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As many pet owners know, a good dog towel is useful for a variety of reasons. They’re handy in the car, to keep fur and pet hair off the upholstery. They’re great to have on hand after a day at the beach or a long hike. They’re oh-so practical stashed in the mudroom to wipe down your pet’s legs and paws after a rainy walk. And even after a good old fashioned bath (and your pet’s obligatory shake), they’re wonderful for cutting down on the dreaded wet dog smell.
Unlike human towels that come in a variety of different fabrics, dog towels are often made of microfiber, a material that’s more absorbent than cotton, if somewhat less soft. Microfiber dog towels are known for being functional, lightweight, and quick-drying. They’re also less likely to trap fur than ordinary cotton bath towels, a big plus since pets tend to shed a great deal of hair when they become wet.
Take a look below at the ten best dog towels that we’ve found for tackling wet fur, muddy paws, and the wide range of messes a pet can make.
Best Value Microfiber Dog Towel
Bone Dry DII Microfiber Pet Bath Towel
This soft microfiber towel from Bone Dry is lightweight but ultra-absorbent, making it a perfect bathtime towel or for drying your dog off on rainy days.
What we like about it:
- Affordably priced
- Quick-drying
- Available in 12 different colors and patterns
Best Dog Towel for Hikes
YogaRat Mugzy’s Mutt Towel
If you love to hike with your dog, you need a towel that isn’t just lightweight and fast-drying but is also easy to clean. This YogaRat Mugzy’s Mutt towel is a great option as its dense weave leaves dogs dry without trapping any additional dirt or hair. Some Amazon reviewers say it cleans up well, coming out spotless after being machine washed.
What we like about it:
- Durable enough to withstand frequent washing
- Lightweight, absorbent, and fast-drying
- Available in multiple sizes and colors
Best Dog Towel for the Beach
Way 2 Cool Pet Microfiber Cooling Towel
On hot weather days spent outside or at the beach, this pet cooling towel pulls double-duty: It works great on dripping wet pets, but give it a quick soak in cold water and it acts as a cooling pad when pets lay on top of it or wear it around their bodies. The highly absorbent microfiber material also ensures that the towel does not drip.
What we like about it:
- Helps shield dogs from UV rays when covering their bodies
- Available in three sizes and two colors
- Keeps pets both dry and cool
Quickest-Drying Dog Towel
Soggy Doggy Super Shammy Quick Drying Dog Towel
Say goodbye to wet dog smell with this Soggy Doggy Super Shammy dog towel. Made with microfiber chenille, it soaks up water and dirt like a sponge but is still lightweight enough to dry quickly without leaving a wet doggy scent behind.
What we like about it:
- Can take on big dogs, holding up to seven times its weight in liquid
- Has pockets you can use to dry a dog’s underbelly
- Safe to machine wash and dry
Most Absorbent Dog Towel
Dog Gone Smart Dirty Dog Shammy
When your pet is soaking wet, not every towel is absorbent enough to get them dry. However, this Dog Gone Smart dirty dog shammy is up to the task. It can absorb up to 20 times its weight in water or mud.
What we like about it:
- Highly absorbent, fast-drying chenille fabric makes drying off quick and easy
- Has pockets to conveniently dry your pet’s underbelly
- Great for big dogs
Best Small-Sized Dog Towels
Zwipes Microfiber 5-Pack Small Pet Cloths
For wiping wet paws or cleaning small messes, this 5-pack of Zwipes microfiber towels are great to have on hand. They can absorb up to eight times their weight in water.
What we like about it:
- Lightweight but absorbent
- Great for small dogs
- A small size that’s great for the car, on the go, and in the mudroom
Best Extra-Large Dog Towel
DRI Ultra Absorbent Microfiber Pet Towel
If you have a large breed dog, then this extra-long 55-inch ultra-absorbent microfiber towel is a great option that’s big enough to wipe down your pet.
What we like about it:
- Can also double as a car seat or furniture cover
- Quick-drying and can absorb seven times its weight in water
- Available in different sizes and colors
Best Pet Towel Gloves
Hertzko Pet Towel Glove, 2-Pack
If a standard towel is hard to keep a hold of while drying your wet, squirmy pet, consider these pet towel gloves. As a bonus, your dog will feel like you’re giving him a calming massage as you dry him off.
What we like about it:
- Made of highly absorbent and machine-washable chenille fleece material
- Not as intimidating as a full towel for apprehensive dogs
- Great option if it’s hard to keep a hold of a standard towel drying a squirmy pet
Best Wearable Towel
The Snuggly Dog Easy Wear Dog Towel
This easy-to-wear dog towel is part towel and part robe. It’s made of a soft and higher-density microfiber that your dog will love to wear as he dries off.
What we like about it:
- Protects furniture and car interiors from damp dogs
- Easy to put on with an adjustable neck toggle and an elastic loop that fits around the dog’s tail
- You stay clean and dry as the dog dries herself
Best Hooded Towel for Large Dogs
Sinland Microfiber Hooded Bath Pet Towel
Keep your dog from shaking off and spraying water everywhere with this oversized hooded microfiber dog towel. A simple button and loop closure keeps the towel securely wrapped around the dog’s body. (And just look how cute and cozy it is!)
What we like about it:
- All body coverage keeps flying and dripping water to a minimum
- Soft and highly absorbent
- Doubles as a snuggle blanket for dogs who like to burrow
Further Reading
- How to Find the Best Dog Rain Jackets, Towels, and Boots
- Are Cage Dryers Safe for Dogs?
- 7 Dog Grooming Hacks That Save Time and Money
