One of the most frequently asked questions from dog owners is: “What is the best way to wash a dog?” This invariably leads to a discussion about types of dog baths. And it is not just owners, but dog groomers as well. However, the needs of professional groomers are different in that they want to buy the most appropriate dog bath tub for a salon.
If you belong to the first group, then you will want to find an easy-to-use tub at home. You won’t want to resort to the family’s shower or bath. And in most cases the laundry sink will be too small, even for a medium sized Maltese.
So, it is especially important that your bath tub is easy to take out and put away, that is, very portable.
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A Bath Tub to Suit Your Dog
Bathing a puppy is going to be a whole different experience from scrubbing an older dog. A lot of the ease or difficulty of bathing a pooch has to do with the size, age, breed, weight, and general temperament of the animal.
In general, though, getting the right grooming equipment can make a world of difference. In this case, that means finding the right bath tub among the many dog tubs available. That is why some folks prefer to leave the task of dog bathing in the hands of a capable, professional groomer. Pet groomers have the knowledge, talent, experience, facilities and equipment to handle almost any animal.
But most dog owners like to manage bathing their dogs at home. It is a frequent chore, depending on the breed, so a weekly visit to the groomer is simply an expense you can do without.
A Portable Dog Bath to Suit Your Budget
Let’s explore which dog bathtub could suit your particular needs. Here are some popular dog tubs for you to consider:
1. Elevated Foldable & Portable Dog Bathtub
Positives:
- Very portable
- Can be adjusted to 5 different heights.
- Light for moving around
- Side pockets for holding shampoo and conditioner bottles.
- Can handle dogs up to 140 lbs (63.5 kg).
Negatives:
- Could be difficult to lift a very heavy dog into the tub.
2. Pet Gear’s Pup Tub
Pet Gear Pup-Tub, for Pets up to 20-pounds, Ocean Blue
For a very economical outlay, you can bathe your smaller sized animals in a two restraint, non-skid pup tub. This basic model keeps your shampoos and treatments gathered together and keeps your pooch from running off.
Positives:
- Economical
- Rubber flooring keeps dog from slipping
- Two tethers to safely restrain
- Portable
Negatives:
- Size limitations
- Strain on the back
3. Paws For Thought Booster Bath
Booster Bath Elevated Pet Bathing Large
For pet owners looking for it all, the Booster Bath series is certainly worth a look.
It has an abundance of features. Its elevated design means less bending and stooping making it an excellent choice for those suffering from back pain.
The Booster bath is highly rated and we believe it is durable.
If the adage “you get what you pay for” is any indication, these baths may be worth the investment.
The Booster Baths are available in different colors.
Positives:
- Durable
- No-mess drainage
- Indoor/Outdoor
- Compact for Travel
- Accommodates all sizes
- No stooping
- 360 degree access
Negatives:
- Larger dogs might lead to some wobbling of the unit.
Many Portable Dog Bath Tubs – Which is Right for You?
Regular bathing of your pooch can reduce the need to constantly wash dog bedding. So, what do you require? If you are like most other dog owners you are probably debating questions such as:
Is a dog wash on wheels best for convenience?
Is a pet wash enclosure better for containing splashes?
Should I opt for a dog shower outside instead?
Should I choose the Booster Bath or the Flying Pig portable bath or the Scrub a Dub Dog Pet Bathing System?
And the answer to questions such as these?
It depends!!
There are many different kinds of dog baths on the market, each designed to make the whole process a more pleasant experience for both pet and owner.
There are so many brand choices such as the dog bathing tubs found here (affiliate link).
When comparing brands, makes, and models, look for the features and benefits important to you.
Most pet owners agree they are looking for a way to contain and drain. That is, they are looking to keep their pooch confined in order to minimize the amount of mess.
Other factors to consider are safety features like restraints and non-skid flooring to keep your canine companion comfortable throughout the bathing process. There are some good tips in this article on: how to comfortably restrain your dog for grooming.
Dog Bathing 101: Equipment Matters
Regardless of whether you are a dog owner or a professional dog groomer, when it comes to grooming and in particular bathing, the right equipment does make a difference. And the right equipment means not only having an appropriate tub but also having an efficient dog dryer.
DIY Dog Bathing
Most dog owners want to bath their own pets themselves in between visits to the groomers. There are benefits in doing so:
- You can save some money on transportation to and from the groomer
- You can save on the cost of salon services performed.
- Bathing your own pet offers an opportunity to spend quality time with your pooch.
- DIY bathing allows your dog to remain at home, in his/her familiar surroundings.
But there are drawbacks as well.
- Anyone who has tried to wash Fifi in the tub or shower knows that dogs can easily get away, leaving a watery mess in their wake.
- You end up with towels that need laundering.
- You need to have a pet hair dryer.
- The low tub or the wrong sized tub can mean bathing becomes back-breaking work.
The jury is in. Dog bathing at home can be done more easily and more effectively with the right equipment.
If you are a groomer, then you might be looking for a more commercial style of dog washing tub such as listed in this article: Professional Grooming Tubs
The Verdict on a Dog Bath Tub for You
A professional-type portable dog bath will not solve all your bathing problems. Face it, dogs will shake, water will fly. But in terms of saving time, stress, and strain, they make a lot of sense.
It’s true; you can certainly wash your pup without a specialized dog bath. However, once you’ve used an ergonomically designed dog tub, one that is light to lift, easy to store, and very portable, you may wonder how you ever managed before without one.
For more tips on bathing dogs, in general, check out the post on How to Give a dog a Bath and Finding a Dog Shampoo.