Photo by Modern Home Concepts, original photo on Houzz
8 expert tips for designing a dedicated dog shower for your four-legged family member
Last week, I blogged about renovations popular among home buyers today: like a designated dog shower. In that blog, I promised to share these 8 expert tips on how homeowners and designers have added a bathing space for pups in laundry rooms, mudrooms and even outdoors:
- Pick a Roomy Tub
For all but the largest breeds, experts suggest homeowners use a one-piece 20-by-20-inch mop sink that’s no more than 15 inches deep. Mop sinks are ideal for dog showers because they’re deep enough to keep in water but shallow enough to easily guide your dog inside. Consider a tub made of a durable, scratch-resistant material, like terrazzo. - Get the Height Right
Don’t throw your back out by bending to bathe your dog. Install a floor-mounted tub that your dog can climb into. If you have a small dog, consider installing a basin at a back-friendly height for lifting your precious pup in. - Put the Faucet Hardware on the Wall
Make sure the faucet and hardware are reachable from the tub’s edge, yet high enough on the wall so your dog won’t bump his noggin on it. - Build a Rugged Surround
Think large-format, easy-to-clean ceramic tiles to surround your dog shower. - Include a Shelf
You’ll need an easy to reach spot for shampoo and doggie conditioner. - Consider an outdoor shower
An outdoor pet shower is a perfect alternative for those of us lucky enough to live in a warm climate like Santa Barbara. - Don’t give up style for function
If you have a more modern aesthetic, a sleek pet shower with easy-to-clean stainless stairs might be the perfect way to pamper your pooch. Whatever your style, there’s the picture-perfect pet shower for you. - Easy to walk-in shower
For large breeds and older pups, a walk-in shower is the best alternative. It is also easy to clean.
Once you have the right space to clean up your pup, the American Kennel Club suggests dog owners keep the experience a positive one for all involved by placing a grippy rubber mat inside the tub and a non-skid rug outside. AKC also suggests dog owners check the water temperature before they use it on their pup to make sure it’s lukewarm. When bath time is over, prevent the mess from your dog shaking water all over you and your home by using a microfiber towel to dry his coat quickly.
For inspiration, check out some amazing dog showers by visiting this page on Houzz. If you’re listing your property and want to maximize your return on investment in Montecito, Hope Ranch or any of Santa Barbara’s upscale communities, why not add a dog shower into your home? Give me a call at 805.886.9378 or email me at [mail_to email=”Cristal@montecito-estate.com”]Cristal@montecito-estate.com[/mail_to] and I’ll happily add your listing to my portfolio of fine homes in the area.