About 65% of American households have at least one pet.
But most of them dont design their bathrooms to be pet-friendly, making bathing more challenging.
To help our fellow pet lovers, heres a list of tips on how to create a pet-friendly bathroom.
In this article
What is a Pet-Friendly Bathroom?
A pet-friendly bathroom is a bathroom that is for you and your pets use.
Many pet owners pet-proof their space to manage their access to different parts of the house.
They put dog gates, barriers to trash cans, and less fragile furniture.
However, they overlook the importance of optimizing the bathroom too.
Making your bathroom pet-friendlier is more practical than building a more expensive separate bathroom for your pets.
Pets also spend most of their time indoors, so they need to poop and pee inside.
One characteristic of a pet-friendlybathroom is a non-slip floor.
Pets undergoing potty training will avoid injuries in the bathroom when they are anxious or playful inside.
An open-concept shower is another feature that makes bathing dogs easier.
Why You Should Have a Pet-Friendly Bathroom?
As dedicated pet owners, we should ensure our entire house is safe and inviting.
Take a look at why you should have a pet-friendly bathroom.
And since they spend most of their days inside, they also defecate indoors.
A pet-friendly bathroom makes bath time more manageable, especially if youre still potty-training your puppy.
Their desire to explore and create accidents can be cumbersome.
But you’re able to reduce the inconvenience with optimal space.
Another way it makes showering a breeze is that it prevents your furry friend from escaping.
While pet-friendly bathrooms should have an open-concept bathroom, an easy sliding door keeps your pet from running away.
No Heavy Lifting
Imagine getting a Husky in and out of the tub.
For small breeds, lifting is not a problem.
Consider having more floor space in your toilet and bath.
You also want to replace your bathtub with anopen shower.
Avoids Accidents
Dogs may develop injuries from slipping on a wet floor.
But with a pet-friendly bathroom, theyll have an excellent grip on the floor.
The right set of tiles should also be free from scratches despite your cats sharp claws.
A pet-friendly bathroom is necessary to hinder them from accessing these locations.
It makes sure your storage area is secure, tall enough, and not fragile.
Youll also see to it your cat doesnt destroy anything on the countertop if they climb it.
Easier to Clean
Bathrooms should be low-maintenance and easier to clean.
When remodeling, remember that your pet is likely to shake its body when wet.
They will create puddles on the floor, so ceramic or vinyl flooring is necessary.
Also, steer clear of any toilet paper, medicines, and skincare products on the countertop.
Every pet owner knows that a mischievous cat and open shelves are not a good pair.
Reduces Pet Anxiety
Many animals have a phobia of water or bathrooms.
They might have had unpleasant experiences in the past or lack training.
An open space with curbless showers and temperature control faucets might make bath times less scary for them.
Changing or renovating your bathroom with your pet in mind will save you from future repairs.
Continue reading for some ideas on what you should do to make your bathroom pet-friendly.
Have an Open-Concept Shower.
A tub makes your bathroom more sophisticated.
But often, all you need is a basic shower stall.
Theres no need to carry, bend, and kneel to give your dog a stimulating bath.
Your muscles, back, and knees will thank you in the long run!
Some pet owners also prefer having curbless showers to avoid tripping.
it’s possible for you to step into the bath area like you would in other rooms.
Curbless showers also reduce your dogs anxiety while walking inside the bathroom.
you could keep theshower doors to avoid the entire bathroomfrom getting wet when they shake.
But verify its made of sturdy glass.
Small pets are an exemption towalk-in showerareas.
Raise the pet-washing station, so they dont get the opportunity to run around and escape.
The design can range from a plastic molded shower tray to glass doors.
2.Use Temperature Control Faucets.
Any bathroom remodel requires an upgrade in the faucet functionality.
Look for a faucet with a temperature control function to prevent your dog from burning its skin.
Some have overly-discrete designs that its hard to determine how to change the temperature.
Others have complex touchscreen buttons.
This kind of faucet is also beneficial for you.
You might want to take warmer baths during the winter season or cooler showers in the summer.
It will save you plenty of time from heating water.
3.Save Space.
Does your pet like hanging out in the bathroom?
you’re able to repurpose an old bathroom cabinet into amodified crate.
Put alitter boxor pet pads inside the crate for their privacy while doing number one or two.
The crate idea also keeps the unappealing litter box out of sight from other people.
Add a small hole in the cabinet so they can quickly enter and exit the crate.
you could also turn your unused cabinet space into storage for their food and bathing essentials.
Itkeeps the clutterfrom spreading all over your home.
4.Make Your Showerhead Detachable.
Having a detachable showerhead allows you to focus the water on every body part of your pet while bathing.
This is especially important for dogs who move and run around because of their fear of water.
A detachable showerhead also means youre in control and stay dry.
A lot of soap could stay in their fur, causing dandruff and infection.
5.terminate the Toilet Lid.
Closing the toilet lid avoids danger to your pet.
Ensure your toilet has a cover and is always closed, especially if you have cleaning solutions inside.
Some pet owners like to have automatic bowl cleaners, which can be toxic to cats and dogs.
You should also close your toilet cover to prevent your puppy or cat from drowning.
Small breeds might panic and sink in deep toilet bowls, causing severe injuries or death.
It also prevents your pet from drinking on the toilet bowl.
Bacteria thrive in toilets no matter how often we flush them.
6.Install Non-Slip Tiles and Mats.
Protect yourself and your pet from slipping in the shower by having a non-slip surface.
Dogs often associate bath time with negative emotions because of a slipping accident in the past.
Reduce their anxiety by adding a coating.
Or you’re able to change your whole tiles to be slip-proof!
Some tiles are also more durable and waterproof.
Pick a low-maintenance one to reduce the cleanup time after your dogs unavoidable shake.
Vinyl and laminate flooring are also durable yet affordable for a pet-friendly bathroom.
Sometimes, slip-proof floors can still cause accidents when theyre wet.
Try adding non-slip bath mats in the room.
Add one right outside the shower and another outside the bathroom.
7.Lock Your Cabinets.
If you lock your vanity cabinets from your kids, you should do the same with your pets.
Lock yourstorage areas in the bathroomso your furry friend wont snoop around and destroy your things.
You dont want to enter the bathroom seeing your toilet paper unrolled and messy on the floor.
Or worse, you dont want your dog to play with cleaning products and medicines.
Consuming these items can seriously hurt their stomachs.
Get rid of pedestal basins, open racks, and stands that your pet might reach.
Replace them with a pet-safe and secure vanity unit or a mirror cabinet.
8.Add a Drinking Fountain.
Both cats and dogs tend todrink from the toilet bowl.
you might prevent this from occurring by installing a bubbler in the restroom.
you’re able to install a water fountain in any part of the house.
But having it in the bathroom is easier.
First, the plumber can do their job right on the waterline.
Theres no need to refill the tank or watch the water levels.
Second, it avoids getting other parts of the house wet.
9.Keep Your Towels Warm.
Besides safety and ease of bathing, a pet-friendly bathroom also considers your pets comfort.
Always have warm towels ready when after every bath with your dog.
Like humans, pets feel more relaxed and warmer with toasty towels.
There are several ways to make your towels warmer.
it’s possible for you to put it in the dryer or use the teapot method.
But the easiest way to warm them up is by using a heated towel rail.
A qualified electrical engineer should install these electric systems.
There are also options forsmall bathrooms.
10.Prevent Them from Escaping.
Discourage your dog from escaping by keeping the doors closed.
Shut both the main door and shower door while bathing your dog.
you could also terminate the windows if they tend to jump out.
A ceiling or exhaust fan might be essential for bathroom ventilation.
11.Add a Stool.
Placing a stool in the shower area allows you to sit erect while washing your pet.
You dont have to kneel uncomfortably or bend over at a painful angle while rinsing your pets body.
That means no muscle aches and joint pain, only a happy bath time with Fido!
Once youre done, it’s possible for you to turn it into a bathroom decoration!
Add an acrylic vase and a bouquet to make the ensuite more romantic.
Can dogs be in the bathroom while you shower?
The answer to this question is a little complicated.
How can I make my dog shower?
you could also use a hose attachment to make it easier to wash your dog.
Do dogs prefer baths or showers?
There is no right or wrong answer to this question it all depends on your dog.
Some dogs prefer baths, while others prefer showers.
Youll just need to experiment a little to see which option your dog prefers.
It avoids potential hazards and inconveniences when potty-training and washing them.
