Innovative canine grooming

With its hansgrohe Dogshower, launched in the last year, Hansgrohe has revolutionised dog washing. The long jet nubs of the spray penetrate deep into the undercoat to gently clean the dog. By cooperating with Wahl, the specialist in professional clippers and coat care products, Hansgrohe aims to continue the success story of perfect canine grooming and care.

“With the development of the dog shower, we have ventured into entirely new territory. We have therefore consulted animal psychologists and vets as well as dog groomers and trainers to ensure that the product offers genuine added value for canines and also for their owners,” explains Michelle Uhl, innovation designer at Hansgrohe.

The key functions of the innovative hand shower were filtered out in a test phase: a water-boost button, three types of jet for different coat-cleaning requirements and the long jet nubs. “If the dog should make a sudden bolt from the shower, the water-boost button prevents the bathroom from flooding, as the amount of water is immediately reduced by 50 per cent. The water can also be throttled in this manner for cleaning sensitive areas,” adds Michelle Uhl. Other work on the design means that the DogShower hand shower is especially ergonomically suited to the hand. “Our tests have shown that users like to operate it with one hand so as to be able to hold the dog with the other hand. We have implemented this in practice,” continues Michelle Uhl. The DogShower is also available in three matt finishes so that the dog will not be spooked by its reflection in the shower spray. These are only two of a number of details taken into account in the design process, however.

Enthusiasm abounds at Wahl, too, because Hansgrohe and Wahl not only combine the highest demands in respect of product quality and precision, but both brands also prioritise added value for users along with pet welfare. Their joint mission is now to make dog grooming an even more pleasant experience for all those involved. 

Dogs experience coat changes in autumn and spring. At these times brushing one’s dog is essential and this also prevents knots and matting as well as enabling early detection of injuries, parasites and changes in the skin. And the best thing is that daily coat care also strengthens the bond between owner and dog.

“The hand shower is helpful especially when coat changes occur, because in spring, pollen and blossom dust remain in the coat and can trigger allergies. In the autumn, slush and gritting salt residues can irritate minor injuries. Following a long walk, all these unwanted particles can be rinsed out of the coat with a relaxing shower spray,” says Veronika Kröger, regional sales director for Central Europe at Wahl. The DogShower is simply integral to coat care, whether for hygiene purposes or in preparation for clipping. The silicone nubs also ensure that all shampoo residues are removed; these residues cause 40 per cent of skin complaints if not fully removed. All-year-round care through cleaning, brushing and – depending on coat type – also clipping is indispensable, however. “This is why the two premium brands ideally complement one another,” says Veronika Kröger in summary.

The hansgrohe DogShower can be found along with Moser Animal premium products in pet stores across Europe. “We are very pleased to be able to assume sole responsibility for distribution in the pet sector throughout Europe,” continues Veronika Kröger. The two traditional brands are united not only by their common origins in the Black Forest, but also by their desire that customers and their dogs are fully satisfied with their product use.

Hansgrohe received the German Innovation Award for its DogShower. The award recognises products and solutions across all sectors that are differentiated compared with previous solutions primarily by their focus on the user and on added value.

Wahl took the Brand of the Year Award for the third time in a row in the Animalis category of Grooming Products – Trimmers Germany with its Moser Animalline products. Out of more than 1 100 brands it was first nominated as best brand in its category by 115 000 pet owners and then chosen as the winner by an expert jury.