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hound drinking at a dog water fountain

Dog water fountains help dogs to stay hydrated and make owners’ lives easier.

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What is the best dog water fountain in 2024?

By Joseph Chance Content Writer

Published on the

There are many different types of dog water fountains available, and dog owners sometimes find it difficult to choose the right one. Our guide is here to help.

In summer and winter alike, keeping your dog well hydrated is essential for your pet’s health. If your dog doesn't drink enough, it can suffer from diarrhoea or vomiting. Some dogs forget to drink during the day.

A great solution is a drinking fountain that attracts pets with its running water and makes them want to lap. There are various models of fountains, including battery-operated and mains-operated ones. Some fountains are suitable for small breeds of dogs, while others are designed for large dogs. When choosing the ideal device for your dog, consider both the size of your pet and the capacity of the bowl.

Are you looking to adopt a puppy? Give him or her a warm welcome with an age-appropriate water fountain!  We’ve compared several models to help you make the best choice.

What is a dog water fountain?

A dog drinking from a fountain provides fresh, clean water for your pet at all times. It is a very sanitary solution for providing your pet with quality water.

As the water is constantly moving, it is more saturated with oxygen than static water in conventional bowls.

In addition, the filter traps dirt, food debris and any other impurities the water may contain.

Where do you buy a fountain for dogs?

You can buy a fountain in a supermarket or in a pet shop. There you can hold the device in your hands, check how it works and ask a salesperson for advice.

If you prefer to stay at home, you can get a wider selection of devices online. The range offered on the web is virtually endless, and you will see a wide variety of models at all price points. Use filters to check off the criteria you want and find a suitable fountain in just a few clicks. Be sure to read customer reviews before you buy! There are also dedicated forums where you can ask any questions you may have.

Why buy a dog fountain?

A water fountain for your dog will not only provide clean water for your pet, but will also make your life easier. This type of fountain is operated and automatically filters the water from the bowl. This means that it provides fresh water for your pet, saving you the task of changing it regularly.

Additionally, water fountains for dogs require little maintenance, as all you have to do is change the filters from time to time and refill the water tank.

It's a perfect way to keep your dog hydrated at a low cost. You don't have to dispose of any dirty water, as the water is constantly filtered. That way, you save water, too! 

In certain cases, you may be advised to buy a water fountain by the vet. For example, if your dog has a urinary tract infection, he or she will need bacteria-free water.

How do I use a dog fountain?

You should install your ceramic fountain close to an electrical outlet, as it needs power to operate. The machine then circulates the water, cleaning it automatically.

To ensure the best performance, it is important to clean the device regularly. To do this, dismantle the parts and scrub them gently with hot soapy water once a week. You should also descale it once a month with a vinegar solution.

Filters should be changed once or twice a month, depending on how dirty they are. Change the water in the tank at least once a week to prevent limescale build-up. 

Do water fountains help dogs keep hydrated?

Yes, water fountains are very effective in helping dogs stay well hydrated. Pets are more likely to drink clean, fresh water than static water that is only changed once a day. Also, running water usually attracts dogs and makes them want to lap.

Make sure your pet is sufficiently hydrated by looking at its gums. If they are not pink and moist, but rather dry, your dog is not drinking enough!

What factors should I consider when choosing a fountain for my dog?

When choosing a water fountain for your dog, consider the following criteria.

One of the most important ones is the fountain’s capacity. A small Chihuahua and a Newfoundland do not need the same fountain capacity. If you have a single pet that doesn't drink much, choose a 2-litre fountain. If your dog is of a large breed, opt for a large model with a 5-litre tank.

Do you have several animals? Choose a fountain with several spouts, so that your pets can drink at the same time and without getting in each other's way.

User-friendliness and ease of maintenance are also important. Choose a fountain that is quiet, easy to dismantle for cleaning, and has detachable filters.

Some models automatically stop working when the water runs out.

If design is important to you, choose a model that will go well with your home decor.

This article is a selection made independently by the Wamiz team. If you click on a link called "affiliate link", the merchant pays us a commission. But that doesn't change anything for you and your pet! Affiliate links are identified as such, for the sake of transparency.
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