Dogs are pure creatures that unfortunately have shorter lifespans than humans and have many problems during their old age that only take a lot of care and attention with time. Bathing is another such problem – senior dogs just hate the water and either want to be fussy or not budging and uncooperative.
Getting a bathtub is a good idea if you have one of these elderly dogs which require groomer-type cleaning with age. Older dogs sometimes have medical issues, frequent potty accidents, and other problems which might require the maintenance of hygiene. Getting a bathtub for this purpose is a good idea to make your job easier.
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If you are confused about the process of looking for a good bathtub for your pet, look no further. I have tested the best senior dog bathtubs and brought to you some of the top options available online.
How To Choose The Best Bathtub For Your Senior Dog?
Your senior dog would require to maintain its hygiene as it grows old with time. Even if it may not be as active and gets dirty more frequently, cleanliness is required to keep diseases and infections away. Hence, when picking a bathtub for your senior dog, remember to choose one on the basis of the following factors.
Flooring
Your dog’s legs will not be the sturdiest or strongest when it reaches a certain age. Standing up for long lengths of time can be extremely uncomfortable for elder dogs and sometimes painful for those with bone diseases. Hence, the flooring of the bathtub you choose should be of a material that prevents slipping.
Slipping is one of the main problems of dog bathing and is also potentially harmful. Hence, make sure that the flooring has a good grip, or is at least made of material that is sturdy and easy to stand on for your old dog.
Drainage System
Bathing old dogs is going to be a very messy process and the biggest reason is not their diseases, attitude towards baths, or their tiredness – it’s the hair. Older dogs tend to shed more as the lifespan of their hair too, shortens with age. When you bathe your senior dog, be ready to clear out loads of tufts of hair.
Hence, a good drainage system that easily allows the passage of these clumps down is necessary. Make sure to get a dog bath with a cooperative drainage system.
Accessibility
Since bathing your senior dog is going to be a difficult task, make sure to go for bathtubs that make the process quicker and simpler.
Choose tubs that come in kits, have additional features, or make the job easier with leashes or jets, or portable carriers. It will also be a good idea to go for well-known brands to make servicing easier.
Best Senior Dog Bath Tubs
1. Furesh Elevated Folding Dog Bath Tub
Furesh Elevated Folding Dog Bath Tub is a foldable, portable washing station for small to medium-sized dogs. I felt comfortable buying this tub on Amazon, and the price was the exact same as all the stores I went to. It was easy to bathe my dog both outside and indoors as the fact that you can simply fold and carry it anywhere is very convenient. The bath comes with an attached, stretchable drain hose to empty out your tub.
The bath also has two side pockets to keep your shampoo and other grooming items. The basin itself is 17.8” wide and 33” long. The depth is 11.5”, giving your pet enough space to sit, lay or stand comfortably. Although huge breeds like Labradors and German Shepherds might not fit in the tub, it is perfect for up to dogs of Collie sizes.
The material used to make this tub is marine grade PVC – it is durable, rugged and all types of grain and dirt are easy to clean off the surface. Even if your senior dog struggles a bit when being put into the bath, the hard material can stand all-paw and claw attacks.
Stainless aluminum has been used for the frame and the tub can support the weight of up to 130 lbs of water. A three-point leash restraint with an adjustable collar is attached to the frame and in the newer version of this folding dog bathtub, the feet are collapsible so that no scratches are left on your bathtub.
With a good duration of a 2-year warranty, this dog bathtub is a complete package deal if you are buying one for the first time.
Pros:
- Durable, portable, and lightweight
- Extra accessories, quality of materials, and warranty
Cons:
- Draining all the water is more difficult than expected through the PVC
- Not suitable for big dogs
2. Booster Bath Elevated Pet Tub
I was very skeptical with purchasing this tub since it had tons of bad reviews and comments. I decided to take the leap and make the purchase on Amazon for my senior dog. For the price, I wasn’t expecting much. But, It worked perfectly for my needs. The tub has quick-snap legs that make the item easy to set up and also give you a good height to get to every part of your dog’s fur spick and span. On the side of the tub is an attached caddy to keep your shampoo and other essentials.
The dimensions of the tub are 45” x 21.25” x 15”, which makes it big enough to fit even Dalmatians and Greyhounds. The surface of the tub is a no-slip rubber mat so that even senior dogs who often have knee problems can sit comfortably or stand without slipping.
It comes in large and medium sizes with weight limits of 75 lbs and 90 lbs respectively. Water can be drained out easily with the directional drain hose attached at the bottom and the fan nozzle on the side can be set to a heavy flush, gentle stream, or flat water pattern to make it easy to wash your dog between rinsing.
This bathtub also apparently won the title of Presented by the 2019 Retailer’s Choice Award presented by the North American Retail Hardware Association.
Pros:
- Flexible sizes
- Tackles the main problem of dog washing – slipping and sliding
- Many extra accessories make the work easy
Cons:
- Not very handy
- The restraint noticeably weakened over time.
3. Flying Pig Professional Stainless Steel Grooming Bath
This stainless steel grooming bath by Flying Pig is the tub (Click here to view the price out on Amazon) to go for as it gives you the professional experience that your dog would get at a groomer’s, right in the comfort of your home. The tub is made of 304 stainless steel which is durable, great for sealing, and can be cleaned easily.
It is perfect for senior dogs who can be difficult to bathe as it comes with a whole kit you would need for washing – a tub faucet with hoses, an overhead arm, a sprayer with a hose, a drain kit and a flexible hose and hair trap. The door locks easily and is at a good height to avoid any leakage or splashing.
There is a shampoo rack on the side of the tub as well and the floor is a two-piece steel grate that can easily be adjusted to accommodate all sizes of dogs. The best feature that I found efficient was the ramp slide attached under the tub – big dogs can be easily guided instead of picked up and put in with a fuss.
Flying Pig is also a well-known manufacturer of dog-grooming essentials and their service in case of any faults with the order is also reliable and cooperative.
Pros:
- Professional grooming equipment that comes with everything important
- Accommodates all sizes and breeds
Cons:
- Not very portable
- The stainless steel needs to be handled carefully or it can bruise
4. Rubbermaid Commercial Structural Foam Stock Tank
Another good option is the foam stock tank by Rubbermaid (click to view on Amazon). It is a sleek-looking, weather-resistant tub that makes washing your senior dog very easy. The tub comes in all sizes and the biggest one can accommodate 100 gallons. The material used to make this durable tank is molded polyethylene which is scratch-proof and can stand any sort of weather.
Baths are not the easiest with old dogs and this tub’s height is comfortable enough for senior dogs to climb. It also has an easy drainage system with an oversized 1½-inch drain plug. The tank is easy to clean and the float valve has two options to choose from – all-plastic or all-siphon.
The tub is also multi-purpose and buyers were using it for other things like storage and mini-ponds too. Buying this bathtub would be an investment for life – that too, at a very affordable price.
Pros:
- Spacious, sturdy, and durable
- Very affordable and available in many sizes
- Easy drainage system and usable for tasks other than dog washing too
Cons:
- Not elevated
- Has no additional accessories – not even a leash hook
5. Master Equipment Bathe & Go Dog
The Master Equipment Bathe & Go Dog (click to check current price on Amazon) bathtub is a mini version of a human one – perfect for your old four-legged friend. It is a lightweight and comfortable tub which will give your pet the groomer’s experience. The material is steel tubing which is a hardy plastic variety that is also easy to maintain.
You also get three grooming hooks, a drain stopper, and a hose that fits conveniently into the tub’s design without sacrificing looks. It is also elevated – which will save you back pain and allow you to clean your dog thoroughly. Although there is no leash, there is a ring available to attach it.
Although the tub is not suitable for large-sized dogs, it is 11 feet deep, which is a good height to fit even squirmy and fussy pets. There is also a drain pipe attached to the bottom for easy drainage of water and it comes with a firm stopper as well. As a final touch, the lower area of the tub is also lined with cute paw prints.
Pros:
- Great design with sturdiness and durability.
- Comes with extras and is easy to detach and put together.
- Comes with a good drainage system.
Cons:
- Slightly difficult to store with its size and shape.
- Not suitable for bigger dogs.
Honorable Mentions
ddLuck Multifunctional Collapsible Pet Bathtub
My recommendation for honorable mentions for a reasonable price is the ddluck Multifuctional Collapsible Pet Bathtube (click here to see it on Amazon). This tub is what I use the most for my senior dog and I’ve been extremely happy with the value and quality of it. The size is only suitable for small dogs, but the tub is a convenient item for baths as well as storage space. The foldable washtub is 11 inches deep and also comes with a lid which makes the tank multi-functional.
The material used to make the tub is strong PP and TPR which can stand any sort of weather, scratching or movement. It is convenient for old dogs due to its lower level and sturdy base and you can even use it as a portable bed when out on trips with your four-legged friend.
Due to its small size, it is also easy to clean and with its sturdiness, the investment will last you a lifetime – that too, at a very pocket-friendly price.
Pros:
- Durable and sturdy
- Multifunctional and easily storable
- Affordable and long-lasting
Cons:
- Not elevated
- Only suitable for small dogs
- Can be used outdoors, but its made for the indoors
Pet Wash Enclosure
Pet Wash Enclosure (Amazon link) is a bathtub that is also a portable spa for your elderly companion. It is made of durable, composite material and is designed to fit dogs of all sizes. The tank is comfortable and is perfect for pets who hate baths because it locks your pet perfectly in place and has spaces to reach inside from.
The tub also comes with 6 mist jets for complete soaking and a handy shower wand that can easily be connected to all kinds of faucets. The nozzles take care of rinsing your dog thoroughly while also being splash-free. Apart from the bending that you will have to do, it makes washing your dog an enjoyable experience.
Although the tub is not very portable and easy to store, it comes with wheels that can be attached to the bottom and carried anywhere.
Pros:
- Design is perfect for keeping senior dogs in place
- Extra shower nozzles and jets make washing very easy
- The door is great for squirmy pets
- Sturdy, durable, and comes with extras
Cons:
- It is quite expensive
- Not very portable and easy to store
- Some reviews complained about leakage
- Not elevated
Related Questions
1. How Often Should I Bathe My Dog?
Unless your dog is extremely dirty from outside activity, a good routine to follow would be to bathe your dog every 4 weeks.
2. Can You Wash A Dog Without A Bathtub?
Yes, you can wash a dog without a bathtub by using a hose, or shower.
3. Can Dogs Get Sick From Baths?
Like all mammals, dogs will not get sick immediately after a bath but can get sick from factors contributing to their surroundings after cold and wet washing.
4. Do Dogs Stink With Age?
It is not that dogs start to stink with time, but with older bladders, senior dogs often have problems with urine leaks that can get on the fur and cause odor over time without frequent baths.
5. Are Baths Good For Dogs With Arthritis?
Yes, baths with warm water will be healing and therapeutic for your dog – especially if it has arthritis. If you use a dog bathtub, being inside it for some time can increase your elderly dog’s blood circulation and hydration levels, relieving them of pain.