One thing many dogs and their owners can agree on is that giving a dog a bath is real work. Being hosed down and scrubbed can be a stressful experience for dogs, and hauling them in and out of the bathtub can be back-breaking for owners. And if you outsource the job to a professional groomer, the costs can really start to add up.
At Benicia Plumbing, many of us are dog owners too, so we love the idea of a separate dog washing station!
A permanent dog washing station may be more comfortable for both you and Fido, and it will encourage you to keep your dog clean and fresh at all times without racking up those expensive groomer fees.
A Tub for Every Breed
If you think you have room in your home for a dedicated pet bathing station, the first step is usually to browse the available tubs, basins and styles of custom bath stalls. There are quite a few companies out there that specialize in bathtubs for dogs, including those that typically market their tubs directly to professional groomers. There are also many tub and sink products that are designed for other uses but would work well as a dog bathing station. If you need help making a decision at this stage, you can always ask your local plumber for help.
For a bathing stall that blends seamlessly with the decor of the room or that is fully customized, you can also consult a designer to build one from scratch. This would be much like installing a traditional tub or shower, and would involve the skills of a home designer, a plumber like Benicia Plumbing and a tile installer.
The major consideration when choosing the type of tub is the size of the dog or dogs you expect to wash. Smaller dogs can be washed in elevated basin sinks, since they’re easy to lift in and out. And having your dog at counter-level will really take the pressure off your back and knees.
If you have a large dog, you’re probably better off installing something closer to the ground so that your dog can simply walk in and out. For elderly dogs, you may want to factor in ramps to make it easy for them to cross any threshold.
Dog-Friendly Fixtures and Hardware
In addition to picking the right tub, you’ll want to choose all the customized fixtures that will make bathing easier. A hand-held shower wand is a must, and the mounting system will be equally important, as you’ll probably be fending off a wet dog with one hand while holstering your shower wand with the other.
Be sure to also consider shelves or bottle holders for shampoo, brushes and other tools of the grooming trade. You’ll want a cabinet or rack for fresh towels, and ideally a rubber non-slip mat to help your four-legged friend keep his footing in the bath.
Your dog may not relish bath time, but with a dog-friendly tub that blends seamlessly with your home design, you just might learn to love keeping your furry companion clean.
About Benicia Plumbing
When you do business with Benicia Plumbing, you can count accountability, punctuality, transparency and quality and that is our non-negotiable promise. From the first interaction through the successful completion of any project, you can be certain that Benicia Plumbing, Inc. will endeavor to do everything it can to make your experience the best it possibly can.
Sources: Rover.com and Consumer Report