Dog Bathtubs - Buying Tips

Pooch Pampering Dog Bathtubs

Dog ownership comes with some responsibilities that include keeping your dog clean. Even indoor dogs or those that have regular appointments with a groomer are going to need bathing occasionally, and you’re going to have to have a place to do it. After all, your family bathtub isn’t the best solution, because dogs can scratch them up pretty badly. It might sound a little strange, but you’re probably going to want to buy your dog his own bathtub so that you’ll be prepared when it comes time for a bath. Buying a bathtub can actually save you some cash, because you won’t need to take him to a groomer any longer.

Prior to shopping for a dog bathtub, you’ll want to measure your dog so that you’ll know what size of a tub to buy. You need to jot down his length, width, and height so that you are sure to get a tub that will fit him comfortably and be deep enough to bathe him the way you want to.

It’s advisable to get a dog bathtub that has some type of a system you can use to secure your dog while he’s being bathed. After all, when he’s wet, he’s going to be hard to hold in place. You also want to find a model that has a shelf for supplies so that you can keep them within easy reach.

There are two types of dog bathtubs available depending on what will work out best for you. Some of the tubs are portable which means you can wash your dog and then put the tub away when it isn’t being used. Other tubs are more permanent and need house space so that they can actually be installed. These are convenient, especially if you have a place like a utility room where you can put one without it being in the way.

In addition to a dog bathtub, you’re going to want a way to regulate the flow and temperature of the water you’re using. A nozzle that you can hold in your hand and use to control the amount of water that flows into the tub is advisable.

The drainage system in your dog bathtub needs to be large enough to handle all of the hair that your pet will lose in each bath. A small drain will keep getting clogged up forcing you to stop and dig out the hair balls before you can finish the job.

You and your dog both may be a little nervous the first few times you try out his new bathtub, but you’ll soon get used to using it, and you’re both going to love it. Your pooch will love spending time with you and the feel of the warm water, and you’re going to love the fact that you can keep him smelling nice without having to make constant trips to the groomer.

In the beginning, when both you and your pup are new to the dog bathtub, take it slow and try to keep him calm. Start with his head by rubbing a little soap on it with the palm of your hand. Then do his back and work down his legs and feet. Do a thorough cleaning of the tail area. Once he’s clean all over, try to rinse him without spraying any water into his face and ears. You wouldn’t enjoy having this happen to you, and neither will he.

You’ll want to leave the collar in place while you dry your dog. If you don’t, the minute you remove it he’s going to shake his body spraying water all over you and everything in the room. If you’d rather not have this extra clean-up to do, don’t unhook the collar until you’ve toweled him as dry as you can and then blown him dry.

Brushing your dog will often be easier if you continue to leave the collar on. You’ll still have a chance to share the love and bond with your pup, but the actual job of brushing and grooming him will be a lot less strenuous. Just make sure you take plenty of time to pamper your pet and allow him to relax, because you’re both going to love the time you spend together in your own doggie spa.