Benefits of Pet Water Fountains for Dogs

Lisa Selvaggio
by Lisa Selvaggio
Published:  July 24th, 2023

Leaving a bowl of fresh, clean water out for your dog is imperative. But would your pooch prefer drinking from a pet water fountain instead?

Anamaria Herdz/Shutterstock

There are a host of dog water fountains on the market, so it’s easy to find one that’s reasonably priced and has the features you want. But are pet water fountains worth it?   


To help you decide if a fountain is right for you and your furry companion, below are a few of the benefits it can provide, along with two product recommendations to get you started.   


What Are the Benefits of a Water Fountain for Dogs?


1. Filtered Water for Your Pet


Many water fountains for pets have built-in filters that help keep the water clean by removing things like impurities, debris, and hair (check a product’s details to see what its filter removes). A good filter can also make the water taste and smell better. Plus, the movement of the water may help prevent the growth of bacteria and might keep the water at a cooler temperature. Just be sure to follow a product’s directions regarding how to clean it thoroughly, and bear in mind that you’ll need to replace filters regularly to keep them working as they should. 


2. Many Dogs Prefer Drinking from Fountains 


A lot of dogs prefer drinking from running water instead of a bowl of standing water, so you might find that your pet drinks more and, therefore, stays more hydrated when he has access to a fountain. If you’ve noticed that your canine doesn’t drink enough, or you just want to ensure he’s staying properly hydrated, consider introducing a fountain to see if he’ll go for it. Because the water is constantly in motion, its sound might get your pet’s attention and keep him coming back for a refreshing drink throughout the day.  


3. Fewer Refills with Larger Fountains


You can find a pet water fountain that’s the right size and shape for your unique dog(s), but going for a larger one might reduce the number of times that you need to refill it. This feature can come in handy when you’re busy or you won’t be home for a while and want to be sure your dog will always have plenty of water to drink. If your current water bowl isn’t cutting it because it’s too small or you’re constantly refilling it, a fountain might be the solution that you’re looking for.   


Tips for Finding the Best Water Fountain for Dogs


When searching for the  best pet water fountain for your canine companion, there are a few things to think about, such as:


  • Size and shape – Choose a water fountain that’s large enough to hold enough water, as well as comfortable enough for your pet to drink from. Consider the height and width of the bowl, keeping your canine’s size in mind.  


  • Materials – You can find plastic, ceramic, and stainless steel water fountains for dogs and cats, and each material comes with its own pros and cons. No matter what, confirm that the materials are durable, easy to clean, and safe. 


  • Cost – In addition to the price of the fountain itself, consider the price of replacement filters. 


Pet Water Fountain Product Recommendations


Here are a couple of options we recommend checking out if you think your dog would like to have his water bowl upgraded to a fountain:


PetSafe Drinkwell Multi-Tier Pet Fountain

Designed for dogs and cats of all ages and sizes, the PetSafe Drinkwell Multi-Tier Pet Fountain is made of BPA-free plastic and is affordably priced. It can hold 100 ounces of water, and it’s a good option for multi-pet households. 


Instead of having just one bowl to drink from, your pet can drink from the top bowl or the bottom one, as well as the stream of water which flows continuously. Senior pets, for instance, might find it easier to drink from the top bowl. 


This fountain has a carbon filter to remove hair, saliva, and odor and keep your pet’s water as fresh as possible. Plus, cleaning it is easy, as you can wash the pump by hand and use your dishwasher to wash the fountain. 


Pioneer Pet Big Max Durable Ceramic Drinking Fountain

If you’re on the hunt for a big dog water fountain, consider this ceramic pet water fountain from Pioneer Pet. It can hold 128 ounces of water and has a large bowl that your pet can comfortably drink from. You can adjust the flow of the water, too.   


Because of its large bowl and high capacity, this may be a better option for bigger dogs or homes with more than one canine. Plus, if you have cats who will also be drinking from the fountain, a ceramic or stainless steel product might help prevent problems like  feline acne. 


This fountain has a replaceable filter and keeps the water flowing to help it stay clean. Plus, it’s dishwasher safe, so it’s easy to wash. Remember to follow the directions to clean the pump and fountain properly.    


Note: If you don’t like ceramic for any reason, you can check out the Pioneer Pet Big Max Premium Stainless Steel Drinking Fountain.   


Keep Your Dog Hydrated with the Help of a High-Quality Water Fountain


Do dogs need water fountains? No, they aren’t absolutely necessary, as you can simply use a regular bowl filled with water instead. However, some dogs have a preference for drinking from running water, and some pet parents find it easier to provide fresh water by using a pet fountain, so it might be worth trying one. 


Whether you opt to go with a fountain or not, the most important thing is to give your dog the ability to drink as much water as he needs whenever he wants, so always have clean water available for him, whether he’s inside the house or spending time outside.   

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Lisa Selvaggio
Lisa Selvaggio

Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.

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When it comes to dog toys that engage and entertain – squeaky toys are a tried and true classic that fits the bill perfectly. While most dogs love the high-pitched tones these chewable and squeezable toys produce, some owners are not as thrilled and are wondering if there are any potential dangers when it comes to squeaky toys. Could the squeaker come off and pose a choking hazard, or can mold build up inside the hollow center, etc? These are all valid questions, so let’s see what the answers are. Are Squeaky Toys Safe for Dogs? Safety Concerns To Have In MindSafety should always be paramount when it comes to choosing toys for your furry friend, especially when it comes to squeaky toys. Not every squeaky toy is created equal, and some may pose risks to your canine companion. Before selecting a squeaky toy, it's crucial to consider several safety factors.Firstly, pay close attention to the material of the toy. Opt for squeaky toys made from durable, non-toxic materials. Avoid toys with small parts that could be easily chewed off and swallowed, as this could lead to potential choking hazards. Ideally, the squeaker should be highly inaccessible, such as is the case in these  Multipet Loofa Dog Toys with a hidden internal squeaker. The long tubular body of the toy concealed the squeaker and is also super fun for pooches to carry and toss around.

Wish Your Dog Could Understand You? New Study Says They Can!

You don’t have to be a dog owner to know that dogs can learn and understand commands like “sit” or “come”. But, a new study has made a groundbreaking discovery that dogs also know that certain words stand for specific objects. This finding won’t come as a big surprise to any dog owner who has ever asked their pup to “go get your toy” and, a minute later, been handed a chewed-up rubber ball or slobbery stuffed animal. Scientists have long been interested in learning whether dogs can truly associate words with objects. However, researchers couldn’t figure out whether dogs and other animals get a mental image when they hear an object's name. This would suggest that dogs have a better understanding of language than believed before. Researchers in Hungary have discovered that in addition to being able to respond to commands such as “sit”, “roll over”, or “stay” dogs can also grasp the essence of nouns. This relationship with language is called referential understanding, and it has been unproven in dogs until now. “When we are talking about objects, objects are external to the dogs and dogs have to learn that words refer, they stand for something that is external to them,” explained the study’s co-lead author, Marianna Boros, of the Department of Ethology at the Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.To get some answers about what is happening in the dog brain when it processes words, Boros and her colleagues asked 18 dog owners to bring their pooches to the lab along with five objects the dogs knew well. The objects included balls, slippers, leads, rubber toys, frisbees, and other items.Researchers instructed the owners to say the words for the items before showing their dog either the correct object or a different one. For example, the owner might say “Rover, look, the ball”, but hold up a lead instead. During the tests, the researchers measured the dogs’ brain activity using non-invasive electroencephalography, or EEG. The idea was to see whether EEG could offer a better insight into dogs’ understanding of language. The brain recordings showed different patterns in the brain when the dogs were shown an object that matched or didn’t match the owner’s spoken word. The difference was even greater for the words owners believed their dogs knew well.The same results were seen when humans performed these tests and are widely accepted as people understanding the word well enough to form a mental image of the object they were later shown. “We expected that if a dog really understands the meaning of the object’s word, it will expect to see that object. And if the owner shows a different one, there will be a so-called surprise reaction in the brain. And this is exactly what we found,” said Boros according to ABC News.Lilla Magyari, also of Eötvös Loránd University, and the other co-first author, said that although some other animals have shown some degree of referential understanding of language, they have typically been trained to do so. In dogs, she explained, such capacities seem to be inborn and don’t require any particular training or talent. Researchers stress they aren’t claiming that dogs understand words as well as humans. Future studies are needed to determine whether dogs can generalize in the same way humans learn to as children.This study raises an interesting question of why, if dogs understand nouns, more of them don’t show it. One possible answer is that dogs know more than they are willing to show us.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Roaming Roman Becomes a TikTok Fave

From starving stray to living his best life, this rescue hound's story has gone viral.

What is Water Intoxication in Dogs?

Have you ever been warned about there being too much of a good thing? While water is essential for the health and well-being of our dogs, it also presents a surprising and often unknown danger: water intoxication.A serious and potentially fatal health concern, water intoxication (hyponatremia) is a risk that every dog parent should be aware of – especially those with pups who enjoy water-related activities like swimming in the pool, catching water from the hose, or even visiting the dog beach.In this guide, I’ll discuss the causes, symptoms, and prevention of water intoxication in dogs. Take a moment to read it through carefully. This information could save your furry friend’s life. What is Water Intoxication in Dogs?Water intoxication, or hyponatremia, is a medical condition that occurs when your dog ingests too much water in a short time. This impacts the electrolyte balance within the cells—more specifically, the sodium levels. It also causes the cells to swell.When the cells of the brain swell, this can have a severe and life-threatening effect on the central nervous system.Unlike some medical conditions that develop slowly over time, hyponatremia escalates very quickly. Medical treatment is needed as soon as possible. Even with quick action and veterinary care, not all dogs will recover.Can a Dog Drink Too Much Water?One of the first concerns that many pet parents have is the possibility of excessive water drinking in dogs. But is it possible for your dog to actively drink too much water, leading to water intoxication?A healthy dog will not continue drinking water to the point of threatening their own life, although some have been known to gulp down enough to cause stomach upset. This usually happens after being overly active or engaging in heavy exercise.If you notice your dog drinking excessive amounts of water, it could be a red flag of a more significant medical issue. Diseases and illnesses like diabetes, kidney problems, liver disease, and Cushing’s disease are all associated with increased thirst. Contact your veterinarian if your dog is drinking enough water to raise a concern.How Common is Water Intoxication in Dogs?If this information has you panicking or feeling overwhelmed, take a deep breath. Water intoxication is life-threatening for dogs, but it’s also incredibly uncommon. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t familiarize ourselves with the risks, warning signs to look out for, and steps we can take to prevent a problem from developing.

What is the Best Catio for My Cat?

Do you have a cat that loves being outdoors, enjoying the fresh air, but you worry about their safety and well-being? Does your cat refuse to walk to wear a harness or walk on a leash? The answer might be a catio! These kitty-focused enclosures are gaining a lot of attention lately, popping up in backyards, on the sides of travel trailers, and even as portable safe spaces for cat parents to take their furry friends anywhere. With so many designs, materials, and features available, choosing the best catio for your needs can feel overwhelming. In this guide, I will do a deep dive into the world of catios, exploring different types and the situations they are best suited for. I will also discuss different features and key considerations to help you while shopping for your cat. Get ready to create the perfect (and safe) outdoor space for your furry friend today! What is a Catio? Let’s start at the beginning—what exactly is a catio? The term is a mix of “cat” and “patio,” referring to enclosed outdoor spaces designed specifically for cats. These range from small playpen-style spaces to allow them to get a bit of fresh air to large patios with space for both the cat and their people. Are Catios Good for Cats? Yes! Catios are a great way to allow your cat to spend time outdoors without putting them at risk. While domesticated cats are safer indoors, spending time outdoors has benefits. Allowing your cat to watch the birds and explore new spaces is a great way to provide them with mental enrichment and stimulation. Many cats also simply enjoy sunbathing or watching the world around them. At the same time, the catio keeps them safely contained. Outdoor cats have considerably shorter lifespans due to their increased risk of diseases, predators, car accidents, outdoor toxins, and other unfortunate accidents. According to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, the average outdoor cat lives to be 2-5 years old, while the average indoor cat with only safe, supervised outdoor time lives to be 10-20 years old. Keeping your cat in a catio is also a great way to protect the local wildlife. Cats are natural predators with a strong hunting instinct. Stray cats and cats allowed to roam outdoors significantly impact the ecosystem by killing large numbers of birds, rodents, and other wildlife. What Are the Downsides of a Catio? Allowing your cat to be outdoors in a catio is a great compromise. However, as with any product for our pets, there are pros and cons to consider. Even though your cat is contained, it may create a false sense of security regarding some of the risks of being outdoors. The mesh or screening around a catio isn’t enough to keep parasites like fleas and ticks away. You will still need to consider the necessary flea preventatives and regular tick checks to keep these pets away. The other risk that isn’t completely mitigated by the confines of a catio is the dangers introduced by local strays. Cat fights and confrontations can still occur through the flexible mesh and screen sides. This means your cat is still at risk of unnecessary stress from these encounters and the potential spread of diseases. Careful supervision of your cat outdoors, even if they are safely contained in their catio, will allow you to keep these strays away. What is the Difference Between a Catio and a Fenced Yard?Even if you have a fenced yard, a catio can provide an additional level of safety and security for your cat. But why might you need this extra layer of protection? There are many stray and outdoor cats that easily climb over fences, viewing them as nothing more than a minor inconvenience. Even if your cat has never escaped the fence around your yard before, there is a first time for everything. It only takes a couple of seconds for your cat to climb a tree, scale a shed, or jump up to the top of your fence from a patio chair, and they are now running loose. As we already discussed, there are many significant dangers putting your cat at risk when running unsupervised outdoors. A fenced yard is not a reliable solution to this.

The Whopper of All "Big Fish" Stories

Fishing trio rescue 38 dogs frantically treading water in middle of a Mississippi lake.

Can You Use Dog Flea Products on Cats?

Final Thoughts – Safe Flea Prevention for CatsWhile flea prevention is an important step to keep your cat safe and healthy, you must ensure that the products you are purchasing are made for use on cats. Many dog flea prevention products include highly toxic chemicals to cats, making them potentially life-threatening.If you suspect you have recently used the wrong flea treatment on your cat, wash the area immediately with soap and water to remove as much of the product as possible. Call your vet for an immediate emergency appointment or make your way to the nearest emergency clinic. These products can be lethal, and time is of the essence.For those concerned about the risks of fleas and flea-transmitted diseases, highly effective products are available that are safe for your kitty. When shopping, read the packaging carefully to ensure it says it is made for use on cats. If you are still unsure, ask your veterinarian for recommendations.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Cat Laryngitis: Can Cats Lose Their Voice?

Did you know that cats can get laryngitis? This condition occurs when the larynx, or voice box, is inflamed, and it can cause changes in the sound of your cat’s voice or a loss of their voice.Keep reading to learn the causes of laryngitis in cats, as well as the symptoms and what you can do to treat it. That way, if your cat’s voice suddenly changes or they become less talkative, you’ll have a better idea of what might be the problem and what you should do.

Self-Harming in Pets - What Triggers It?

Depression, anxiety, and an inability to cope may cause unusual behaviors in your pet.

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