Dog bath tubs are a brilliant idea for all those that struggle to bathe their pets in a sufficient, calm and effective manner. There are many dog owners that think that the home bath tub will do fine. If it can handle the bathing requirements of the rest of the family, it should have no problem dealing with the pet pooch. However, dog owners soon find that this can be tricky. It is difficult to get some dogs in and out of the bath – and that’s if they even want to go in at all. Some also struggle to reach into the bath to wash the dog properly, or find that it is too spacious and inconvenient for smaller dogs.
There is also the hassle of cleaning the bathroom after pets have had their fun – or their tantrum. A dog bath tub is a better approach. These specially designed tubs are built to handle the size and needs of their canine occupants. The best doggy bath tubs offer a great place to bathe, with ease of use for owners and groomers. The more portable ones can also be placed in a better location, such as the kitchen floor or out on the patio. The following models all show the potential of this canine-friendly approach to bath time.
Some of the Best Dog Bath Tubs for a Better Bath Time Experience
1. Mustee 28F Big Tub Utilatub
The first model to look at here comes from Mustee. The first thing that stands out with this tub is the space – both in terms of the capacity for larger dogs, and the use of the space around the tub. This model can hold 36 gallons of water, with a leak-proof drain. This should be more than enough to get a good soak and shampoo on some larger breeds. There is also a large shelf for products, toys and other distractions and curb to prevent too much loss of water.
There are some great user reports on this Mustee 28F Utility Bath Tub that highlight the strength of the tub. Don’t let the sales pitches put you off. There is a lot of talk about soaking, bleaching and dying. Clearly this is sold more for household tasks than grooming. But, the mix of fibreglass and durastone means that it is strong enough to handle long animals too. The aim here is resistance to mold. This makes it more hygienic and safe for pets. This should be pretty robust. Yet, many do point out that all the strength and quality went into the tub. The additional faucet that comes with this product is a bit flimsy and should be upgraded.
2. Booster Bath Elevated Pet Bathing Tub - Medium and Large Sizes
Next up is another seemingly durable option – this time from Booster Bath. Again, there are some great features and quality materials, but the extras aren’t as great. Here the draining tube has a tendency to come off if it is not attached properly. The tub itself is strong and stable. The legs snap on and off, but are sturdy enough. There are also rubber bumpers, a non-slip mat an an optional restraint for extra security. Add in the UV resistance for outdoor use and it seems like the designers thought of everything. This means a secure, pet-friendly design for use wherever it is most convenient.
Furthermore, there are some great aspects to the design of this Booster Bath Elevated Dog Bath Tub that really can help owners and groomers a lot. This includes the shape and extra accessories. This doggy bath tub has 360 degrees of access, to reach pets from any angle necessary. It also elevates to suit the height of the owner, and lessen the risk of back ache. The additional shampoo caddy is a helpful final touch. This adaptability and capacity means that this bath should be suitable for many breeds up to 75lbs. This means many happy, secure spaniels and medium sized hounds.
3. Flying Pig Pet Dog/Cat Portable Bath Tub
The next model comes from Flying Pig – a brand we will see more of with the grooming tubs below. This is smaller, more portable model for ease of use around the home. This is clear from the use of plastic. This is a far cry from the large, durable basin at the start of this guide. That combo tub was a robust, all-purpose model that wasn’t going anywhere. This one can go in the back of a car to shows, client’s houses and other destinations. Owners are still impressed with the performance and capacity. It is just the right size for smaller breeds – in terms of both the capacity and the height. There is also the same 360 degree access for ease of use.
The downside with this Flying Pig Pet Washing/Shower/Grooming Tub comes with the assembly process. This needs a little work to put it together and take it apart in the user’s chosen location. This is fine in theory, but not so good in practice. Some say that some improvements to the instructions would go a long way. They claim that all users have to do is snap the legs onto the tub, attach the drain hose and it’s ready to go, but there is clearly more of a trick to it than that. The upside to these legs is that they have levelers for uneven flooring.
4. Pet Wash Enclosure with Splash Guard
Finally we have this starkly named Pet Wash Enclosure – also referred to as a home pet spa in some descriptions. Like many of the models mentioned in this guide, the appeal comes down to the use of clever features. This is more than a tub, this is an enclosure that hooks up to the home’s water supply. The water feeds powerful jets to soak, and potentially surprise the dog within. There are also door to enter and exit. Users like the unusual approach, as well as the design of the extras, like the chains, shelf and splash guard. That guard is definitely important with that water pressure and a fidgeting pooch.
The downside with this Pet Wash Enclosure/Spa is the capacity. There is a clear promise from the designers that this grooming tub will suit “almost any size pet”. This can be taken in different ways, and is far too broad. This definitely wont suit a large Newfoundland, or a small alpaca. In fact, many are disappointed to find that this is only really for small to medium dogs. Still, there is no denying the effect of the water and the design on those that fir. This is an interesting tub that takes the more basic bath tub to a new level. Spa is a little much, but the jets are fun.
Then we have the grooming tubs. At first, these products can appear to be much like those dog baths above. There is a basin where the dog can sit, or stand, in order to be washed. There are also the same sorts of promises about the durability of the materials and the ease of use. The difference with these grooming tubs is that they are actually a little more functional than that. Some models go a little further with the design to help groomers – both amateur and professional – work with greater ease. There are stronger, deeper structures and a more professional approach.
3 Top Dog Grooming Tubs for Small and Large Dogs
The following examples all come from the same company, and highlight some of the most important features to look out for. This means some of the basic needs, necessary in all tubs and doggy baths, but also the extras that separate them from the more typical dog baths. The three models here cover three different sizes of dog. There is the larger model, with a good capacity and electric lift. Then there is the more medium-sized option, with a ramp and other conveniences. Then there is the smaller grooming tub for toy breeds. Each has its target market and some clear pros and cons. They may be more professional, but they can lack a little ease of use.
1. Flying Pig 50" Stainless Steel Professional Grooming Tub – with Electric Lift
The first model here in these Flying Pig grooming tubs is the one for larger dogs. There is just the right capacity, with some great features to make the job a lot easier. The selling point has to be the electric lift. There is an X-style frame that lifts the grooming tub to the required height. This ranges from 32 to 46 inches, so plenty of choice. This means that larger, heavier dogs can get in at an appropriate level, and then be elevated to meet the needs of groomers. This strong frame can handle a weight capacity of of 220lbs.
There are also lots of promises here about the durability and materials used in this Flying Pig 50" Electric Lift Pet Grooming Tub. Unfortunately, there are a few users that find this model a little difficult to clean out. They also say that some elements are prone to rust – despite the promise of rust resistance on the 16-gauge tub. This potentially limits the longevity, as well as the visual appeal of this product. However, there is still praise for the ease of use and features included. The splash guards on the back and sides are effective, and can be removed as required.
2. Flying Pig Grooming Professional Grooming Bath Tub – With Ramp
With this model, we go down a level in terms of the capacity and size of dog it is aimed at. This is basically a smaller version of the one above, with some tweaks to the design and function. This means that some of the issues with the durability may remain. There is the promise of tough stainless steel and waterproof seals, but they may not last. Yet, there is no doubt that this is an effective, useful option. There is a decent capacity for medium-sized pooches and a high pressure on the water for a good clean.
The main difference with this Flying Pig Grooming Walk-up Stainless Steel Grooming Tub is of course the ramp and flooring. Dogs can walk into the enclosure area with ease, and there is an adjustable floor grate to increase the height. This makes it easier to reach smaller breeds. The door closes behind, creating a secure bathing environment. This ramp shouldn't be undersold. The most annoying part of bathing, with most tubs at least, is the hassle of getting the dog inside. Some are too heavy to lift and others to frail to jump. This, combined with the other features, means that this is pretty easy to use.
3. Flying Pig Grooming 38" Pet Bathing Tub
Finally there is the smallest of this trio of Flying Pig grooming tubs – for much smaller breeds. This smaller, 38’’ model is perfect for providing enough space to get to all areas of the coats of these smaller dogs. This means plenty of room to negotiate that sprayer, with space left over for the storage rack. This should also be at a decent height for most users, with the tall, strong tub legs. An added bonus here is the textured floor mat to stop small paws from slipping around too much. This is ideal for any little toy dogs that might be a bit nervous about the grooming process.
The biggest issue with this Flying Pig 38" Stainless Steel Grooming Tub is the assembly process and cheap fittings. It feels like a low-end option to some – one that requires a little too much effort in the build. Yet, there are also plenty of users that see value for money in this option. This is still a strong, tough tub where it counts. The tub itself is made from the same 16-gauge steel as the model above, with the same 220lb weight allowance. The washing tools – the faucet and sprayer – also mean that there is some versatility in the washing process.
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