A pet towel is simply a towel kept aside for drying animals - but the qualities that matter differ from a bathroom towel. When choosing a dog or pet towel, prioritise absorbency, fast drying and durability over softness, because these towels face mud, hair and frequent hot washing.
What should you look for in a pet towel?
Pet drying is hard on fabric, so the priorities shift towards practicality.
| Feature | Why it matters | What to choose |
|---|---|---|
| Absorbency | Removes water fast, less mess | High-GSM cotton or microfibre |
| Drying speed | Towels get used and washed constantly | Microfibre or thinner cotton |
| Durability | Survives claws, hot washes, heavy use | Tight weave, reinforced hems |
| Size | Lets you wrap or rub effectively | Match to your animal |
| Easy wringing | Drying a wet dog soaks a towel quickly | Microfibre wrings out well |
Should you use microfibre or cotton for drying dogs?
Both work, and the right choice depends on your priorities.
Microfibre absorbs a lot relative to its weight, dries quickly between uses, and wrings out easily mid-wash-down - handy with a soaking-wet dog. Its fine fibres also lift hair and grit. See our microfibre towels guide for how it behaves.
Cotton in a terry weave is gentler on sensitive skin, feels more natural to many animals, and tolerates very hot washes without the static that synthetic fibres can attract. It is heavier and slower to dry, though.
Our cotton vs microfibre comparison sets out the trade-offs in full. There is no single best answer - a nervous dog may settle better under soft cotton, while an active dog after muddy walks suits quick-dry microfibre.
How do you dry a dog properly?
Technique matters as much as the towel:
- Blot and squeeze along the body first to lift the bulk of the water, rather than only rubbing.
- Work from the top down, finishing with paws, belly and tail.
- Wrap large or long-haired dogs briefly to let the towel draw moisture from the coat.
- Use a second, drier towel for a final pass if the first is saturated.
A towel with good wicking moves water away from the coat efficiently, so you spend less time and use fewer towels.
What size pet towel do you need?
Size to the animal, not to a standard towel chart:
| Animal size | Suggested towel size |
|---|---|
| Small (cats, toy breeds) | Hand-towel size, approx. 50 x 90 cm |
| Medium dogs | Bath-towel size, approx. 70 x 130 cm |
| Large / long-haired dogs | Bath-sheet size, approx. 90 x 170 cm |
A towel that fully wraps the animal lets you press water out across the whole coat at once. For travel and walks, a packable travel towel is a convenient lightweight option.
How do you keep pet towels hygienic?
Hygiene is the strongest argument for dedicated pet towels.
- Keep them separate from human towels - store and wash them apart.
- Shake or brush off loose hair before washing to protect your machine.
- Wash hot (60C where the fabric allows) to deal with bacteria and odour.
- Skip fabric softener, which reduces absorbency and can irritate sensitive skin.
- Dry thoroughly before storing to prevent mustiness.
If towels develop a lingering smell from oils and residue, our guide to stripping towels explains a deeper clean. General washing advice is in the towel care guide.
The bottom line
A good pet towel is absorbent, quick-drying and tough - not plush. Microfibre suits fast drying and easy wringing; cotton suits gentleness and very hot washing. Size it to your animal, keep it separate from household towels, and wash it hot to stay on top of hair and odour.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use an old bath towel for my dog?
Yes - repurposing a worn human towel is a sensible, low-cost option, provided you then keep it exclusively for the dog. Older towels are often less plush but still absorbent, and you avoid buying something new. Just label or store it separately so it never returns to bathroom use.
How often should I wash a pet towel?
Wash after every few uses, or immediately if the towel is muddy, wet for long periods, or smells. Damp pet towels harbour bacteria and odour quickly, so drying them fully between washes is as important as the wash itself. A spare towel in rotation makes this easier to keep up.