hardware

Waterproof collars are designed for wet walks, but they still benefit from a rinse and wipe after muddy outings. Biothane is fully waterproof, so you can rinse it under a tap and dry it with a cloth. Check the buckle and any metal hardware for grit or mud, which can make fastening stiff. A stainless steel buckle, as used on some Collared Creatures designs, is a practical choice for dogs that regularly get wet because it resists rust. Let the collar air-dry fully before putting it back on, especially if your dog will be indoors for the rest of the day.

Step-by-step: drying your dog after a wet walk

Prepare your drying spot: Lay a towel or mat by the door and keep a dry dog towel within reach before you come in. Take off any waterproof dog coat outside or in a porch. Common mistake: letting a wet dog shake off in the hallway, which spreads mud and water over a wide area.
Towel-dry the body: Blot from neck to tail, then legs, chest, belly, and armpits. Use a fresh towel when the first one feels soaked. Checkpoint: the coat should feel damp, not dripping, before you move on.
Add a drying coat if needed: For thick-coated, older, or cold-prone dogs, put on a dog drying coat after towelling and let your dog rest in a warm room while it draws out remaining moisture. Common mistake: putting a drying coat on a soaking-wet dog, which saturates the coat instead of drying the dog.
Clean and dry the collar: Rinse waterproof Biothane collars under a tap, wipe the buckle and hardware, and air-dry fully before refitting. Stainless steel hardware is a good choice if you rinse often. Checkpoint: if the collar still smells or feels gritty around the buckle, repeat the rinse and wipe.
Check paws and ears: Dry between the paw pads and wipe inside the ear flaps with a dry cloth if they are wet. These areas are often missed and can stay damp for hours. Next step: once your dog is dry, hang towels and the drying coat to air so they are ready for the next wet walk.

Waterproof collar options for wet walks

Electric Blue Waterproof Biothane Buckle Dog Collar: Electric Blue Waterproof Biothane Buckle Dog Collar is made from durable, fully waterproof Biothane with a secure buckle closure and a bright electric-blue colour. A fully waterproof collar means rain and mud do not soak into the material, so it dries quickly with a wipe and stays comfortable on damp fur.
Teal & Coral Multicolour Waterproof Biothane Buckle Dog Collar: Teal & Coral Multicolour Waterproof Biothane Buckle Dog Collar is handmade in Yorkshire and combines a classic buckle fastening with all-weather Biothane durability, suited to adventurous walks and wet days. The buckle fastening and waterproof material make it a practical everyday collar for dogs that regularly come home wet and muddy.
Guacamole Green Waterproof Biothane Buckle Dog Collar: Guacamole Green Waterproof Biothane Buckle Dog Collar has a stainless steel buckle and hardware, an adjustable neck size of 14–17 inches (36–43 cm), and a 25 mm width. Stainless steel hardware resists rust, which matters if you rinse the collar often or walk in wet conditions; the adjustable size and 25 mm width give a secure fit for medium dogs.