Turn Your Bathroom into a Paw-Fect Home Dog Wash Station
Mar 08, 2024Dog Showers Can Be Messy. Make it easier with a bathroom home dog wash station!
The backyard hose is a fun way to shower your furry friends in the summer, but it’s not always convenient. For the 65 million dog owners in the U.S., setting up a dog washing station in home can make life easier for you and your pup! Use these tips to get your bathroom in paw-fect shape for your best friend’s next day at the “spaw.”
Why a Dog Shower Station is a Game Changer
Let’s face it, bathing your dog can be a challenging task. From wrangling them into the bathtub to dealing with puddles and post-bath shakes, there can be a lot of hassle and mess involved.
But according to experts interviewed by Chewy, most dogs need baths every four to six weeks depending on their activity level, coat type, and any skin conditions they might have.
With that frequency of bathing, having a dog washing station for home means you’ll have all the tools and space you need to make the process easy. With the right setup, you can save time, reduce mess, and provide your pup with a comfortable bathing experience.
Dog Shower checklist: 7 features to consider when you set up your Dog Washing Station in Home
The best pet showers are in a location that’s easy to get in and out of, and have enough room for both you and your furry friend. Here are seven features and considerations for your layout:
Shower Type
A walk-in shower makes an ideal home dog wash station because it offers a lower threshold that pets and their parents can easily access. Bathtubs and tub/shower combos are also a good option for corralling pets during a bath, but may be challenging for large dogs to climb in and out of.
Both walk-in showers and bathtubs can be treated with a non-slip surface so your pup feels safe during bath time. You can also keep a bathmat with your pet shower supplies to use as needed.
Dog Shower & Bath Accessories
Whether you choose a walk-in shower or tub/shower combo, make sure your bathing space has all the right features to make dog showers easy. These include:
Hand-held Showerheads. Like your backyard hose, hand-held showerheads can go where your goes, and allows for easy rinsing from nose to tail.
Grab Bars. In addition to giving you something to hold onto as you get up and down during the bathing process, grab bars make a tether holder to keep pups in place during bathtime.
Having said that, make sure your grab bars are securely mounted into the studs behind the shower wall before taking this approach. Some aftermarket grab bars attach to the wall with suction cups, and may not be strong enough to hold either you or your pet.
Low-Level Shelving. You’ll need a place to keep your dog’s shampoo and favorite bath toys close at hand. Consider mounting shower shelves lower on the wall to keep them close to hand.
Bench Seating. Don’t leave yourself crouching uncomfortably or sitting on the floor during your dog’s bathtime. A bench seat mounted inside your shower is a great way to keep you comfortable and within easy reach of your pup at all times.
Shower Doors or Curtains. Being able to put a barrier between you and your dog can be a big help when the big shake-off comes at the end (or in the middle!) of a bath. Shower curtains can be easy to pull out of the way when not needed, whereas shower doors look great, but may be difficult to reach around during a bath.
Towel Bars & Hooks. Keep your furry friend’s favorite towels handy with plenty of towel bars and hooks installed near the shower.
Tips for a Stress-Free Dog Shower
While some pets may love taking baths, others can be more timid. Consider introducing your pup to their shower space gradually, and use treats and positive reinforcement to help them get comfortable.
When bathtime arrives, remember that dogs don’t tolerate the same hot water you’d use for a people shower. Pet Planet Health says lukewarm water is best for dogs – substantially colder than typical bathwater, but not cold.
Create a Home Dog Wash Station That Your Family Will Love Too!
The Improveit staff loves your pets as much as you do – but we want to make sure your tub and shower area as great for you as they are for your four-legged friends!
Whether you’re interested in creating a dedicated dog washing station in home, or need a shower that will work for both you and your pets, our team is ready to help you design a space that will work paw-fectly for your needs, style, and budget. Use the form below, click here, or call 855-637-2999 to get started!
