Bathtub and shower
Shower for dogs at home: where to create it, dimensions, drainage and tap
Washing a dog in a bath means lifting, scratches on the enamel or acrylic surface, and fur in the drain. A more convenient option is a level-access shower at the entrance to the house, in the laundry room, or in the garage. Just a hand shower on a longer hose, a thermostatic mixer, drainage with a strainer for fur, and anti-slip tiles are sufficient. A small dog can also be washed in a sink.
Anyone with a dog knows this: after a walk in the rain, their paws are muddy, and after a summer swim in the pond, a full wash is needed. A bathtub in the bathroom is not designed for that – a large dog needs to be lifted, claws scratch the surface of the tub, and hair clogs the drain. If you are building or renovating a house, it is worth considering a separate shower for the dog. It doesn't have to be complicated – just a well-chosen location and a few details.
Where to install a shower for the dog
- At the entrance from the garden or garage – a dirty dog can be washed before entering the house. The most common solution in family homes.
- In the laundry room – water, drainage, and towels are at hand, and wet blankets go straight into the washing machine. For more on laundry rooms, see the article Laundry room in a family house.
- In the bathroom – a level-access shower with a hand shower is suitable for both people and dogs. A hand shower on a longer hose is useful by the bathtub.
- Outdoors – a garden shower with a quick connector is enough for paws. In winter, it needs to be drained to prevent freezing.
What size should the shower for the dog be
| Dog | What works well | Note |
|---|---|---|
| small | larger drain or raised shower tray | you wash while standing, no bending down |
| medium difficulty | level-access shower at least 90 × 90 cm | the dog can turn around, you stand beside |
| large | level-access shower 120 × 90 cm or larger | space for the dog and for you, wide entrance |
Dimensions are approximate – the size and mobility of your dog determine the requirements. Leave at least 60 cm of free space in front of the shower, comfortably around 70 cm, as with a standard shower.
Level-access, so the dog can enter by itself
The most comfortable is a level-access shower with a floor at the same level and a fall to the drain or outlet. The dog does not have to jump over the edge, which is especially appreciated by older dogs. However, a level-access shower requires a floor height for the fall and drain – how much, can be calculated using the shower fall calculator. If the height is insufficient, use a flat shower tray. More about level-access showers can be found in the article Barrier-free showers.
Hand shower and mixer
- Hand shower on a longer hose – you can reach the dog from every side. Place the holder low or use a sliding rod so the shower can be hung at the dog's height.
- Gentle stream – a shower with multiple types of streams allows for a gentle stream on the head and a stronger one on the paws. The differences are explained in the article Shower heads and hand showers.
- Thermostatic mixer – set the temperature once and it holds. The safety lock at 38 °C protects against scalding, which both dogs and children will appreciate. You can find an overview of mixers in the article Shower mixer.
- Shut-off within reach – you can quickly stop the water when the dog starts shaking.
Use lukewarm water and shampoo designed for dogs. If your dog has sensitive skin or health issues, consult a veterinarian.
Drain and fur
Fur is the biggest enemy for the drain. Choose a channel or drain with a strainer or hair catcher that can be easily removed and cleaned. Clean the strainer after each wash – fur, sand, and mud will otherwise end up in the waste trap. If the drain is already flowing slowly, the article Clogged drain can help.
Floor and walls
- Anti-slip floor tiles – for a level-access shower, R11 or class B for bare feet. Paws slip on wet smooth tiles just like feet do. The parameters are explained in the article Tile parameters.
- Wall tiles higher up – when the dog shakes, water flies sideways. Tile the walls around the shower to a greater height and place waterproofing under the tiles.
- Grout – darker grout shows less dirt, maintenance is described in the article Cleaning grout.
Practical details
- a hook for the leash or a short tether so the dog doesn't wander off during washing,
- a shelf for shampoo and brush out of the dog's reach,
- hooks for towels and a place to dry blankets,
- underfloor heating helps dry the tiles and paws faster,
- a socket for the hairdryer outside zones 0, 1, and 2 with a residual current device – recommended by an electrician.
View hand showers, mixers, channels, and anti-slip tiles live at the store in Senec at Bratislavská 71. On the e-shop vkupelni.sk, you will find overhead and hand showers, drain channels, and custom shower trays. Always have a professional handle the water, waste, and electrical installations, as well as waterproofing.
Bathroom, laundry room, or outdoors: comparison
| Location | Advantages | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| entrance from the garden or garage | a dirty dog won't pass through the house | hot water, waste, and room heating |
| laundry room | water, waste, and towels in one place | enough space in front of the shower, floor drain |
| bathroom | no need for new installations | fur in the drain, level-access shower for a large dog |
| outdoors | quick rinse for paws | only in warm weather, drain for winter |
Procedure for construction
- Choose a location and check where the waste will go and if there is hot water available.
- Decide whether the shower will be level-access with a fall, or with a flat tray – depending on the floor height.
- The plumber will prepare the waste with a channel or drain and outlets for the mixer.
- Waterproofing on the floor and walls up to the height where water splashes.
- Anti-slip tiles and wall tiles, then the mixer, hand shower, and hooks.
Maintenance after washing
After each wash, remove and clean the strainer in the drain, rinse the floor of fur and sand, and wipe the glass with a squeegee if the shower has one. Put wet towels and blankets straight into the washing machine and ventilate the room – the moisture from the fur and towels is greater than it seems. Occasionally check the silicone in the corners and at the drain.
Sources: our articles Tile parameters (R11 or class B in a level-access shower), Shower mixer (thermostatic safety lock at 38 °C), Distances when planning a shower, and Level-access showers. The dimensions of the shower according to the size of the dog are indicative.
Terms in the glossary: Shower tray · Fall · Linear shower drain · Floor drain (point drain) · Level-access shower · Thermostatic mixer
Frequently Asked Questions
Where to create a shower for dogs?
Best at the entrance from the garden or garage, or in the laundry room. A dirty dog can be washed before entering the house.
How big should the shower for dogs be?
For a medium dog at least 90 × 90 cm, for a large dog 120 × 90 cm or more. A small dog can also be washed in a larger sink or raised tray.
Why a level-access shower?
A dog can enter by itself and does not have to jump over the edge, which is especially appreciated by older dogs. A shower without a tray requires a floor height for the fall and drainage.
What tap for a dog shower?
A thermostatic one that maintains the set temperature and has a safety feature at 38 °C to prevent scalding. Additionally, a hand shower on a longer hose.
How to prevent drainage from clogging with fur?
Choose a channel or drain with a strainer or hair catcher and clean it after each wash.
What floor tiles for a dog shower?
Anti-slip tiles R11 or class B for bare feet. Paws can slip on wet smooth tiles.
Can a dog be washed in a bath?
Yes, but a large dog needs to be lifted, claws can scratch the surface of the bath, and fur clogs the drain. A hand shower on a longer hose, an anti-slip mat, and a strainer in the drain help.
Does the dog shower need warm water?
Yes, wash the dog with lukewarm water. Therefore, a hot water supply is needed for a shower at the entrance or in the garage, and a thermostatic mixer will maintain a constant temperature.
How high should the walls be tiled in a dog shower?
At least to the height where water splashes when the dog shakes – higher for a large dog than for a standard shower. Waterproofing should be included under the tiles.
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