If you love spending time outdoors with your dog, we know it can just get a little too messy sometimes. Especially in the summertime when they're tracking in all sorts of dirt and mud! Dogs are known as "man's best friend" for a reason — they're loyal, loving, and always happy to see us. But even the best of dogs can get a little dirty from time to time.

Giving dogs a shower outdoors

Grooming is an essential part of keeping your pup clean, but if you don't have the time or money to take them in for regular care sessions then make sure they are always fresh by washing their fur at home. But it’s not always easy.

If you've ever had a muddy dog jump into your clean bathtub, you know how frustrating it can be. But instead of getting mad, why not get creative?

If you're looking for some simple ideas to help keep your pup clean, read on. We've got everything from DIY outdoor dog showers that you can build quickly to more convenient ways to wash your dog in the backyard whenever you please.

Quick and simple outdoor dog shower ideas

1. DIY Dog Wash Station

This can simply be a hose with a spray nozzle. It can be set up in minutes and used as an outdoor dog shower.

For aesthetics purposes, you can chose to have your own dog wash station.

The toughest part about making your own DIY dog bath station is gaining access to water. It can be tough running back and forth from the tap every few minutes - not only will it irritate you but also make catching their attention much more difficult!

So consider getting a doggie shower kit so that all these problems are solved for good. Mount it on the outer wall of your home bathroom, then just get yourself one big enough bucket your dog fits perfectly in and then shower away.

It should be a fun, stress-free situation for both you and your pet.

2. Recycle an old Bath Tub

Have an old bathtub that's been taking up space in your garage for years? Put it to good use by turning it into an outdoor dog shower!

This is a great way to recycle an old tub and save yourself some money on pet-related expenses. Plus, your furry friend will love being able to cool off in the summer heat.

To get started, you will need to install a shower spray set or garden hose, a place to install it, and somebody to connect the bath to your drain system or simply drill a few holes in the bottom of the tub for drainage.

You can also consider big plastic tubs. Most DIY dog bath tubs are plastic because that’s easier to cut through and work with.

For cleaning, you can always just spray it down with a hose.

Your dog will be able to enjoy a refreshing shower any time he or she needs one. Best of all, you won't have to deal with any more muddy paw prints in your own tub.

3. Kiddie Pool Dog Bath Tub

Fido needs a baths, but who has the time (or patience) to give them one? No one, that's who. But what if there was a way to make the process less of a pain?

Enter the kiddie pool dog bath tub - the easiest of the self-created dog pools. You probably already have a kiddie pool somewhere in your garage. Convert it to a bath pool for your dogs!

This allows you to turn your backyard into an outdoor dog shower. Simply fill up the pool with water, add your favorite dog shampoo, and let Fido do the rest.

Your dog will love you forever if they get to swim in a kiddie pool!

A quick modification of this idea is to place the plastic kiddie pool in the ground, making sure that there are no sharp objects nearby. This will create an in-ground dog pool.

4. PVC Outdoor Dog Shower

A simple PVC pipe frame with a shower curtain or tarp can also be quickly put together.

Just drill in the holes, attach the frame to a water source, drape the curtain or tarp over it, and voila - instant dog shower! Making this shower helps free up both hands and pretty much your pet’s entire body at one time. Your pooch will love being able to cool off in the summer heat, and you'll love not having to clean up muddy paw prints indoors.

5. Dog Shower Attachments and Sprayers

If you’ve got a house outdoors, attaching a dog shower head would be perfect, portable, and budget-friendly.

A dog shower attachment is one of the more diverse dog washing options as it can easily be attached to a hose, faucet, or showerhead. Still others are self-contained and don’t need to attach to anything but a body of water.

Some dog shower heads have streams that are much more calming and soothing for your pet. Some types offer bigger or longer water sprays, so you can really make sure they feel clean from head-to-toe.

Make sure you purchase the right size dog shower head for your pup! It is recommended that homeowners buy one with either an adjustable spray pattern or nozzles in order to get all four possible types of water pressure. Some dogs may have difficulty raising their heads high enough when using these devices so it’s best if they don't stand too far away from where you plan on installing them (depends entirely upon how big he/she is).

For one that would fit various sized tub spouts, faucets and shower heads, consider Rinseroo. It’s a slip-on shower attachment hose that eliminates the need to install a handheld showerhead.

The Rinseroo works well when attached to a water source with typical water flow rates. If you have unusually high water flow rates, lower your faucets to less than the maximum capacity for optimal results.

Try any of these outdoor dog shower ideas yourself!

So, whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast who likes to bring your pup along on all of your adventures but still like to keep them clean and smelling great, one of these quick and simple outdoor dog shower ideas is sure to fit the bill. Have you tried any of these outdoor dog showers? What was your experience?