Time for SPA treatments - rating TOP 14 baths for washing dogs and cats

Most pet lovers prefer to buy dog ​​beds in stores or online. However, you can always make your own bedding or a whole bed for your dog.

You will have the opportunity to choose techniques and materials that will fit into the design of your room and will correspond to the size of your pet.

Review of bathtubs for washing dogs and cats

Today, pet owners have the opportunity to choose from a large range of products on the market. Therefore, the determining factors will be not only functionality and price, but also product quality. The design, thought out to the smallest detail, will help you quickly and safely carry out hygienic procedures.

Grooming baths come in several varieties:

• plastic and metal;
• with adjustable legs;
• on electric/hydraulic lift;
• with pet door and ladder;
• with holders and shelves, etc.

Some models can be installed in your own bathtub or outdoors, as well as indoors in any convenient place. High sides will not allow dirt and drops of water to fly away in all directions, and the increased height and the ability to adjust it will remove the additional burden from the owner’s back, which usually occurs when washing an animal in its own bath or shower.

It is also convenient that most models have a special tray with a grate that collects dirt and hair from the animal, so you can always avoid clogging the drain.

The rating will present three categories of baths, which cover both home grooming and salon grooming:

• Plastic - for home and salon use. One of the lightest and most mobile models, you can use it in your apartment or take it with you to the dacha. Plastic is not the most durable material, so some owners are afraid to buy it.
• Professional grooming baths are made of stainless steel or durable hygienic polypropylene; such products are more durable and can withstand even very heavy breeds. However, they are quite heavy and inferior in mobility to plastic structures, so they are intended more for professional animal care salons, nurseries and veterinary clinics.
• Profiled bathtubs with electric/hydraulic lifts allow you to lift and lower a heavy structure, which is very convenient when it comes to washing heavy animals. Also, the ability to adjust the height allows you to reduce the load on your back and use the bath for animals of different breeds.

Which company is better for paw washing?

Among the companies that have firmly established themselves in the pet products market, American and Swiss suppliers of paw washers should be highlighted. Also in demand are Chinese products - due to reasonable prices - and Russian ones, which also offered customers functional devices.

The models that attract the greatest interest among pet store customers are:

• Paw Wash.

The designers of the American company were the first to propose designs in the form of plastic vessels with rubber inserts. These inexpensive products are suitable for small breed dogs and large pets. Other manufacturers liked the idea so much that less popular companies began producing similar devices.

• Dirty Paws Footbath.

The paw washers of this brand look like a tall acrylic glass. The container has a neoprene nozzle that absorbs excess moisture and prevents water from splashing. The glass comes with a microfiber towel. This idea has also gained ground. There are many models from Chinese manufacturers on the market.

• Paw Boss.

Dog owners appreciate this real washing machine for effectively cleaning their pet's paws. The device is made in the form of a rectangular flat box with an internal water flow system. The only inconvenience is the bulkiness of the design. You cannot take such a “box” with you. The device can be used at home.

• Paw Plunger.

Popular models - in the form of containers with handles - are presented in three versions: for small dogs weighing up to 10 kg, up to 30 kg and for larger individuals. Inside the structure there are brushes, thanks to which the dog gets rid of dirt. To prevent water from splashing out of the “mug,” the product is equipped with a special silicone lid. The brand has become widespread. Analogs can be purchased on various online platforms.

Comparison table of Paw Plunger models:

• Clean Dog

The device is made of durable plastic and has the shape of a glass, inside of which there are soft silicone brushes. Models for small, medium and large dogs are available. The design flaw is the lack of a lid. Therefore, you cannot take the device with you, but can only use it at home.

• Cool.

The Russian manufacturer offered not just a silicone washing cup, but also a brush that can be used if you need to thoroughly wash the entire pet. After all, after a walk in inclement weather, washing your paws alone is not enough.

• Skiico.

This and other Chinese manufacturers offer a simple portable sink in the form of a glass with internal silicone “antennae”. The classic Clean Dog model is taken as a basis. The product is inexpensive and quite compact, so dog breeders have received it favorably.

The popularity of the models of these brands remains high due to the versatility of the designs, ease of use and reasonable price of the products.

Important criteria when choosing a bath

Number and sizes of pets

Equipment in salons should be aimed at dogs of various breeds and sizes, while simple models with less functionality are more suitable for home use. When choosing, you should also take into account the presence of additional bottom levels, which will allow you to bathe both large and small dogs and cats.

Material of manufacture

Despite the fact that manufacturers use plastic that is resistant to damage and wear in production, it is still not as durable as options made from steel or polypropylene. Therefore, if you plan to wash a large flow of animals, then it is better to opt for more durable and wear-resistant options.

Inexpensive plastic options are quite suitable for home use. However, it is worth considering that pets that are too large and heavy should not be bathed in them.

Weight and dimensions of the structure

Professional designs should be larger and heavier, because in salons the grooming bath is used much more often than at home. Home options should be lighter in weight and more mobile, so that they can be conveniently disassembled, stored and transported.

Manufacturer's warranty and maintenance

An important criterion, especially when purchasing expensive models with lifting mechanisms. When purchasing, check the warranty period and the possibility of service from the seller.

Making + patterns

The techniques will be discussed in more detail below.

Bed with sides

How to make a square look:

1. Cut out 2 square pieces, making small allowances to create seams. If you insert an elastic band, increase the allowances to 4 cm so that you can bend them.

2. Draw the outlines of the parts on paper.

3. Place the dog on the blank to see if the dimensions match.

4. Apply the outline of the pattern with chalk.

5. Cut and secure the seams using straight stitches.

6. Connect the elements, leaving small holes for inserting filler.

7. Once it is inside, sew the edges closed.

8. Decorate the entrance by pulling the middle of one side.

9. Insert elastic into the sides.

10. Connect the sides with fabric strips.

Faux fur bed

How to make a fur bed for a large dog:

1. On the wrong side of the fur, mark 2 rectangles, with sides 1.1 and 0.65 m. You will also need 2 circles with a diameter of 0.7 m. Cut out the parts.

2. To make the bottom of the bed, place a tarpaulin on the fur circle. Trace the outline and cut it out.

3. Sew the rectangles together using only the short sides.

4. Fold the fur rectangle in half and connect it to the tarp in a circle using pins.

5. Sew all layers together. To make the bed neat, the seams should be inside the circle. 6. Place the filling into the formed sleeve and sew the edges.

7. To make a pillow, fold fur circles with the wrong side out. Connect the edges.

8. Turn the product inside out through the small hole left. Fill it with foam rubber and sew up the hole.

9. Place the pillow and distribute the filling evenly.

Bed with strings

How to make a dog bed with your own hands with strings:

1. When the pattern is ready, transfer it to paper. Afterwards, cut out the fabric and cut out the necessary elements.
2. Fold the elements inside out and sew the edges. Leave some space so you can sew in the ties. Be sure to leave a small hole to fill the product with filler.
3. Turn the bed right side out and fill it with padding polyester.
4. Make 3-5 stitches to secure the filler and bottom lines.
5. Add a little more padding polyester.
6. Tie the strings into a bow and place the bed in a permanent place where the dog likes to live and sleep.

House

If you want to sew a house-bed, follow these instructions:

1. Create the sides of the home from a large piece of fabric. You can use fabric from jeans, dresses, or any fabric you have around the house.

2. Open the front and back of the product separately.

3. Make 2 rectangles and connect them.

4. Sew lines that delimit the details of the house.

5. Fill all the compartments with foam and sew all the holes.

Sweater bed

How to make a dog bed with your own hands from a sweater:

1. Sew the seam between the two armpits.
2. Fill the bottom with a pillow and the sides with filling.
3. Tie the bottom with a lace.
4. To make washing more convenient, install zippers at the bottom and neck.
5. Sew the neckline.
6. Sew the sleeves together to create a “tunnel”.
7. Pin it along the edges to create sides.

Round berth

To make a round dog bed cushion, follow these instructions:

1. Make a pattern for the bed. The diameter should be equal to the length of the animal, to which add 30 cm. Another 6 cm should be left for hemming and elastic inserts.

2. Cut out 2 identical circles.

3. Mark a small circle in the center on one element.

4. Mark 8 segments with chalk.

5. Sew around the center of the circle, leaving a small hole for stuffing.

6. Insert the foam and stitch the hole completely.

7. Sew the segments and the second circle, leaving room for stuffing. Fill them and sew up the holes.

8. Make a seam to insert the elastic. Pull it so that the sides rise.

9. Put the bed down so your pet can try it out.

Bed made of pillow and fabric with blanket

Step-by-step instruction:

1. Place the pieces of fabric on top of each other.

2. Place a pillow in the center and create a fringe along the contour. The ribbons must be even.

3. When the pillow is between the two elements, connect the fringe.

3. Tie several knots on the strings.

4. Make another piece so that it follows the contours of the pillow and has a small margin.

5. Mark a mark 8 cm from the edge and cut the fringe.

6. Tie the blanket to the main part of the bed. This way you will have a whole sofa for your pet.

Bed from a sweatshirt

If you have an old sweatshirt, you can also use it:

1. Turn the garment inside out and sew around the collar opening, leaving a small hole.

2. Use pins to mark a line between the two armpits. Sew and remove the pins.

3. Sew the sleeves to the sides of the sweatshirt.

4. Form the sides. To do this, fill the sleeves with filler.

5. Place a pillow in the center.

6. Sew the cuffs together.

7. Cover them with scraps of beautiful fabric.

8. Let your dog try out the bed.

Reviews

Many owners use regular bathtubs and sinks to bathe their pets, but sometimes this is not the most convenient solution. Discussion on the pesiq forum

Opinion from a user from the labrador forum:

To summarize, we get the following summary - if you want to restore less often or completely change the bathtub, then buy your four-legged friend a separate one. In the case of salons and nurseries, the choice is more obvious; a groomer’s bathtub is an indispensable accessory; it’s good that the choice today is quite wide.

How to choose a convenient and effective paw washer

To avoid making mistakes when choosing, you should determine your purchase goals in advance. And of course, take into account the size of your four-legged friend.

Criterias of choice:

• Brand. The best manufacturers produce safe and durable products.
• Container size. To prevent the animal from experiencing discomfort, its claws should not rest against the walls of the container.
• Hole diameter. The animal's paw must easily penetrate into the container, otherwise the animal will experience discomfort.
• Cover tightness. If the nozzle does not fit tightly, splashes will occur.
• Container material. It is desirable that the structure be made of hard plastic that can withstand mechanical stress and shock.
• Brush material. Silicone bristles are the most convenient.
• Is the design collapsible? If the inner brush can be removed, the container is more hygienic. It is easy to disassemble, rinse well and dry.
• Inner surface of paw washers. If the container inside has additional ribbed inserts, the dog will get rid of dirt faster and more efficiently.
• Pet store consultants can provide useful recommendations on choosing animal washes. It is also a good idea to do a comparative analysis by visiting several retail outlets. This will help you buy the right thing at a reasonable price.

Terms of use

To get the expected result and not cause harm to your pet, when using the paw wash you need to adhere to the following recommendations:

• Compliance with the water temperature: in the warm season, it is better to pour water at room temperature, and in winter or autumn - cool, so as not to cause discomfort in the dog due to the temperature difference.
• After washing, it is advisable to wipe the paws with a towel, even if they do not look very wet: firstly, there will be no wet marks left on the floor, and secondly, this will protect the dog from microtraumas.
• If you use the paw wash on an ongoing basis, you must ensure that no cracks or calluses appear on the animal’s skin. If any are identified, they must be treated immediately, and the animal must be washed in a sink, basin or bucket.

An original paw washer in the form of a mug
If you follow all the rules for choosing and using the product, hygiene procedures will bring joy to the animal. According to customer reviews, some pets even switch to self-care: after returning from the street, they happily run to the paw wash and perform part of the procedure on their own.

*Prices shown are current as of June 2022.

Bathing water temperature

Separately, it is worth mentioning the temperature of the water for bathing the dog. This issue causes a lot of controversy among animal owners. Do not be guided by your own feelings and preferences. Remember that the body temperature of dogs is 37-38°C. If you bathe your pets in water heated to these levels, the animals will receive a thermal burn.

Veterinarians advise washing dogs at home in water at temperatures up to 31-33°C. This is the most comfortable mode.

If your dog likes to swim in natural bodies of water (river, lake), beware of hypothermia. Do not allow your pet to get into the water if it has not warmed up to 17-18 °C.

After swimming

How to protect yourself and your pet from ticks
Immediately after bathing, many dogs tremble, ask to be held, or begin to actively run around the apartment. This is fine. They need to warm up. To help your pet, perform drying procedures yourself.

1. Wring out the fur with your hands without removing the dog from the bath. Let me dust myself off.
2. Dry the wool with a towel. For large dogs, a terry bath towel is suitable; for small dogs, for example, a Chinese Crested, a waffle towel is sufficient.
3. Wrap the animal in another dry towel and hold for 10-15 minutes. This will help the dog warm up.
4. In winter, use a hairdryer. If the pet does not become frightened and hysterical from the buzzing of the device. Gently comb the wool and dry it at the most gentle temperature setting.
5. Take a large comb and tidy up the dry hair. If you find tangles, carefully cut them out with scissors.
6. For hairless breeds, apply a moisturizing balm to the skin.

Care after a walk

At any time of the year, the dog returns from the street with dirty paws. Accustom puppies to paw washing from 3-4 months. Buy a small basin and place it in front of the entrance

Rinse your dog's limbs immediately after going outside, paying special attention to the spaces between the toes and pillows.

If your dog cannot bathe after surgery or because of illness, use dry bathing. The effect of this hygiene method will not last long, but it can be repeated an infinite number of times. Take baby or regular talcum powder. Apply to the fur, rub in for 10-15 minutes, then comb out the product along with the dirt. You can use the cold air of a hair dryer.

How to make a paw washer with your own hands

If pet stores do not live up to your expectations - they don’t have the required sizes or the prices are prohibitive, you can build a cleaner for your four-legged pet yourself.

Step-by-step instructions for making a structure for washing paws at home:

1. Choose a container of suitable size. The household may have unnecessary plastic buckets and jars that can be used for a homemade design. The main thing is that the container does not have sharp edges and is made of dense, unbreakable material.
2. Make a nozzle from cardboard, rubber or silicone mat. The lid is cut according to the diameter of the upper rim of the container.
3. Glue a brush onto the walls of the “glass” so that the “stamens” “look” inside the bowl. A silicone product is best.
4. Glue a rubber circle with a ribbed pattern to the bottom of the glass. The mat should correspond to the diameter of the lower tier of the “glass”.
5. Dry the product thoroughly.

The homemade paw washer is ready. Now it’s worth carrying out test work, and only then offering the procedure to your four-legged friend.

Where is such a car wash?

A car wash with the opportunity to wash your pet is located very conveniently - right at the entrance to Hamburg along the Reeperbahn highway. Animal lovers often take their pets for walks. And here you can wash your car, which is covered in mud, and at the same time your dog.

And just sitting in the car and waiting for it to be washed is not very fun. And just so that the client does not get bored, and spends time with benefit and drive, stretching his legs - car washes in all countries are inventing a wide variety of ways to provide additional services to clients.

The owner of this car wash for dogs is German entrepreneur Lars Schutze, and we can say that he coped with the task. And of course, he believes that he charges very little for providing the service. But I wonder what dog owners think about this?