Drying Methods & Equipment
There are a number of different methods, equipment or procedures that can be used to dry a dog. These include:
o Towel drying- removing excess water using towels or absorbent cloths
o . Blasting- using a high velocity blaster to literally blast the water out of the coat initially after bathing
o Cabinet drying- used to provide all round warm air flow in a cabinet to dry the coat of a dog. NB not suitable for dogs with certain medical conditions or Brachycephalic breeds (this condition will be discussed in Unit 4)
o Natural drying- allowing to dry without towelling or artificial means
o Stretch drying- a method used to straighten curls and waves in the coat leaving it as straight as possible .Used on Poodles and Bichons mainly
o Fluff drying - This method is basically using a brush or comb in an upward motion . by brushing the coat whilst drying using this method the coat is encouraged to separate and stand up straight giving the impression of volume and density.
Drying, Blasting Tools & Equipment.
Absorbent towels or high absorbency cloths are able to soak up several times their actual weight in water in a similar way as to a chamois leather. They can help to reduce the time that heat is used to dry the coat and are a useful method for removing excess water on delicate or inflamed skin. Absorbent clothes are relatively inexpensive to launder and dry quickly
Happy Hoodies are used to protect the ears of a dog when using blasting or drying equipment and are especially useful for dogs of a nervous disposition. They are a towelling stretch type tube that can be fitted over the dogs head
Blasters have very high velocity air flow and are often used to remove excess water from the coat following bathing using the hose. Some can be heat and velocity adjusted . The hose attached makes it versatile and helps maintain the H&S and welfare of both the dog and the groomer by avoiding being close to electrical sockets. For nervous dogs 'Happy Hoodies' can assist with reducing stress to the dog when being used as blasters can be quite noisy. Care needs to be taken when using blasters on delicate areas of the dog when they must be used with caution They should not be used around the eyes and delicate areas. PPE, including ear protection should be worn during use. Blasters will not completely dry the dog and should be used in conjunction with hand or stand dryers.
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Hand held dryers are a useful and relatively inexpensive tool for assisting with drying although they restrict the groomer using both hands to brush or comb when drying especially in the awkward areas such as the groin when both hands are required- one to lift the leg and one to brush. Hand held dryers however are used a lot by mobile groomers where space is restricted as they are easy to transport and store.
Stand dryers or combined dryers (combine a blaster and dryer all in one) are a versatile method of drying dogs of all shapes and sizes. They tend to have variable air flow that can be used on a high speed to blast out the water from the coat. As previously mentioned PPE should be worn during use. On a lower setting warm air can be directed to the required area leaving the groomer free to use appropriate combs, brushes and techniques to dry the coat
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Drying cabinets are a useful method of drying dogs in a busy Establishment. They are temperature controlled ventilated boxes with a heating element and a fan to circulate the heat. (An external timer is always advisable as well in case of timer malfunction on the cabinet). It is recommended that the length of time that dogs are in them should be limited to approximately 10-15 minutes. Certain breeds and those with certain medical conditions should not be put in cabinets. Dogs with heart conditions such as CKCS , those that suffer from seizures and Brachycephalic breeds along with those of a nervous disposition should not be put in cabinets. Cabinets are not generally used for drying breeds such as Bichons or Poodles as the coat is required to be dried straight for these. Dogs placed in drying cabinets should always be monitored. Cabinets are ideal for short haired breeds or older dogs as it allows them to relax and for their muscles to recover .
