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As a loving pet owner, we know you want to keep your dog clean. And, for many breeds, that means regular grooming sessions.
But what happens at the end of that grooming session? Your pet may be clean, but they’re also damp and wet, which means that before leaving the groomer’s, they need to dry off. How do groomers dry off dogs? Well, at least some groomers use a cage dryer.
Cage dryers can get your wet, damp dog dry and ready to go in a matter of minutes. But while cage dryers are convenient, they’re not without their issues—which also makes them somewhat controversial.
So, what’s the deal with cage dryers? How do they work? Why do groomers use them? And what are some alternatives if you don’t want your dog to be cage dried?
How cage dryers work
Cage dryers are pretty much exactly what they sound like. Think of them like a hair dryer for a dog—they’re drying mechanisms that blow warm air into a dog’s cage, which gets them nice and dry following a grooming session.
There are a few different types of cage dryers. Some only dry one dog/cage at a time. Others have additional nozzles that allow them to dry multiple dogs at once (these cage dryers are a popular choice for high volume groomers).
Why groomers use cage dryers
Groomers generally use cage dryers because they’re convenient. If a groomer has a busy schedule, they can use cage dryers to partially dry dogs while they’re bathing, prepping, cleaning, and grooming other dogs. This allows the groomer to see more dogs throughout the day and makes the grooming process more efficient overall.
Another reason groomers use cage dryers is to help deal with dogs who are overly anxious or nervous during a bath. Putting the dog in a cage dryer can help them calm down before their grooming session, which makes the groomer’s job a lot easier.
Potential issues with cage dryers
So clearly, cage dryers are convenient, but that doesn’t mean they’re the best choice for your dog. Cage dryers definitely present a few potential issues for your dog, some of which can be pretty serious.
A lot of groomers think that all dryers can be used in a cage but that’s not true. Many groomers place their stand dryers next to a cage and direct the air inside as a way to pre-dry their dogs. This presents a serious safety hazard because stand dryers heat air to much higher temperatures than cage dryers.
While this doesn’t present a problem when they’re on the grooming table, if excessively hot air is blown into a cage for an extended period of time, it can become too warm for your pet. This can lead to discomfort, skin irritation, and overheating—which can cause serious health issues for your pet.
Also, cage dryers, like any other piece of technology, can malfunction. The timer on a cage dryer can break, exposing your dog to hot air for longer than is safe for your pet. And because groomers typically leave dogs unattended while using them, a faulty cage dryer can pose a serious risk to your dog.
Bottom line: cage dryers can be potentially harmful to your dog. But when groomers use them properly and don’t leave a dog in a cage dryer unattended, the risk to your dog decreases significantly.
Alternatives to cage dryers
If bringing your dog to a grooming salon that uses cage dryers makes you uncomfortable, that’s totally fine—there are plenty of alternatives for getting your dog cleaned, groomed, and dried!
If you have a dog that needs a professional groomer, you can hire a groomer to come to your home. Not only will the groomer be able to give your dog their undivided attention, but you can also be on hand to make sure there are no cage drying-related mishaps.
You can also take control of your dog’s grooming (and save money in the process!) by grooming your pet at home. With the right supplies—and a little time, energy, and patience—you can give your dog a professional-level grooming session from the comfort of your own home.
Bottom line
When used correctly, cage dryers are a helpful tool for groomers. But it’s important to choose a groomer who understands how cage dryers work—and uses them responsibly.
Featured image via Pixabay