Bespoke Dog Showers: The Paw-Fect Solution For Muddy Pets

A long hot shower can be wonderfully restorative after a stressful day, but what about your faithful canine companion? Most dogs (although admittedly not all!) enjoy a bath or a shower, and it’s essential to keep their coat and skin in good condition. This is especially true if you have a pooch with curly or long hair, such as a doodle or an Afghan hound. 

Even short haired breeds tend to get wet and muddy on walks, especially at this time of year. Sometimes, the thought of washing your mucky pup in the bathroom is not so appealing, particularly if you have just cleaned and will see all the freshly pristine surfaces polluted with dirty pawprints. 

Dog’s claws can also damage enamel or acrylic coatings in baths and shower trays, so you will need to remember to use a mat each time and wash and dry it afterwards. To avoid all this hassle, some dog owners are installing a dedicated dog shower with a low threshold for ease of access. Here’s what you need to know. 

Is a dog shower really necessary?

Obviously, you can wash your pet in the back yard or in your bathroom. However, washing your dog outside during the winter can be too chilling for them: after all, you wouldn’t like it! An indoor dog shower means that they can be kept clean and comfortable all year round. 

Furthermore, all the dirt, mud and general hairiness is contained in one place, rather than distributed throughout the house. It’s also more convenient for you to use, particularly if washing your dog currently involves having to lift them over the side of the bath, or trying to manoeuvre in a small shower cubicle. 

It also depends on the size, breed, and activity levels of your dog: as previously mentioned, some breeds need washing frequently (as much as once a week) to keep their coats and skin healthy and to stop the fur becoming matted and unsightly. 

Very active dogs who run around and sweat a lot, or generally get wet and muddy on walks, will obviously need regular washing. If you have a small short-haired dog that can be more easily washed in a tub, then a bespoke shower might not be necessary, unless you like the idea and want to benefit from the convenience of a dedicated washing station. 

You may even find that the dog shower is a desirable feature should you wish to sell your home in the future, attracting more potential buyers and boosting the market value of your home.

Tips for designing a dog shower

Decide where it will be

The first step is to decide where to put the dog shower: If you have a laundry room or mud room, this is ideal because you won’t need to bring your wet muddy dog into the house. The room will have hard flooring that is easy to clean and water-resistant. 

A garage might be an option, but it could be too cold during the winter if it is unheated. If you have a downstairs cloakroom, this could be another option. Alternatively, it might be possible to integrate a dog shower into your existing bathroom.

The dimensions

The size and height of the shower will depend on the size of your dog: they should be able to stand and turn around easily in the shower. Large heavy breeds will need a low-profile threshold that they can walk into. If you have a small dog, consider a rise and fall platform so that you don’t need to bend over to wash them.

The materials and features

Opt for non-slip flooring in a robust material that your dog will feel comfortable and confident standing on, and will be tough enough to withstand claws. A handheld showerhead with adjustable spray settings and a temperature control valve will make the shower convenient and safe to use. 

The shower can be contained with pony walls, or glass or acrylic shower screens to reduce splashing. Select durable and easy to clean materials that are resistant to mould and mildew. 

Desirable additional features include storage to keep dog shampoos, brushes and towels. You may even wish to include a wall-mounted air dryer to ensure they can be easily dried and brushed after washing, which helps to prevent them getting chilled and keeps their coat looking healthy and well-groomed.