The Best Dog Towels

Written by Katie Melynn Wood
Updated: March 7, 2023
© Kasefoto/Shutterstock.com

Advertisement


This post may contain affiliate links to our partners like Chewy, Amazon, and others. Purchasing through these helps us further the A-Z Animals mission to educate about the world's species.

Keeping your dog clean can feel like a full-time job! Bathtime, brushing, and drying your dog’s hair can be costly and take a long time. That’s where a doggy towel comes in handy. With the right dog towel on hand, you can let your pet pup run through the mud and get as dirty as they like. When it’s time to clean up, simply wash them off, dry them with a towel, and get back to your adventures.

With everything from absorbent mittens to a dog-sized robe, we’ve rounded up the best of the best dog towels. Some are ideal for home use or at the groomer, while others are great for travel and adventurous pups. Check out our list of researched and reviewed dog towels to find which one is right for you.

  1. Bone Dry Embroidered Paw Print Microfiber Bath Towel
    • Machine washable
    • Budget-friendly price
    • Doggy-themed embroidery design
    • Absorbs water very effectively
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  2. My Doggy Place - Super Absorbent Microfiber Towel
    • Microfiber towel
    • Machine washable
    • Budget-friendly option
    • Very soft and super-absorbent
    Check Amazon
  3. Geyecete Dog Drying Coat
    • Comes in 9 colors and 7 sizes
    • Velcro around the middle keep it in place
    • Made from microfiber towel material
    • Machine washable, can be dried in tumble dryer
    Check Amazon
  4. Dog Gone Smart Dirty Dog Shammy Towel
    • Super absorbent and soft
    • Easy-to-use pockets for your hands
    • Machine-washable
    • Mitten pockets are connected to the towel so they won't get lost or misplaced
    Check Amazon

A-Z-Animals Top Picks for Best Dog Towels

#1 Overall Best: Bone Dry Pet Grooming Drying Towel

In our review, the overall best dog towel is the Bone Dry Pet Grooming Drying Towel. It absorbs water effectively, is lightweight enough to carry on the go, and can be cleaned in the washing machine. Boasting a budget-friendly price and adorable doggy-themed embroidery, it’s easy to purchase multiple towels to always keep on hand. the car or kennel.

This extra-large towel measures 41 inches by 23.5 inches, big enough for even large dogs. It comes in 21 different colors and patterns as well, including ones with stripes or polka dots. The towel is made with ultrasoft microfiber, making it both comfortable and absorbent. This towel is also pretty warm and works well to keep your dog comfortable when wrapped up in it.

One reviewer explained, “Love these microfiber towels! They are very absorbent and the perfect size. I have one hung on a hook next to the backdoor for drying off the dogs on all of our rainy days!”

However, some reviewers did find that the color bleeds when you first wash the towels (especially the red one), so it’s best to wash the towels in a cycle on their own first.

Pros and Cons of the Bone Dry Pet Grooming Drying Towel

ProsCons
This is a large towel, measuring 41 by 23.5 inches.Some customers reported that the color bled in the washing machine at first.
It is lightweight and easy to manage.
The towel is machine-washable.
It is absorbent.
There are 21 colors and patterns to choose from.
It features cute dog-themed embroidery.
The towel is made with ultrasoft microfiber.
Overall Best
Bone Dry Embroidered Paw Print Microfiber Bath Towel
  • Machine washable
  • Budget-friendly price
  • Doggy-themed embroidery design
  • Absorbs water very effectively
Check Chewy Check Amazon

2. Best Budget Pick: My Doggy Place Super Absorbent Microfiber Towel

Most dog owners don’t want to spend a fortune on a dog towel that will get muddy and beat up, which is why the My Doggy Place Super Absorbent Microfiber Towel is a great option. If you use your dog towel for travel and adventuring, having an expensive one that can be accidentally left behind is the last thing that you want to worry about during your fun.

The Super Absorbent Microfiber Towel from My Doggy Place is great for your budget and still effective. This towel comes in a single option or a 2-pack. It only comes in one size and is thinner than some other options on our list, but it will still absorb water and dry off your pup. The towel also comes in several different colors and patterns to choose from.

Like most microfiber options, you can wash this towel in the washing machine. Some reviewers said that it doesn’t dry as well as some of its competitors at a higher price point. However, for the most budget-friendly path, this is a good choice that will get the job done.

Pros and Cons of the My Doggy Place Super Absorbent Microfiber Towel

ProsCons
This towel is a less expensive option.The towel only comes in one size.
You can choose a single pack or a 2-pack.The fabric is a bit thinner than other options and does not absorb as well.
It is absorbent.
There are several different colors and patterns available.
It is machine-washable.
Best Budget Pick
My Doggy Place - Super Absorbent Microfiber Towel
  • Microfiber towel
  • Machine washable
  • Budget-friendly option
  • Very soft and super-absorbent
Check Amazon

3. Best Dog Robe: Geyecete Dog Drying Bathrobe

The Geyecete Dog Drying Bathrobe is got to be the most adorable dog towel option out there! It comes in nine different colors and seven sizes (X-Small to XX-Large), so you’ll be able to find something that fits your pup’s size and personality. The robe has velcro around the middle to keep it in place. The belly band and elastic bands on the hind legs are fitted to keep it snug around your dog. There is also an extended collar that fits over the top of your dog’s head like a hood for extra drying.

One of the best things about this robe is that you can use it on your adventures as well, like using it to wrap your dog in after swimming and before they get into your car. It is a microfiber towel, which absorbs the water effectively to keep it from soaking your dog. It is also ideal for dogs with really thick or fluffy coats that normally need a lot of toweling off after a bath. This dog towel robe is machine-washable but should be washed on its own first to prevent colors from bleeding.

One goldendoodle owner was so happy to find this robe because it cut down on bathtime: “I CAN NOT say enough about this product. I purchased the XXL based on other people’s reviews. My 7-month-old F1B Goldendoodle holds a ton of water and there could have never been enough towels to dry her. After her bath, I gave her a once over with a couple of towels and then wrapped this on her and within 30 minutes she was almost dry!!!”

However, customers reported that some dogs did not like wearing the robe, especially smaller dogs. They can walk when wearing it, but some dogs stumbled and fell when they tried to run. In addition, a small handful of customers worried that the sizing runs just a tad small. If your dog’s measurements fall between sizes, you may want to order a size up.

Pros and Cons of the Geyecete Dog Drying Bathrobe

ProsCons
This dog robe is an adorable way to dry your dog off after a bath.You’ll need to wash the robe separately first to prevent any color-bleeding.
There are several different colors and sizes to choose from.Some dogs may not like wearing this dog robe.
There is velcro that goes around your dog’s middle to hold the robe in place, along with elastic bands around the legs and belly.A few customers said that their smaller dogs struggle to move while wearing the robe.
The extended collar can be used as a hood to dry your dog’s head.The sizing runs just a tad small.
It can be used to keep your dog from getting water or mud in your car after an adventure.
The robe is made with soft microfiber fabric that absorbs water effectively.
It is machine-washable.
Best Dog Robe
Geyecete Dog Drying Coat
  • Comes in 9 colors and 7 sizes
  • Velcro around the middle keep it in place
  • Made from microfiber towel material
  • Machine washable, can be dried in tumble dryer
Check Amazon

4. Best Drying Mittens: Dog Gone Smart Dirty Dog Shammy Towel

With two colors, a comfortable microfiber shammy, and convenient mitten-style pockets for your hands, the Dog Gone Smart Dirty Dog Shammy Towel is a favorite towel among dog owners. It is made with microfiber so it is super absorbent, soft for your dog’s comfort, and easy to use. The pockets at either end of the towel act like mittens to give you more control when drying your dog. But since they are connected you never have to worry about misplacing individual mittens.

This towel is great for drying your dog off after their bath or to dry off wet or muddy paws after playing outside. When it’s time to clean the towel, just throw it in the washing machine. This towel comes in brown, grey, or Pacific blue.

One reviewer called this towel magic, saying “Seriously it’s so convenient to have pockets for your hands to wrap around each leg & paw and wipe the snow/ice/rainwater off. It makes a huge difference. It’s the perfect size – not too small and not TOO big to keep by the door for clean up! It’s super soft and absorbent – it really is incredible how much water it soaks up compared to a normal towel and still doesn’t FEEL wet.”

However, a few customers with large dogs reported that they wished the towel came in a slightly bigger size.

Pros and Cons of the Dog Gone Smart Dirty Dog Shammy Towel

ProsCons
This towel is made with microfiber and is soft and absorbent.Some customers reported that it was just a bit smaller than they would have liked, especially for large dogs.
The pockets at either end of the towel act like mittens to give you more control when drying your dog.
There is just one piece so you don’t have to worry about losing one of the mittens.
The mitten pockets also make this a great tool for drying off wet or muddy paws after your dog plays outside.
It is machine-washable.
There are three colors to choose from.
Best Drying Mittens
Dog Gone Smart Dirty Dog Shammy Towel
  • Super absorbent and soft
  • Easy-to-use pockets for your hands
  • Machine-washable
  • Mitten pockets are connected to the towel so they won't get lost or misplaced
Check Amazon

Choosing the Best: What to Look For

When selecting a dog towel, consider how you want to use it, the material, and your budget. Let’s look at these aspects in detail to help you choose something that will work for you and your dog and that suits your needs.

Method of Use

There are plenty of dog towels that are traditional towel shapes and can be used like any standard towel. There are also towels that work as dog-friendly bathrobes that are as effective as they are stylish. Or you may want to go with a shammy-type towel that has pockets for your hands to make drying off even easier. Consider how you want to use the towel and find the option that works best for you.

Material

Microfiber is the winner by far when it comes to dog towels. It is lightweight, super absorbent, and can be tossed in the washing machine when it comes time to clean it. Microfiber is available in multiple colors like other fabrics. It is made of polyester and polyamide. Some microfiber towels are designed to be knobbly and towel off differently, while others have a uniform weave.

Budget

You shouldn’t feel like you need to spend a ton of money to get a great dog towel. While some of the more expensive options are thicker or absorb more water, there are budget-friendly options that will also work great. If you like specialty shapes, sizes, or features like embroidery, expect to spend a bit more on your extra style. We do recommend getting multiple towels once you find one in the budget that works for you to make sure that you always have one that is clean and ready to use.

About the Author

Katie is a freelance writer and teaching artist specializing in home, lifestyle, and family topics. Her work has appeared in At Ease Magazine, PEOPLE, and The Spruce, among others. When she is not writing, Katie teaches creative writing with the Apex Arts Magnet Program in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. You can follow Katie @katiemelynnwriter.

The Best Dog Towels FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

What are the best towels to use for your dog?

Towels that let you quickly and thoroughly dry your dog are best. Typically the best dog towel is made of microfiber since they are highly absorbent and soft on your pooch.

If your pup is wiggly or easily frightened, a glove- or mitten-style dog towel is a great option. These allow you to hold your dog and dry them in sections at the same time. Some dogs also like wearable towels and robes as these keep them warm and allow them to cuddle with you while they are drying off.

Can you use a normal towel on your dog?

Technically yes, you can use a normal towel to dry your dog. However, this is not advised. Human towels are designed to absorb water from our skin, which doesn’t have a lot of hair. Dogs, on the other hand, have lots of hair and fur that holds a lot more water than our hair and skin do, so it would take two or three normal towels to dry your dog off completely. In addition, human towels tend to be heavier and can be more difficult to use on your dog.

Do you have to dry your dog off after a bath?

Yes! Your dog needs to dry off after a bath. Some dogs enjoy blowdryers for the warmth, but others may be fearful of the noise. Using a dog towel is a great way to help dry your dog quickly so that they can get back to doing doggie things.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.