When it comes to washing your dog at home, having the right sized dog shower is important for both you and your pup. The size of your dog shower will depend on factors like the size of your dog, how much space you have available, and your budget. Read on for tips on choosing the ideal dog shower size for your needs.
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What is a dog shower?
A dog shower is a dedicated bathing area for washing your dog at home. Dog showers are typically stand-alone units that can be installed in a garage, laundry room, mudroom or other space. They provide a contained bathing area to keep the mess under control while bathing your pooch.
Dog showers consist of a shower head, hose, and often a raised tub or platform for the dog to stand on. The enclosure may be fully enclosed or have an open front. High quality dog showers will have fixtures and surfaces designed specifically for pets, such as paw-friendly grated floors.
Benefits of having a dog shower
Investing in a dog shower for your home has many advantages:
- Keeps bath time mess contained – Dog showers have drains and barriers to keep water splashes, fur, and suds from getting everywhere during bathing.
- Easy to use – The best dog showers have an adjustable shower head with a long hose that makes it simple to bathe from any angle.
- Designed for pets – From textured floors for grip to coat hooks for leashes, dog showers offer features for convenient and safe bathing.
- Comfort for arthritic dogs – For elderly or arthritic dogs, a dog shower with a ramp or steps provides easy, low-impact access.
- Promotes bathing – Having an easy-to-use dog shower makes it more likely you’ll bathe your dog regularly.
- Saves your back – Raised tubs reduce the need to bend over while bathing your dog.
Factors that determine dog shower size
There are several considerations when deciding what size your dog shower should be:
Your dog’s size
One of the most important factors is the size, weight and breed of your dog. Large and giant breed dogs will need a more spacious tub and enclosure than small or medium sized dogs. Standard shower sizes include:
- Small – For dogs under 25 lbs like Chihuahuas or Yorkies
- Medium – For dogs 25-50 lbs such as Beagles or French Bulldogs
- Large – For dogs 50-90 lbs including Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherds
- Giant – For dogs over 90 lbs like Great Danes and Mastiffs
Pay attention to your specific breed as well. Long-bodied dogs like Dachshunds may need a longer tub, while short bulky breeds like English Bulldogs need more width.
Your available space
Make sure to measure the space in your home where you plan to install the dog shower. It needs to fit within the footprint you have available. Standard sizes include 32” x 32” for small enclosures up to 60” x 60” for giant breeds. Allow extra space around the unit for you to move around.
Showering multiple dogs
If you need to bathe more than one dog, size up your shower to accommodate two small or medium dogs at once. Or opt for an extended length to fit bigger dogs side by side.
Accessibility features
If you have an elderly, arthritic or disabled dog, choose a dog shower with a ramp, low step-over or walk-in access to make bath time easier on their joints.
Additional features
Think about handy extras like inline heaters, hair traps, overhead dryers or storage. These features will take up additional space, so account for them in your size selection.
Budget
Dog shower sizes and types range widely in price from under $100 to over $1000. Measure your space and needs first before setting your budget. Then you can look for the right balance of size, features and price point.
Standard dog shower dimensions
Here is a chart with common interior tub dimensions by dog shower size:
| Size | Interior Tub Length | Interior Tub Width | Interior Tub Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 24-28″ | 24-30″ | 10-14″ |
| Medium | 28-32″ | 28-34″ | 14-18″ |
| Large | 34-40″ | 32-36″ | 18-24″ |
| Giant | 40-48″ | 36-42″ | 24-30″ |
Remember to leave additional clearance space around the unit for you and your dog to move comfortably.
Types of dog showers
There are a few main types of dog showers to consider:
Walk-in showers
Walk-in dog showers have an open-front entry without a door. They allow you to walk your dog directly into the bathing area. The shower enclosure may be a partial wall or full. They are quick and easy to use but can have more splashing.
Door enclosures
These dog showers have a door panel that fully closes and latches shut. Door enclosures contain water splashes and suds. However, a door may be intimidating for some dogs when first training them to use the shower.
Freestanding tubs
Freestanding tubs look like traditional bathtubs on legs. You use a hand-held shower head and hose to bathe the dog. They don’t have an enclosure so require more cleanup but allow you to walk fully around the tub.
Raised bathing platforms
For a simple DIY option, you can create a raised dog bathing tub or platform. Set up a standard plastic tub or build a wooden platform at waist height. Use with a hand shower head.
Groomer-style tubs
Grooming tubs are heavy-duty stainless steel elevated tubs with plumbing hookups. They have convenient features like hair traps but come at a premium cost.
Choosing the right size tub for your dog
Here are some guidelines on tub lengths to properly fit your dog:
- Small dogs – 24-28 inches long
- Medium dogs – 28-34 inches long
- Large dogs – 32-42 inches long
- Giant dogs – 36-48 inches long
For width, measure your dog across the widest part of their body from elbow to elbow. Add 6-12 inches to allow them to turn around freely.
Tubs should also be deep enough to contain splashing and prevent spraying you in the face. Aim for a tub height from 14 inches for small dogs up to 24-30 inches for giant breeds.
Other dog shower features
Here are some popular extras to look for when choosing a dog shower:
- Adjustable shower head – Flexible shower wands allow you to easily spray water from any direction.
- Hose mounting points – Multiple hose connection spots give you flexibility in positioning the shower head.
- Ramps/steps – Gentle sloped ramps or built-in steps make it easy for elderly, arthritic or short-legged dogs to step into the tub.
- Paw grip floors – Textured tub floors provide traction and help nervous dogs feel secure.
- Soap trays or shelves – Built-in shelves conveniently hold shampoo, conditioner and grooming tools.
- Plumbing hookups – Some units can tie into your home’s plumbing system for automatic drainage.
- Hair catchers – Drain covers trap loose hair from going down the drain.
- Anchors or leash ties – Special anchor points allow you to secure your dog’s leash during bathing.
- Storage – Look for units with shelving or cabinets to store towels and grooming accessories.
Installation and positioning tips
Proper installation of your dog shower is key for convenience and utility:
- Install it close to an exterior door for easy backyard access.
- Choose a location with adequate drainage and water supply lines.
- Make sure you have sufficient clearance in front of the unit to walk around.
- Anchor freestanding units to studs in the wall for stability.
- Adjust shower heads to the proper height for your dog’s size.
- Position ramps or steps for easy entry based on your dog’s mobility.
Conclusion
Choosing the right size dog shower involves factoring in your dog’s measurements, available space, special access needs, and your budget. Larger dogs need bigger tubs and enclosures than petite breeds. Consider handy features like non-slip floors, adjustable shower wands, and ramps or steps for accessibility. With some planning and measurement, you can find or create the perfect dog shower setup for washing your pup at home.