Blog For Dog Lovers

Every time I give my Labrador a bath, she's got the energy of a puppy after bath time. She gets the zooms and seems extra playful. Why is my dog so happy after a bath?
~Sarah in Nashville, Tennessee

Ahhhh…Indulgence!

The marketing slogan "Calgon, take me away" was a smashing success in the 1980s, and it's easy to see why. There's just something magical about a good soak in the tub. Think about it: After a long week at the office or a grueling hike, isn't a long, hot soak in a bubble bath a decadent thought to you?

Après Bath Happiness, or Just a Dog Trying to Get Dry?

Anybody who has given a dog or bath, walked a dog in the rain, or let a dog splash in the lake knows a dog's first action after getting wet is often to shake all that water off. It's an instinctive action to help your pup dry herself off and avoid the chills. It might be easy to assume all that commotion after a bath is about happiness, but biologically speaking it might simply be an effort to stay warm. Of course, a good dog towel goes a long way.

Is Post-Bath Happiness Actually a Case of the Itchy-Scratchies?

A word of caution is worth keeping in mind: It's easy to mistake a dog's energy as playfulness or glee, when it might be irritation instead. What you perceive as happiness might be your pup's squirmy response to itchy, irritated or sensitive skin caused by shampoo or tingling from the massage. The zooms can be your dog's way of trying "shake it off."

We're fortunate to have a fantastic dog groomer who pampers our Australian collie…our pup loves the attention. We're looking for gift ideas for our dog groomer with the holidays around the corner. Any suggestions?
~Blake and Andie in Portland, Oregon

Buying your dog groomer a gift is such a thoughtful idea! We're big fans of taking care of the ones who take care of our pets.

We asked around with a few of the groomers we know and got a lot of great ideas. Here are some of our favorites:

Holiday Snack Kit

It's hard to go wrong with sweets! Fill an over-sized, puppy-themed coffee mug with chocolates, homemade cookies, and a decadent hot cocoa mix. Maybe even throw in a Starbucks gift card – the perfect pick-me-up present for your pup's favorite groomer.

Spa Day

Okay, hear us out on this one: Your dog groomer pampers your pet, so why not treat her to a day of pampering of her own? A visit to a local spa for a massage, facial, or mani-pedi is a can't-miss way to help your pup's caretaker rejuvenate and relax.

Breakfast

How much fun would it be to surprise your groomer with a breakfast platter full of start-your-day-right goodies? Pastries, biscuits, coffee, and tea – let her savor her morning! If you really want to make a great impression, bring enough for all of her coworkers to enjoy.

Gift Cards

A buy-anything gift card like a Visa gift card or Amazon gift card is an easy way to let your dog groomer choose a gift that suits her own tastes. Or you could get a gift card to an area restaurant or local small business. If you know where your groomer likes to shop, a gift card to her favorite store is a thoughtful holiday gift.

A Dog Grooming Towel

Okay, it's a shameless plug, but we happen to think our Absorber® Dry dog grooming towel makes a great gift for a dog groomer. Grooming supplies are an expense for your groomer, and giving her a few 4-packs of grooming towels helps to defray those costs. We think they're a great "add-on" gift to go along with other holiday goodies for your groomer.

We'd love to hear from you! Let us know what gifts you buy your dog groomer for the holidays – we're always looking for new ideas.

My dogs are getting antsy now that winter is here. It's dark and cold outside, so our doggie playdates have been put on hold until Spring. I take my pups outside for walks, but I'm afraid that's not enough to keep them from going stir crazy. Any ideas for cold-weather pet fun to keep my dogs from getting bored in winter?
- Angela in Memphis, Tennessee

Keeping a dog from getting bored during the winter is no small feat. Cold weather can dampen your spirits for going outside, and those early sunsets make a night of Netflix on the couch really appealing.

Luckily, we've come up with five ideas to keep your dogs from going stir crazy until the Spring thaw arrives.

1. "Play Games, All Sorts"

That's more than just a line from Mary Poppins…games are a good way to entertain dogs during the cold, dark days of winter. A rousing round of hide-and-seek or fetch is sure to cure those doggy doldrums. Bonus: It's a chance to practice training your pooch to sit and stay.

2. Visit a Dog Park

Even when it's cold and gray outside, your dogs can enjoy a playful run at the dog park. While some dog parks close after dark, others remain open in the evening. Your dogs can still enjoy some outdoor play, no matter how much daylight we get.

3. Tricky Treats

Those treat-dispensing dog toys are a great way to keep your dog entertained for hours winter, spring, summer or fall. Simply insert your pup's favorite treat or dry food into the treat ball and watch as your furry friends try to solve the puzzle. You can find these at most neighborhood pet stores or online.

4. Hire a Dog Walker

Pets need love and exercise all year, regardless of the weather. If your work schedule keeps you away from the house for long periods of time, hire a dog walker to help your pets get exercise and TLC during the day. They'll love the attention, and you'll feel better knowing they're getting some playtime while you're at work. Just remember to show them a little love when you get home!

5. Schedule an Indoor Puppy Play Date

Okay, hear us out on this one. While the idea of a gaggle of dogs in your house may sound like a carpet-cleaning bill waiting to happen, inviting your doggie friends over gives your pups a chance to socialize and gives you an excuse for a game night with friends. What's not to love about that?

It gets pretty cold during winter up here in Michigan…does my dog need a winter coat? I know some buy sweaters for dogs, which I’ve always thought was a little silly. Is it safe to take my dog outside in winter without a coat? She’s a Shih Tzu, for what it’s worth.

- Christy in Ann Arbor, Michigan

Brrrr…those Michigan winters are no joke! We give you props for thinking about your dog’s safety in cold weather.

Here’s the skinny: There’s no easy-peasy answer to this one.

It depends on the temperature, it depends on the breed, it depends on the duration, it depends on the…you get the idea.

For most dogs, Mother Nature gives them the coat they need for winter weather. In fact, by buying a winter coat for a dog, you might be conditioning her body to rely too much on the jacket. Dogs’ bodies, like ours, respond to stimuli in our environment – including cold. Cold signals to a dog’s body that it’s time to grow that fur a little thicker.

There are caveats, of course. Shaved breeds have less natural protection against the cold. And even a thick, furry winter coat isn’t enough to safeguard against prolonged exposure to brutally cold temperatures. Never leave a dog outdoors in winter for a prolonged time without shelter.

Just because your dog can go outside in winter without a coat doesn’t mean she will go outside. Anybody who has stood on a snowy porch trying to coax and cajole a dog to step outside and go potty knows that all too well. Dogs are like us…most would rather be curled up with a snuggly down comforter than standing belly-deep in snow amid a swirling wind.

Here’s a pro tip: Don’t forget a towel to dry your dog when she comes in from the snow. A dry dog is a happy dog…and a healthy dog!

My Shar-Pei, Audrey, is obsessed with rolling in damp towels. My pup loves rolling in wet towels I leave on the floor after a shower. Sometimes I even find my dog rolling in my laundry. Why does she do this?

- Maggie in Charlotte, North Carolina

That's a great question, Maggie. Although it might seem like odd behavior, it could actually have some simple explanations.

Here are some common reasons why your pup loves to roll around on your damp towels:

Your Scent

The most common explanation for a dog rubbing itself on used towels or dirty laundry is that your dog likes your scent. You share a bond with your pet, and your dog has affection for you, just as you do for your dog. Your dog likely associates the mélange of odors jumbled up in your towels and clothes with you – her favorite human!

Establishing Dominance

Another possible explanation for a dog rolling in your wet towels is the dominance theory. Dogs instinctively want to assert dominance over other animals. In part, it’s a defense against predators. It’s also about establishing a position within the pack. When your dog rubs himself on your towel, it may be about establishing his position within your household, or it may be about leaving his scent on your belongings to signal to other animals that “this person belongs to me.”

Rejuvenation

A simple explanation for your dog rolling in wet towels is that your pooch feels rejuvenated after a bath. While this doesn’t explain the towel love after you shower, you’ve probably noticed the same behavior after your furry friend has had a bath. That refreshing bath leaves your pup feeling re-energized…and what better way to enjoy that rejuvenation than with a luxurious romp in a soft, fluffy towel?

Is It Normal for Dogs to Roll in Wet Towels? What Should I Do?

It’s perfectly normal for a dog to gleefully play in damp towels. A wet towel is to a dog what a giant roll of bubble wrap is to the kid in all of us. Our recommendation? Relax, and have fun watching your pup play!

While you’re at it, give your dog a little TLC with The Absorber – the perfect dog bath towel for a little pampering of her own.

As every devoted dog owner and professional groomer knows, your pets are more than animals to you — they’re family. That’s exactly why you want to prepare for any emergency situations that could arise. What if you’re walking your dog and another animal attacks? How do you respond if a pet you’re grooming swallows a cleaning tool and starts choking? What supplies should you keep in a dog first-aid kit, and why? Knowing the answers to these questions can give you peace of mind that you’re prepared for the unexpected. They may also help you save an animal’s life when disaster strikes.

With that in mind, here’s a look at some basic dog first-aid tips:

• Have a first-aid kit on hand. Because you never know when an accident can occur, always be prepared with proper supplies. Keep a first-aid kit in your car and another in your home or dog business. In it, include supplies such as bandages, non-adhesive dressings, surgical tape, gauze, blunt-ended scissors and a thick, absorbent towel such as The Absorber®. Alternatively, you may want to purchase a dog first-aid kit online, supplementing it with anything it lacks.
• Isolate your pet from danger. As soon as you realize your pet has been harmed in any way, your first priority needs to be getting it away from danger. Find someone to help you, if needed, and move your pet to a stable location. You may want to create an impromptu stretcher with a large piece of wood covered by a towel or blanket.
• Keep your dog still. In the event of injury, keep your pet from moving as much as possible. This is because movement could make broken bones worse. Once you’ve put your dog in a secure location, keep it warm and still.
• Apply pressure to bleeding wounds. If your animal is bleeding, apply pressure to the wound to slow blood loss.
• Dislodge object if dog is choking. In cases where your pet is choking, try to dislodge whatever is in its throat with your finger. If that won’t work, try rapping on your dog’s back in a sort of modified Heimlich maneuver.
• Use CPR if pet isn’t breathing. Because the best way to help a dog that isn’t breathing is through pet CPR, it’s a good idea to take canine first-aid classes now, long before your pet is injured. It’s crucial to know what you’re doing so you don’t unintentionally harm the animal while trying to help.
• Call the vet. Call your veterinarian or the veterinarian hospital to relay what’s happened to your pet and know what to do next — whether or not that means going to the hospital.
• Transport your pet carefully. If you need to go to the pet hospital, be careful when moving your animal. If at all possible, get help. Then, try to keep your pet still in transition — use an impromptu stretcher, if necessary. Have one person drive and one person stay near the pet — applying pressure to any wounds.

When it comes to dog first aid, training for emergencies can help you stay calm even when disaster strikes. Follow the tips above to gear up for whatever might happen — and stock your dog first-aid kit with the right products. To be prepared with the best, most absorbent dog towel in the industry, order The Absorber® Dog Lover’s Towel online today!

Whether you’re cleaning one dog or a bunch of them, it’s always great when you can make the process faster. Here’s a surefire way to get those tails wagging: use a smart hack to dry your pets.

Speed Hack For Drying Dogs

Try one of the best, quickest professional dog grooming tips for drying — wrap the dog in a towel. It’s simple, but it works! When you wrap wet pets in towels and let them rest like that for a while, you draw some moisture from their coats and make drying more efficient. This speeds your grooming process and helps regular drying become a little easier. Plus, it’s even more effective when the towel you’re using is The Absorber — the industry’s best and most efficient quick-dry solution. Interested in learning more about this great dog drying speed hack? Here’s why this tip is truly “bark-worthy!”

Why Wrapping Is One of the Best Dog Grooming Drying Techniques

Wrapping a wet dog follows the same basic idea as a woman who wraps her hair in a towel after a shower. Just as she can pull some of the moisture out of her soaking hair by wrapping it in a towel, so too can you begin to dry a dog’s coat with the same method. As a bonus, this is one of those dog grooming tips and tricks that helps you contain some of the mess. Rather than letting a dog shake and spray water all over your room or grooming studio, you’ll get to reduce how much liquid there is to spray and make grooming a smoother process.

You’ll Feel Like a Dog With Two Tails When You Use The Absorber

When you’re looking for the best and most effective way to dry dogs after a bath, there’s nothing like The Absorber. Why? The Absorber is a unique towel, featuring a uniform, sponge-like texture. It soaks up water faster and better than bath or microfiber towels. It’s also soft and comfortable on your pet’s coat. Hair shakes right off it, so you won’t worry about fur clogs in the washing machine. Plus, it’s easy to wring out, so you don’t have to reach for multiple towels while drying your pet. Affordable and stored in a convenient tube, this product is the best secret to beginning a better drying process.

How Towel Wrapping Works

To enjoy the benefits of faster drying with towel wrapping, completely wrap your dog. Here’s how:

• With small dogs, drape The Absorber over the back of your dog, and pull one end under the belly and the other under the chest.
• Then, pull it tight and secure it with a clip.
• For dogs clearing the 100-pound mark, use The Absorber’s MAX towel, and repeat the same process.

Ready to start simplifying your dog’s drying routine? Want to use The Absorber to improve the way you groom animals? Order today!

The Absorber Dog Lover’s Towel has just released their biggest towel in a brand new color. This towel, measuring 22 in x 43 in., is now available in Scarlett.

The Absorber® is made with your dog’s comfort in mind. You can rest easy knowing that when you use The Absorber to dry your dog, the task will be done quickly and efficiently. Our commitment to your dog’s comfort makes Dog Lover’s Towel the leader among super-absorbent towel suppliers for loving pet owners and professional groomers alike.

There's no more need to go through multiple towels, that’s because the Absorber’s natural sponge-like composition goes to work immediately pulling 50% more water out of each dog’s coat than regular cotton or microfiber towels.

Whether you are bathing your dogs at home or running a large doggy daycare, The Absorber will take the dread out of drying. The Absorber is available in 2 different sizes, 27 in. x 17 in. and 22 in. x 43 in., and 4 different colors, Aqua, Blue, Biscuit, and Scarlett. Purchase yours today!

When you love your pet, it’s natural to want to keep it looking and feeling good — and that includes a shiny coat. A shiny coat not only looks pretty, but it also reflects good health. What’s the secret to getting a shiny dog coat? A lot of it comes back to proper care and grooming. Everything from what you feed your pet to how you care for its fur can impact the look of its hair.

Here’s how to give your pet a shinier coat:

• Feed it the nutrition it needs. Step one in healthy dog fur is giving your pet a proper diet with nutritious ingredients. Why? Simply put, if your pet is lacking key nutrients, the first place it will probably show up is in skin and hair. What goes into proper pet nutrition? For best health, dogs need food high in omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. You can find these ingredients in certain dog foods or you can supplement with capsules or liquid versions.
• Brush it daily. To take proper care of your dog’s coat, brush it every day. Regular brushing offers major benefits for your dog’s circulation, while also removing dead cells and making hair shinier. Try to brush in both the direction the hair grows and the opposite direction for maximum benefits.
• Use the right shampoo. Find out how often your dog’s breed should be bathed, and stick to that schedule. Then, when you give baths, always choose a shampoo that matches your dog’s hair and skin type. Dogs with dry skin might need moisturizing products that combat their itchy or flaky skin problems, for example. Dogs prone to fleas or ticks can benefit from a flea and tick shampoo. There are puppy shampoos for young dogs, de-odorizing shampoos for pets prone to getting especially dirty, and tangle-fighting shampoos that can replenish natural oils. You may also want to consider a shine-boosting shampoo packed with vitamins, minerals, and proteins.
• Invest in a fast-drying towel. When you pull your pooch out of bath time, be ready to dry it with an extra-absorbent towel such as The Absorber. The Absorber helps you contain and cut messes as quickly as possible, without destroying any of your household towels. Plus, because it takes in more water than any comparable product, it helps dry your dog’s coat quickly and easily.
• Get your vet involved. If, after following the tips above, you’re still stumped on why your pet’s coat isn’t gleaming, talk to your vet. Ask for medical advice on how to get a shiny coat on a dog and see what you find. In some cases, the reason your dog’s coat lacks shine is a deeper issue. Maybe it has itchy skin from allergies, for example. The only way to know is to test. Talk to your vet and see if he or she has any recommendations that are appropriate for your pup’s needs.

No matter what your dog’s breed, age, size, or personality, you as a pet owner want to help it look its best. A healthy dog is a happier dog — and a shiny coat can be a great indicator of overall health. Use the tips above as a starting place for helping your dog’s coat look gorgeous.

Use our site to order The Absorber today, or get in touch with Dog Lover’s Towel anytime to learn more!

There’s more to teaching a dog how to swim than just throwing it in the water and waiting for instinct to kick into gear. When you want to empower your pet to enjoy the water as well as to be safe in it, you need to understand a few basics about how to teach your dog to swim.

How can you guide your pet to bravely face the water?

To help answer this question, here are a few key tips to remember when you want to teach your dog to swim:

• Know your breed. While some dog breeds (such as spaniels or retrievers) are natural swimmers, others may need more encouragement. Some animals have body types less suited to swimming. In these cases, you may want to take extra precautions when starting the swimming process. Research your breed and know what to expect.
• Provide a life jacket, if necessary. Some breeds of dogs (such as bulldogs) may be so unnatural in the water that a life jacket or another dog water product will be necessary.
• Start young. Puppies can learn to be comfortable with the water — sometimes even more easily than adult dogs. As soon as you bring your puppy home, start introducing it to water.
• Start slow. When introducing your dog to water, start small. Go in the shallow part of the water, and keep your pet on a leash as you step into the water with it. Space your first few sessions over a period of several days, rather than in a short 24- to 48-hour period.
• Ease into swimming. As your pet grows more and more comfortable in the water, gradually move it into slightly deeper water where it will need to paddle to stay afloat. Use your arms to provide support under your pet’s belly, if needed. You want your dog to get comfortable using all four legs to swim.
• Offer rewards. Here’s a great secret of how to get your dog to swim: offer treats. When it steps into the water and gets wet the first time, provide a treat. When it goes farther into the water, provide another. The first time you have a successful swimming session, reward your pooch. Use rewards to reinforce comfort with the new environment.
• Make it fun. Think of ways to make the learning process more fun: offer your dog a ball to retrieve or play a game together in the water.
• Be ready to dry your dog. When your dog gets out of the lake, river, pool or ocean, be ready to dry it quickly with a super-absorbent towel such as The Absorber. By managing your pup’s wet fur quickly and comfortably, you help it associate swimming with a positive experience.

Teaching your dog to swim can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially if you start on the right foot with the tips above. Take your time, give your dog lots of praise and enjoy the process. To learn more about the fast-drying, extra-absorbent power of The Absorber, place an order or contact Dog Lover’s Towel today!

Whether your dog has just gone for a walk on one of those notoriously muddy spring days or wakes up with that unmistakable dog smell, you'll know when it's time to bathe your own dog. Some dogs love the bath and others prefer to stay dry and cozy, but no matter what, it's important to regularly bathe your dog.

This step-by-step guide will help you give your dog the best, most comfortable bath ever:

Step 1: Find a Good Spot to Give Your Dog a Bath

The size of your dog and the location of your home may dictate where you need to give your dog a bath. A smaller dog, for example, can easily be bathed in a sink or small basin outside. On the other hand, a larger dog may need to be bathed in a bathtub or in a small pool outside. Make sure that a mat is placed at the bottom of any tub that is used to help prevent your dog from slipping and injuring itself during the bath.

Step 2: Get Your Supplies Ready Before Fetching Your Dog

Here are a few of the dog cleaning supplies you should have on hand:

• Brush
• Dog shampoo
• Nail trimmers
• Cotton swabs
• Treats
• Absorbent dog towel (such as The Absorber)

Step 3: Run Lukewarm Water for the Bath

Once you have your spot picked out and all of your supplies on hand, you can begin to prepare the bath for your dog. Fill the tub that you will be using with several inches of lukewarm water. You may need more or less water depending on the size of your pet. Remember, your dog won’t want to be submerged into deep water. A few inches will be more than adequate. Lukewarm water is comfortable, yet will not burn your dog.

Step 4: Brush Your Dog Before Beginning the Bath

It's easy to overlook this step, but it's a pretty important one. Always make sure to take the time to brush your dog's fur before starting the bath. This will allow you to remove any mats from your dog's fur prior to washing it, and will better eliminate dirt and residue that may be difficult to rinse. The size and breed of your dog will determine the type of brush you should use.

Step 5: Rinse Your Dog Thoroughly While Avoiding Its Head and Face

After brushing your dog, you can help it into the bath. Begin the bath by rinsing your dog's fur thoroughly. Note that your pet will not want its head to be wet, and it may even resist the rinsing. Be careful to avoid spraying your dog in the face — especially the eyes and nose.

Step 6: Lather Pet Shampoo on Your Dog

Once you have rinsed your pet, begin washing its fur with shampoo. Be sure to choose a pet shampoo that will not dry out or damage your pet's skin. Place a dime-sized amount of shampoo into your hands, and work it into a lather. Then, you can lather it onto your pet's fur. Do this gently over its entire body so that it can properly clean your dog's fur.

Step 7: Rinse Your Dog Thoroughly Again

After the shampoo has been applied, rinse your dog's fur again. It's important to rinse thoroughly at this stage and to continue rinsing until there is no soap or shampoo residue on your pet's fur. Any shampoo that is left on the fur can irritate your dog's skin or leave a film on its coat.

Step 8: Clean Your Dog's Ears and Trim Nails, If Necessary

Once the coat has been properly cleaned, examine your dog's ears and nails. If the ears need to be cleaned, use a large cotton swab to gently clean the ears. You do not need to apply too much pressure. If the nails need to be trimmed, use pet trimmers to clip the nails.

Step 9: Dry Your Dog With The Absorber

Finally, once you are done bathing your dog, dry your pet with The Absorber. This super-absorbent towel is designed specifically for dogs, ensuring that your pet will be warm and dry as quickly as possible. It is easy to wring and re-use, so no matter if your dog is big or small, one Absorber will dry them all. The Absorber is gentle and comfortable and is the best way to finish bath time with your beloved dog.

Now that you are done bathing your dog, both you and your pet can enjoy a happy, healthy, and clean day together. To learn more about giving your dog the best bath ever, contact Dog Lover's Towel or order The Absorber for your pet today.

Westmont, IL – In 2017, The Absorber team launched their revolutionary drying towel to the pet industry at the SuperZoo trade show in Las Vegas, NV. Now in just the team’s second year, they are bringing to market a new size that can serve multiple purposes for both professional and recreational dog lovers.

The new size (22 in. x 43 in.) will allow professional groomers to completely cover their tabletops to catch any excess water, provide comfort for the dogs while standing, and prevent them from slipping. Perfect for dog owners as well, this size is also designed to wrap 100+ lb. dogs to speed up their drying process.

The Absorber is composed of a highly absorbent yet soft material designed to dry your tail-wagger faster and easier. Its ability to absorb water on contact allows it to dry faster than any cotton or microfiber towels. It is easily wrung out and continues to dry, so no matter if your pooch is big or small, 1 towel dries all. Machine washable, The Absorber provides both ease and convenience for dogs and their owners.