If you want to start grooming your dog at home instead of going to the dog groomers, then getting the proper dog bath tub is a great way to start. Bathing is vital for dogs of all breeds, even if dogs get baths much less often than humans; on average, they need a bath once every few months. You can talk to your vet for the specifics of your dog in particular—among other factors, scheduling dog baths depends on their breed, size, and type of hair—but keep in mind that most dog bathing schedules fall somewhere along this range.
Bathing helps dogs keep their skin and coats clean, and remove loose hair and debris from those areas. (Not to mention, bathing your dog will get rid of dirt, mud, and bad smells as well!) It can even help your dog’s coat smell nice and clean. While many dogs will squirm when placed under the water, others will enjoy it and will relish at the thought of bonding with their human family under refreshing cold water.
How a dog will react to dog bath grooming really depends on the dog: their breed, their size, and temperament. But it also depends on another factor, too: their comfort and safety.
The dog grooming bath: grooming your dog in comfort and safety
Depending on the size of your home and other factors, you might be used to bathing your dog in your bathtub or a garage sink. But the great thing about doggy grooming baths is that they give you an option to bathe your dog with more comfort than ever before—both for you and your pup.
Instead of getting everything ready in a small space where your dog will feel trapped—and possibly more likely to escape—you can set yourself up in a space where you both have more space to move around in, reducing the possibility that your dog thrashes about unnecessarily or tries to run away.
Thus, a dog grooming bath can be placed in a back- or front yard, garage—in an area that’s still bigger than a garage sink—or even your kitchen (if you’re willing to clean the water up afterward). You can also still continue to set the doggy bath up in your bathtub, of course, although this option is preferable for smaller dogs.
This greater comfort and safety is not only great for you and your dog—it’s also absolutely perfect for many dogs who have disabilities, disorders, and conditions that make them skittish and likely to startle. Not only does it make the bathing experience a lot easier for these dogs, but it also makes the grooming process much more convenient for dogs who have incontinence or related problems, and who therefore need to be cleaned more frequently.
Flexibility and adaptability
Another great thing about dog grooming baths is that they can be used for different kinds of dogs. Of course, some brands are suited to smaller and medium-sized dogs, and that’s fine. But one problem you would encounter with a traditional human bathtub—that is, the fact that it might be too big for bathing smaller dogs—is not the case for doggy bathtubs. Even those meant for bigger and smaller breeds will allow you to bathe your smaller dog at a comfortable level for you. You won’t have to go down on your hands and knees—and thus risk injuring yourself or straining your back—to bathe your dog properly.
Instead, dog baths are built specifically for the job. You can find a model that’s tailored to your breed or size of the dog and go from there. If not, you can get one that’s suitable for different sizes of breeds. In both cases, the tub will help you keep your dog in one area while you clean them. Many of these models also offer straps so that you can hold your dog in place.
Ease of use
Although they might seem complicated, with their H-frame structures and restraining straps, dog baths are not difficult to set up. It’s true that some models may require you to seek out the services of a plumber, but—once the work is done and you know how to use the bath properly—the actual bathing isn’t that difficult. Some models, including portable models, are very easy to set up; they often consist of only two pieces: the frame and the legs. These models maintain sturdiness and durability despite their portable construction, making them a good choice for owners with dogs of different sizes and breeds.
If you have difficulty setting up a dog grooming bath, you can also look up videos on YouTube or on other video sites. These can be very useful, especially for dog owners who are using or buying a bath for the first time.
Which dog grooming baths do we recommend?
If you would like to buy the best dog grooming bath tub, consider the following recommendations from our sponsors. They’re available on Amazon and on the Groomers Online website. They’re all tried and tested and will live up to your expectations. With the help of our recommendations, you can give your dog a bath in a way that’s safe, comfortable, and convenient.
Standing Boat Foldable Pet Dog Bathing Tub
This bathing station features a lightweight design that nevertheless remains durable. It's made to be portable; you can pick it up and take it with you to find the spot that will guarantee your dog the most comfort while they're being bathed. You can also fold it up when you're not using it.
This means that, for example, if you bathe your dog outside, you can put it away when you're not using it. Remember, dogs don't necessarily need to be bathed often, and in some cases may need a bath only a few times a year. And while we're on the subject of water, its design is made to save water so that you don't waste too much while bathing your dog.
This portable dog grooming bath is ideal for dogs that are both small and medium size. (It's even good for cats!) You can use it for dogs and cats weighing up to 40 kilograms. Once it's been assembled, it's almost 90 cm high. It's made out of yacht-grade PVC, with a frame of stainless aluminum. This aluminum tubing is light, making the structure lightweight and therefore easier to handle. The cover, which is also made of PVC, is easy to clean—thereby reducing one source of your stress—and can easily support the whole weight of the frame.
Also included is an optional three-point restraint, which will allow you to secure your dog in different places. It will make grooming your dog safer than it would be otherwise, since your dog won't be able to jump out of the washing station during a dog grooming session or turn their face backward. If you need to, you can remove the collar as well.
One important, if often underlooked, part of bathing dogs is that you might end up with a sore back. This washing station helps avoid that problem with height-elevation features. Other features that will increase your comfort include an easy-drain, directional hose; bags on the sides for you to place dog grooming accessories in; and 360-degree access. The drain system in particular has a good angle for the decline, so that you can wash your dog more efficiently. It also has a drain stopper, which makes things more convenient on your end.
Setting it up is simple and doesn't take a lot of time. You can fold and unfold it as needed to set it up and take it down, thanks to the easy-to-use Pull & Pack Folding System. This system lets you fold it up in as little as one second. The legs can even be removed, if you'd like more portability.
The warranty lasts two years. In case of problems, you have 30 days to return the washing station and get your money back, no questions asked.
Pros and cons:
- Portable yet durable
- Lightweight and easy to transport
- Easy-drain hose with drain stopper
- Height-elevation features to avoid injuring your back
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Easy to clean
- Possibility of developing leaks
- Can't be used for large dogs
- Restraints might be insufficient to secure some dogs
Yaheetech Extra Large Foldable Pet Dog Pool
This dog pool is available in multiple sizes. As a result, it can be used for big dogs, like German Shepherds; medium dogs; small dogs; and even small cats, like American Shorthairs. You can even use it as a pool for ducks or other fowl. If you have multiple small dogs, you can buy a larger size, and have them play together with the one pool.
This waterproof pool was designed to be made with durable construction. The non-toxic PVC was used to build the surface, whereas the sidewall is made out of MDF (medium-density fibreboard, which is similar to plywood). These fibreboards, which are situated inside the wall of the pool, add an additional layer of support for stability. The pool is also at a good height for your dogs to get in and out. Altogether, this quality construction will ensure that you can use the dog pool for years on end.
This pool is versatile; you can easily set this pool both indoors and outdoors. You can use it for your dogs—both for them to enjoy the water and for them to get groomed—or you can full it with sand or plastic toy balls instead, and turn it into a toy for your children, both for the summer and for the rest of the year. The maximum fill line will let you know how much you can fill up the pool without worrying about injuring your dog. The outer part of the pool is blue, whereas the interior is dark blue.
The pool is protected with non slip capabilities, so that your dog won't slip while getting a bath. Its water-resistant design is complemented by a thicker bottom section for additional protection. It will even be protected from various weather conditions, thanks to the cold-resistant PVC and UV protection. As well, the pool's smooth, strong build is durable enough so that it won't puncture easily.
You can fold it up into a compact shape, so that you can both store and carry it with more ease of use. This makes it portable, and ensures that it saves space for home use. You can even bring it with you when you and your pup go traveling.
When you do need to set it up, opening and folding this dog pool is easy as pie. It's durable enough to maintain its shape after being taken down and set up multiple times. The pool’s sidewall also has a drain hole, which makes it easy to drain the water—and, in turn, which will help you save the time it would take you to drain the water manually.
When placing the pool, be sure to put it on ground that's smooth and flat, and not bumpy ground. Also, trim your dog’s nails before you give them a bath; this will help avoid scratching.
Pros and cons:
- Durable structure
- Use it as a pool or as a bathing station
- Portable design
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Drainage hole for saving time
- Dogs can push the sides, causing it to collapse
- One user reported receiving a model with a hole in it
Flying Pig Pet Dog Portable Bath Tub
This dog grooming bath ensures that washing your dog will be a faster, painless experience. The 360-degree entryway will let you clean your dog from any angle, which makes the process not only easier, but also safer and more comfortable for your dog. It's a great size for dogs of both small and medium size, with the ability to support up to 150 pounds. It's about 90 cm high in all—high enough so that you can use it without injuring your back or pulling your muscles unduly.
The basin of the tub is made out of heavy-duty plastic, whereas the legs (the support) are made out of stainless steel. It features 360-degree access. In addition, the levelers in the four legs can be used to adjust the tub for floors that aren't even. Despite its durability, this tub is also small enough to fit into standard bathtubs. It is also portable, ensuring that transit is easier and much more convenient for those who want to wash their dogs in different locations. You can also store it in a nice, compact space when you're not using it.
It's made out of sturdy plastic with UV protection. You can assemble as soon as you've received it, thanks to the simple assembly that's required: the tub only has one piece. You just need to snap the tub onto the legs.
This dog bath also has various slots, which are ideally sized and placed for two bottles of shampoo and one bar of soap. This means that you can keep your stuff close at hand while you're grooming at your dog—saving yet another hassle on your end.
Pros and cons:
- Perfect for small- and medium-sized dogs
- Compatible with the Rapid Bath cleaning tool
- 4 legs have levelers to adjust to uneven floors
- 360-degree access
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Includes slots for shampoo bottles, etc.
- Dogs’ toes can get stuck in the drain holes; maybe buy a little mat or item to create an obstruction
- Drainage tubing could be more durable; be careful during setup
- Tubing isn't as strong as that of other brands
Groomers Neptune Static Shower Bath
The Neptune Manual Dog Bath is sturdy and durable, and is a great choice for many kinds of dog breeds. You can use this doggy bath, with its contemporary polyethylene design, instead of a stainless steel pet bath. It can support dogs weighing up to 140 kg, which means that it's suitable for large dogs and even some mastiffs, in addition to small- and medium-sized dogs.
You can adjust the height manually while using the dog grooming bath tub, so that you don't develop back strain. The height can be adjusted from 70 to 79 cm, with a range of 9 cm of difference. You can further adjust the height by taking out the removable feet. It also has a ramp with removable castors, so that your dog can mount it without any trouble; they simply need to use it to step into the tub.
The design features an H-bar frame—this secures the dogs that are currently taking a bath—as well as nooses or straps to hold your dog in place during their bath. The bath has dedicated moulded areas for placing your bathing products.
Animal entry height goes from 45 to 54 cm; a sliding door allows small dogs to enter the bath. Inside the bath, there's a split-level platform, which is perfect for showering small dogs. The tub is 50 cm deep, which means it can be used to bathe bigger dogs in addition to smaller ones.
Its polyethylene structure is easy to clean. It's also easy to assemble and set up.
Finally, the large drain is complete with a strainer and stopper, so that dog hair clogged in your bath tub is a thing of the past.
Pros and cons:
- It's ideal for professional dog salons
- Fast delivery with solid packaging
- Adjustable height
- Useful features: deep tub, sliding entryway, straps to secure your dog
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Includes a section to put your bathing products
- Plumbing is required for installation
Groomers Neptune Electric Shower Bath
You can use this dog bath instead of a stainless-steel dog bath tub. It's made out of quality molded polyethylene, which ensures that it's durable and strong. It can support very big dogs: it can hold dogs of up to 140 kg in weight. Despite this, however, the electronic chassis—which is controlled via a foot pedal—makes it easy for you to adjust the height, so that you don't strain your back while helping your dog.
Its height can be adjusted from 86 to 120 cm; you can modify it within a range of 34 cm. Its animal entry height—the height from the floor to the included sliding door—is 48 cm at the lowest point. The adjustable height features make it simple to bathe dogs of different heights and sizes.
Underneath its embossed exterior, this doggy shower is easy to clean. It features specific sections, also made out of molded material, for you to place bottles of dog shampoo and conditioner. Inside the tub proper is a split-level elevated platform; this is particularly useful when it comes to showering smaller dogs.
The tub features a big drain. It's complete with a strainer and stopper, so as to prevent your dog’s hair from clogging the tub. As with regular pet bath tubs, the ability to stop your dog’s hair from clogging the drain is very valuable, in that it saves quite a bit of time.
Pros and cons:
- Solid, durable construction
- Can hold dogs weighing up to 140 kg
- Adjust the electronic chassis to save the strain on your back
- Additional restraints to secure your dog
- Perfect for professional groomers
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Fast shipping
- Plumbing is needed for installation
- One user reported not receiving the shampoo that was supposed to be included
The perfect grooming accessory for your beloved dog
Not every dog needs a stylish, trendy haircut—but every dog needs a bath, at least a few times a year. Now that you know a little more about what makes a good dog bath tub, we hope you can use the knowledge to find the very best bath tub for your canine friend. Best of luck with your shopping!
