Muddy Paws? No Thanks! Your Guide to a DIY Outdoor Dog Shower

By Allison Rodriguez 

It’s that time of year!  The spring season provides many opportunities for outdoor play, and it’s no different for your furry friend!  Backyard time is essential for a happy pet, but a happy pet doesn’t always equate to a clean pet.  If you dread bringing your dirty pooch inside the home for bath time, it may be time for an upgrade.  Create this simple DIY outdoor dog shower and say goodbye to those muddy paws! 

Here’s What You’ll Need: 

2 Trellises 

2 Metal Stakes 

String 

Measuring Tape 

Square 

Edger 

Shovel 

Landscaping Bricks

River Rocks

Pea Gravel 

Weed Blocker (Optional)

Small Bucket (Optional) 

S-Hook (Optional) 

Horizontal Hanging Hook (Optional)

Dog Towel, Brush and  Shampoo (Optional)

Steps: 

  • Find a place to build your outdoor shower. An ideal spot is an area that typically stays dry throughout the year, has a wall and is located near your water hose. 
  • Take your two trellises and place them in the ground, leaning them against the chosen wall. 
  • Now, it’s time to create the foundation of the shower floor. Grab your stakes and string to mark out a square on the ground. Be sure to use a measuring tape and square to keep everything straight! 
  • After you’ve marked out your square, use the edger to set up your edges and then shovel 2-3 inches into the ground. 
  • To prevent weeds, consider adding weed blocker to the outside of the dirt square. 
  • Next, add the border of your shower by laying landscaping bricks around the square. Fill in the dirt with pea gravel and top those off with river rocks. 

Finally, it’s time to accessorize! These are some suggestions, but don’t be afraid to think outside the box and customize your shower how you want! 

  • Connect the trellises with a horizontal hook to add a place to hang your water hose and your pooches’ leash! 
  • Hang a cute dog drying towel over your trellis
  • Take an S-Hook and hang a small bucket for your pet’s bath shampoo and brush. 

That’s it! With your new dog shower, you can say goodbye to muddy paws once and for all!