Golden Retriever’s Funny Wide-Eyed Expression After His Bath Is Cracking People Up

Bath time rarely goes exactly to plan—especially when it comes to drying off. While many dogs tolerate the water itself, it’s the blow dryer that often triggers wide-eyed, hilarious reactions. One Golden Retriever named Teddy recently stole hearts (and laughs) online with his unmistakably stressed yet stoic expression as his mom dried him after a bath.

Golden Retriever Teddy sitting on a towel, eyes wide open and ears slightly flattened, looking startled but trying to stay still during drying

“Are You Good?” — A Question With No Honest Answer

Kathryn Zawadzki, Teddy’s owner, couldn’t stop laughing at his face. Her gentle attempts to dry his golden coat with a low-heat blow dryer were met with intense concentration—and pure, unfiltered alarm. Teddy didn’t bark or bolt. Instead, he sat perfectly still, eyes comically wide, mouth closed tight, radiating quiet panic.

“Are you good?” Kathryn asked him, chuckling as she filmed the moment. Teddy, of course, couldn’t reply—but his expression said everything. Fans joked he was silently thinking: “Um, yeah, Mom. I’m okay. Can you just get that thing away from me?”

Close-up of Teddy’s expressive face mid-drying: wide eyes, slightly raised eyebrows, damp fur clinging to his cheeks

When ‘Fine’ Means ‘I’m Holding It Together’

In her caption, Kathryn lovingly described Teddy’s look as the ultimate embodiment of *“This is fine, everything’s fine.”* And fans agreed—wholeheartedly.

  • “I’m a good boy—but I am not good,” one commenter wrote, nailing Teddy’s internal monologue.
  • A professional dog groomer chimed in: “As a dog groomer, I can confirm this is the default face of the Golden during grooming—just ‘haha I’m fine haha.’”
  • Another quipped: “Now I know what the dentist sees when I have to get work done.”
  • And one relatable fan added: “White knuckling life like the rest of us.”

Drying Your Dog After Bath Time: Tips That Actually Work

While Teddy’s reaction is adorable, proper drying isn’t just about comfort—it’s essential for your dog’s health. Air-drying may seem easy, but it can lead to skin issues like fungal infections or painful matting, especially in thick-coated breeds like Golden Retrievers.

Here’s how FurPetVo recommends drying your pup safely and effectively:

  1. Start with microfiber towels. Use two or three high-absorbency microfiber towels to gently squeeze excess water from your dog’s coat—beginning at the head and working down the body. Avoid vigorous rubbing, which can irritate skin or tangle fur.
  2. Use a low-heat, low-noise dryer. Hold the dryer above your dog’s skin—not directly against it—and move it steadily back and forth in short strokes. Keep it well away from the face, ears, paws, and belly.
  3. Be patient and positive. Reward calm behavior with soft praise or treats. If your dog seems anxious, take breaks and gradually increase dryer exposure over time.
  4. Double-check trouble spots. Pay extra attention to ears, armpits, and the base of the tail—areas prone to moisture buildup. These spots need thorough, gentle drying to prevent irritation.
Kathryn gently drying Teddy’s back with a handheld dryer while he sits calmly on a plush bath mat, surrounded by fluffy towels

With a little preparation and empathy, bath time—and drying time—can become a calmer, more confident experience for both you and your pup. As for Teddy? He survived his session like a true gentleman… even if his eyes told a very different story.