If you are a pet owner chances are you have used your own personal tub or shower to bathe your pet. I have coaxed my mastiff into my shower or bathtub a handful of times. He doesn’t mind a bath but it is cramped space for a 120lb dog. A washing station has become one of my top wants when it comes to upgrades around the home.
Have you ever thought about adding a washing station to your home?
Where to locate it
Mudrooms, garages, and laundry rooms are the top places for an inside washing station. You can add one to the outside of the home under a covered patio but this may not be ideal for the colder months. You will want to plan your build strategically so you can tie in to the existing plumbing fairly easily. Keep in mind that although connecting to existing supply and drain lines simplifies installation, it likely requires breaking into finished walls and floors.
Consider the height
A utility sink, mop basin, or shower pan with pronounced sides installed at waist level eliminates the need to kneel or bend over to wash a dog. This setup is best for small and medium breeds that can be lifted in and out easily or are agile enough to access the tub via a ramp or stairs with nonslip treads.
You can choose to go with a prefab dog tubs designed for professional groomers. These come ready to connect to plumbing but have a utilitarian look. Useful. Practical. Not very pretty. A dog shower is a practical choice for large breeds; size it at least 6 inches taller and wider than the dog. You will want to make sure your shower pan has a slope toward the drain. Since your shower stall won’t have a door you will need a curb to contain splashes.
Make your dog comfortable and secure
Slippery surfaces can be stressful for dogs, especially senior dogs or those with hip issues; so make sure the floor is nonskid. For tile, the smaller it is, the more grout lines, which provide traction. If you use a prefab pan make sure you have a rubber mat for the pet to stand on. Think about the placement of your handheld shower or pull-out sprayer. They should be easy to reach and allow you to operate with one hand allowing you to keep the other hand on your pet.
For an elevated tub, choose a sprayer with an 18-to-24-inch hose that will reach all around the dog. In a stall-style shower, a hand shower with a 3-to-5- foot hose will be most maneuverable. An anti-scald valve is advisable; lukewarm water is best for dogs.
If adding a washing station to your home would make life a little easier with your pet, give us a shout. We would love to see your design come to life.
