Back in the day, most people washed the dog with little more than a garden hose. And while this works, it isn’t exactly a great way to give your dog a bath.
There are a variety of different hose and shower attachments available to make the process easier for modern dog owners – not to mention making bath time more comfortable for your pooch.
Below, we’ll examine the things you want in a hose or shower attachment and recommend a few of the best such products available.
We’ll also provide a few general tips for washing your dog with these types of attachments, to help you keep your pup clean and smelling great.
See our quick picks below, or keep reading for full details and reviews!
Quick Picks: Best Dog Hose and Shower Attachments
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Things You Want in a Hose or Shower Attachment
There are a million shower or hose attachments on the market that are marketed to pet owners. However, only a small fraction of those available deserve your cash and consideration.
Generally speaking, you’ll want to look for the following features and capabilities when picking the right bathing aid for your pooch.
Push-Button Control
You’ll almost always want some type of button or dial on the sprayer head that allows you to control the water flow.
Otherwise, you’ll be forced to turn off the water at the source whenever you need to put the sprayer down for a minute.
Minimally, you’ll want one with a “pause” button that completely stops the flow, but a variable dial is preferable.
A Storage Hook
You’ll find it necessary to hang up most sprayer attachments while lathering your dog, as well as between uses.
Many of the best spray attachments come with a hook or loop of string to make this easier.
Lengthy Hose
Most modern spray attachments are designed to attach to a long garden hose or they come with a hose already attached.
If they come with their own hose, you’ll probably want to avoid any products with hoses less than 7 or 8 feet in length, as they won’t provide the necessary flexibility and mobility to wash your dog from all angles.
Hand Attachment
Some sprayer heads come with a band or strap that allows you to attach the device directly to your hand.
This keeps your hand quasi-free to grab the shampoo bottle or massage your pup with your fingers. However, these kinds of attachments are not appropriate for all sprayer styles.
Multiple Spray Options
Sometimes you may want a gentle spray, and at other times you may need a powerful stream. Some of the best spray nozzles provide several different options for changing the spray pattern or pressure.
The Best Dog Hose and Shower Attachments
The following bathing aids are among the best available. Most feature key design differences, which should be taken into consideration when making your choice.
1. Woof Washer 360
About: The Woof Washer 360 is a unique and clever hose attachment for bathing your pet.
The attachment mechanism is similar to those of other products, but unlike other garden hose attachments, this tool features an adjustable ring, which can be passed around your dog’s body to wash every square inch of her, from top to bottom.
Product
Details
- Washing your dog doesn't have to be a chore!
- Just connect it to your hose, add shampoo, slip the hoop over your dog and turn on.
- The secret is in the 360 degree design that allows for a ring of water to jet gently around your dog...
- Woof Washer 360 lets dogs of all sizes get 360 degrees of clean.
Features: The Woof Washer 360 includes a collapsible ring, which the manufacturer says can be adjusted to fit dogs of any size. The ring has a number of holes along the inside, through which water will spray on your dog when you pass it around her body.
You can use the Woof Washer 360 to wet or rinse your dog, but by filling the attached bottle with shampoo, it can also be used to lather up your pooch too.
A selector switch on the handle allows you to switch from sudsy water to clean water at will. A pause button is also included so that you can stop the spray entirely when need be.
The Woof Washer 360 will fit any standard size garden hose, and you can also attach it to interior shower hoses for indoor use.
PROS
A number of dog owners found that the Woof Washer 360 worked well and helped make bath time easier for their dog. It seems to work best for short-haired dogs, and it may provide special value for dogs who are normally apprehensive during the bathing process – including those who are afraid of typical garden hoses.
CONS
While the Woof Washer 360’s design is certainly innovative, it appears that the design still requires tweaking to perform the way most owners want. Several owners reported problems with leaks, a few had trouble keeping the ring open during use, and some complained that it broke after only a few uses.
2. Waterpik Pet Wand Pro Dog Shower Attachment
About: The Waterpik Shower Attachment is designed to spray your dog in an effective and gentle way.
Designed to work with indoor or outdoor spigots, this shower attachment gives you the control and reach to keep your dog squeaky clean.
Product
Details
- EASY & EFFECTIVE: The Waterpik Pet Wand Pro professional grade dog shower unique wand shape provides...
- WATERCOMB & NARROW SPRAYS: Contoured water combing spray provides maximum coverage and the power you...
- INDOOR & OUTDOOR USE: Install in your shower and easily switch between your shower head and the Pet...
- COMPLETE BATHING STATION: The Pet Wand Pro PPR-252 dog bathing system includes the Pet Wand PRO,...
Features: The Waterpik Pet Wand includes a number of features to make it easier to wash your dog, including all of her hard-to-reach cracks and crevices.
It is primarily envisioned as an indoor tool, but you can also use the hose outdoors to help eliminate any indoor messes.
The hand-held wand is about 13 inches long and features two rows of holes. One provides a water-comb-like spray that is good for general use, while the other provides a narrower, gentler spray for cleaning sensitive areas. The wand features a rubber handle to provide a secure grip and a water-flow control to allow for one-handed operation.
An 8-foot-long hose connects the wand to the water supply and gives you plenty of slack to move around your pooch as necessary. A hook is also included at the end of the wand to allow for easy storage.
PROS
Most owners found that the Waterpik Pet Wand worked well and made it easier to bathe their dog. Several owners of long-haired or densely furred breeds reported that it provided enough “umph” to penetrate their dog’s fur, and most owners found it easy to hook up to their shower or outdoor spigot.
CONS
Most owners were very satisfied with the Waterpik Pet Wand, so complaints were relatively rare. However, a few owners did complain about leaks at the attachment point.
3. Thinks Technology Pet Shower Sprayer
About: The Thinks Technology Pet Shower Sprayer is a hose-and-hand-held-sprayer system that can be used indoors or outdoors. But rather than simply being a sprayer-style attachment, this also gives you the ability to give your pup a luxurious massage while washing her, thanks to the soft bristles located on the sprayer.
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Details
Features: The Thinks Technology Pet Shower Sprayer is designed to fit around your hand during use. You can then use it to massage the water and soap into your pet’s coat. The attached watch-style band is designed to hold the tool securely in place and it will fit most owners’ hands.
An adjustable thumb-screw is located on the sprayer to allow for quick and easy adjustments and prevent you from having to adjust the flow at the spigot or shower head.
The Thinks Technology Pet Shower Sprayer comes with an attached 7.5-foot-long hose, as well as three different adapters for connecting the tool to a variety of indoor and outdoor spigots. An included coil spring helps to protect the hose at the junction point, to prevent breaks and leaks.
PROS
The majority of owners who tried the Thinks Technology Pet Shower Sprayer were quite happy with the tool and reported that it worked exactly as they’d hoped. Most owners reported that the hose could be connected quickly, and several explained that the sprayer attachment was lightweight, fit their hand well, and was easy to use.
CONS
Most owners liked the Thinks Technology Pet Shower Sprayer, and the only complaints about it related to minor difficulties in attaching it to a water source.
4. Rinse Ace Deluxe Pet Shower Sprayer
About: The Rinse Ace Deluxe Pet Sprayer helps make it easier to wet and rinse your dog in your bathtub or shower. Made with a simple design, the Rinse Ace is intended to do exactly what you need, without including any unnecessary features.
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Features: The Rinse Ace Deluxe Shower Sprayer is comprised of an 8-foot-long hose, a connector that attaches to your showerhead, and a hand-held sprayer. The sprayer includes a convenient button that stops the flow of water.
The Rinse Ace Sprayer comes with a coupling that attaches the hose to the pipe behind your showerhead (meaning that you will have to take the shower head off to attach the coupling).
The hose can then be disconnected quickly and easily from this coupling and stored when not in use.
PROS
Most owners praised the Rinse Ace Deluxe Pet Shower Sprayer and found it helpful for washing their dog. Several mentioned that they were surprised by the water pressure the sprayer provided, and most reported that installation was easier than they’d expected.
CONS
There’s no toggle switch included to switch between the sprayer and your shower head – you’ll simply have to keep the sprayer in the “off” position when not in use. All of the components are plastic, and several owners were skeptical that the product would stand up to prolonged use.
5. Booster Bath Elevated Pet Tub
About: The Booster Bath Elevated Pet Tub is a complete bathing system, designed to make it easy to wash your dog outdoors. By providing everything you need in one package, you can avoid having to piece together a bathing system from multiple sources.
Product
Details
- 2 piece quick-snap tub and quick-snap legsPortable and lightNew two piece quick-snap tub
- Dimensions: 45" x 21.25" x 15"
- 19 inch leg height, 20 inch U Entrance, 32.25 inch total height when assembled
- Leg Foot Print - 27" x 48"
Features: The Booster Bath comes with several different components, including a 3-sided, 2-piece tub; quick-snap, rubber-bottomed legs; a fan-style spray nozzle that attaches to a garden hose; a shampoo caddy; a flexible drain hose, a leash restraint with collar, and a non-slip rubber mat.
The spray nozzle features a water-flow control dial and a hook for hanging it from the side of the tub. The tub measures 45″ x 21.25″ x 15″, and the legs are 19” tall, with a 27″ x 48″ footprint. The backside of the pet tub is left open to allow your dog easy access.
The Booster Bath Tub is only available in one size, but it does come in three colors: Red, Teal, and Lilac.
According to the manufacturer, it has a 125-pound weight capacity and all of the components can be easily disassembled for ease of transport.
PROS
Most owners were happy with the Booster Bath and praised its durability, features, and the convenience it provides. Several mentioned that their dogs readily jumped in and out of the tub and that the height provided by the legs helped to prevent backaches.
CONS
There weren’t a lot of complaints about the Booster Bath. However, a few wished the tub was higher off the ground and a handful reported that the legs were fairly weak.
Our Recommendation: The Waterpik Pet Wand Pro
While the Booster Bath Elevated Tub is a fantastic all-in-one bathing system, it is probably a bit more expensive and elaborate than most owners seeking a shower attachment want.
The Waterpik Pet Wand Pro works well, is quite affordable and hooks up to indoor or outdoor spigots quickly and easily.
You’ll spend a bit more on the Waterpik than you will on most other attachments, but by doing so, you’ll avoid most of the headaches that occur when you use lower-quality bathing aids.
Hose and Shower Attachment Usage Tips
Anytime you use a hose attachment to wash your pet, you’ll want to use care to ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible for your filthy four-footer.
Pay Attention to Temperatures (Air and Water)
Most dogs won’t mind a cold-water spraying in the summer any more than kids on summer break do, but the winter is a different story. Dogs can become dangerously chilled in the winter – especially when wet.
If you need to bathe your dog outdoors in chilly (never cold) weather, just be sure to purchase an attachment that will hook up to your kitchen or bathroom sink. This way, you’ll be able to bathe your dog in warm water and help keep her comfortable.
Just be sure that you don’t use water that’s too hot – always test the temperature on your inner wrist first like you would baby formula. Warm water is great; hot water can scald your pet.
Avoid Spraying Your Dog in the Face
Dogs don’t like to be sprayed in the face, and it can irritate their eyes and nose. Additionally, wet facial hair often prompts dogs to shake and send water flying everywhere.
Try to pour water gently over your dog’s face during the bath, and save this work for the end of the bathing process.
Rinse, Rinse and Then Rinse Some More
It’s important to ensure that you rinse off all of the shampoo residues from your dog’s coat.
Most high-quality dog shampoos will make this relatively easy, but you’ll generally want to rinse until you don’t see any more suds washing off your pup’s body, and then rinse her off for a few more minutes.
In fact, you really should use a shampoo specifically designed for dogs. Dogs have different skin chemistry than people do, and the shampoo you use to keep your locks looking their best may actually cause problems for your dog’s skin.
Connectivity Problems
Most high-quality shower and garden attachments connect quickly and easily to compatible water sources. But, connection problems are common among economy-priced models (and they can occasionally occur in even the best-designed products).
Connectivity problems basically come in one of two forms:
The accessory and the connector are completely apples-and-oranges incompatible.
The connection mostly works, but water is leaking and spraying everywhere.
Problems in the latter category are simpler to fix, so we’ll explain how to resolve those first.
Remove and Reattach
Some shower head sprayers and attachments are rather finicky; they will spray all over the place if not lined up exactly right.
With a bit of patience and a little persistence, you’ll usually be able to solve the problem. Just unscrew the attachment and try to reattach it while carefully lining up the threads.
Use Plumber’s Tape
If you’ve tried and tried to align the threads to no avail, and the amount of water leaking from the attachment point is relatively limited, a bit of plumber’s tape may save the day.
Plumber’s tape is crazy thin and flexible. When you wrap it around the threads of a pipe and then screw on the accessory, the tape seals up most small gaps.
Use Pliers to Tighten Things Up
Some accessories only stop leaking when they’re really tight, so bust out the pliers or channel locks and gently tighten things down.
Don’t use excessive amounts of force (you don’t want to strip any threads or break a fitting) and don’t tighten it so much that you can’t remove it later if need be.
On the other hand, if the accessory won’t even begin to fit onto the water source, you generally have two options:
Start Digging
First thing’s first: Contact the manufacturer — it’s possible they already have a solution for you. But look further if this doesn’t help.
If you’re having some type of fundamental connectivity issue, others have likely experienced the same problem, so check out the product review section on the retailer’s page and visit your favorite dog-oriented website (cough) for solutions and hacks.
Take Matters into Your Own Hands
If you are reasonably handy, you can always head down to the local hardware store and rig up some kind of solution.
Most decent stores will carry a variety of connection gizmos that will enable you to connect just about any accessory to just about any source. Friendly local hardware folks may be able to help you out if you bring in the offending item.
A few things you may want to keep in mind include:
- Take photos of the various components, tools, and pieces on your phone. This will help jargon-deficient owners communicate with the employees and obtain the proper supplies.
- Keep it simple. Sure, you could splice in some kind of fancy two-way splitter and change the hose diameter to increase the pressure, but if these types of things were in your skillset, you’d have already implemented them. Just get the connector you need, and get the job done.
- Spend the extra few bucks for high–quality components. You’ll likely find that the local hardware store has a variety of different couplings, made with different materials and priced at different levels. Usually, the difference in price will only be a couple of bucks, and they’ll outperform and outlast the cheaper versions, so go ahead and pony up.
- Don’t forget to turn the water off before doing anything. The water shutoff valve for your shower is probably under the sink or behind the toilet.
- Avoid cutting anything if at all possible. If you are faced with an incredibly incompatible connection scenario, you may need to cut into hoses or pipes. This obviously represents a serious increase in complexity level, which is best avoided by most amateurs.
Most minor projects like this are pretty straightforward, but don’t don’t overreach your skill set there, Super Mario (wait a minute…) I don’t need you complaining about your flooded home in the comments. Proceed at your own risk.
Do you use some type of shower or hose attachment to bathe your dog? Has it made bath time any easier for you and your pup? We’d love to hear about your experiences – including the products that have proven most helpful – in the comments below.
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