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Dogs can be fascinated by water fountains, and it's not just because they're curious about the noise they make. Dogs have a natural instinct to drink from moving water, which is a leftover from their wild ancestors.
Studies have shown that dogs are drawn to the sound and sight of running water, which can be calming and soothing for them. In fact, a study found that dogs will often choose to drink from a running stream over a still pool of water.
Some dogs may even enjoy playing with the water in a fountain, splashing and chasing after the flowing water. This can be a great way to provide exercise and mental stimulation for your dog.
Overall, water fountains can be a fun and engaging addition to your yard, providing your dog with a unique and enjoyable experience.
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Benefits of Water Fountains for Dogs
Dogs are naturally drawn to moving water, which is why pet water fountains are a great idea for encouraging them to drink more.
The continuous movement of water in a fountain helps filter and aerate the water, making it more appealing to dogs than stagnant water in a bowl.
This can be especially beneficial for dogs, as drinking enough water is essential for their kidney function and overall health.
Choosing the Right Water Fountain
Choosing the right water fountain for your dog is crucial to ensure they stay hydrated. Consider the size and shape of the fountain, making sure it's large enough to hold enough water and comfortable for your pet to drink from.
The height and width of the bowl should be suitable for your dog's size, taking into account their individual needs. This will make it easier for them to access the water.
You can find water fountains made from various materials, including plastic, ceramic, and stainless steel. Each material has its pros and cons, so confirm that the one you choose is durable, easy to clean, and safe for your pet.
The type of material used will also affect the maintenance and upkeep of the fountain.
Finding the Best
To find the best water fountain for your furry friend, consider the size and shape of the fountain. Choose one that's large enough to hold enough water and comfortable for your pet to drink from.
The height and width of the bowl should be taken into account, keeping your canine's size in mind. This will ensure they can easily access the water and drink without any issues.
You can find water fountains made from various materials, including plastic, ceramic, and stainless steel. Each material has its own pros and cons, so it's essential to confirm that the materials are durable, easy to clean, and safe for your pet.
If you're unsure about the best material for your pet, consider their individual needs and preferences. For example, some pets may be more prone to accidents with certain materials.
Here are some common materials used in water fountains and their characteristics:
By considering these factors, you can find the perfect water fountain for your furry friend and ensure they stay happy and hydrated.
Drinkwell Pagoda
The Drinkwell Pagoda Fountain is a great option for pet owners who want to provide their furry friends with fresh and running water. It's available in three sizes, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs.
One of the standout features of this fountain is its 70 oz water capacity, which means you can fill it up and let your pet drink to their heart's content. The fountain also has two bowl levels, giving your pet a choice of where to drink from.
The Pagoda Fountain is a gravity water station, which means it doesn't require any electricity to operate. This makes it a great option for pet owners who want a low-maintenance solution.
The Drinkwell Pagoda Fountain is a great choice for pet owners who want to encourage their pets to drink more water. Many dogs prefer drinking from running water, so this fountain can help keep your pet hydrated throughout the day.
Check this out: How Do Dogs Drink Water
Dockstream App Monitoring
The Petlibro Dockstream App Monitoring Water Fountain is a top-notch option for pet owners who want a high-tech water fountain. It has a silent wireless pump and an attractive, stainless steel-topped tank.
This fountain's app is a game-changer, sending useful alerts to help you stay on top of upkeep. It will notify you whenever your pet uses the fountain, and it will also tell you how much they drank.
You can customize the notifications to suit your needs, deselecting any and all alerts if you find them too overwhelming. The app will automatically push notifications to your phone when the water level is low, a filter needs replacing, and the tank is due for a cleaning.
The Petlibro fountain's 2.5-liter tank is made of smooth, sturdy ABS plastic and is BPA-free. It's also easy to move around, with a design that resembles a fancy bathroom vessel sink.
The fountain has two water-flow modes: fountain and bubbler. Its wide, shallow stainless steel dish leaves enough room for whiskers, and it cleans up nicely in the dishwasher.
Many Prefer Drinking
Many dogs prefer drinking from running water instead of a bowl of standing water.
This preference is likely due to the fact that running water is more appealing to pets than stagnant water. Pet water fountains circulate water to keep it fresh, which can be more appealing to pets than stagnant water in a bowl.
In fact, a pet water fountain can encourage your pet to drink more frequently, which is essential for their kidney function and overall health. Continuous operation of the fountain helps prevent stagnation and bacterial growth.
If you've noticed that your canine doesn't drink enough, consider introducing a fountain to see if he'll go for it. The sound of the water might get your pet's attention and keep him coming back for a refreshing drink throughout the day.
For example, the PetSafe Drinkwell Multi-Tier Pet Fountain has a carbon filter to remove hair, saliva, and odor, keeping your pet's water as fresh as possible. This feature can help make the water more appealing to your pet.
Here's a comparison of some popular pet water fountains:
Ultimately, choosing the right water fountain for your pet depends on their individual preferences and needs. By considering factors such as size, material, and features, you can find a fountain that will encourage your pet to drink more and stay hydrated.
Considerations Before Buying
Before buying a water fountain for your dog, consider the space where it will be placed. Make sure it's not too close to any electrical outlets or fragile items.
Dogs of all ages can benefit from a water fountain, but some breeds are more prone to water intake than others. Poodles, for example, are known to drink more water than some other breeds.
The noise level of the fountain is also a consideration, especially if you have a nervous or anxious dog. Some dogs may be startled by the sound of running water.
The material of the fountain is another important factor, as some dogs may chew on it or try to scratch it. Stainless steel and plastic fountains are popular options.
Ultimately, the decision to buy a water fountain for your dog should be based on their individual needs and preferences.
Health and Hygiene
Fresh water is essential for your dog's overall health, making up about 80% of their body composition. Staying hydrated helps keep their tissues, organs, and systems functioning properly.
Promoting healthy circulation, digestion, and waste removal are just a few of the benefits of regular water intake for dogs. This is achieved through the transport of nutrients and oxygen into the cells, as well as the absorption and removal of waste products.
To maintain your dog's health and hygiene, it's crucial to ensure their water fountain is clean and free from bacteria. Regular cleaning, ideally once a week, prevents the build-up of lime scale and bacteria, keeping the water fresh and clean for your pets.
They Keep Cool
Having a pet water fountain is a great way to keep your pet's water cool, which is always more refreshing than hot or lukewarm water that has been sitting out.
Cooler water is a must for your pet's health and well-being, and pet water fountains do just that by circulating the water to keep it fresh.
The constant movement of water in a pet fountain creates air pockets that prevent the water from getting too warm, making it perfect for hot days.
This is especially important for pets that are prone to dehydration, as they need access to cool water at all times.
By keeping the water cool, you're encouraging your pet to drink more frequently, which is essential for their kidney function and overall health.
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Fresh Is Key
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Fresh is key, especially when it comes to our furry friends' hydration. Encouraging your dog to lap up fresh water throughout the day is essential for their overall health.
Your pup is made up of about 80% water, and staying hydrated helps keep their tissues, organs, and systems functioning properly. Fresh water promotes healthy circulation for the transport of nutrients and oxygen into the cells.
Staying hydrated also assists in digestion, absorption, and waste removal. It aids in flushing toxins from the body, helps to regulate body temperature, and moisturizes body tissues and lubricate joints.
Regular access to fresh water is crucial for kidney function and overall health. Pet water fountains can be a great way to encourage your pets to drink more water, as they circulate water to keep it fresh and appealing.
Here are the benefits of fresh water for your furry friend:
- Promotes healthy circulation
- Assists in digestion, absorption, and waste removal
- Aids in flushing toxins from the body
- Helps to regulate body temperature
- Helps to moisturize body tissues and lubricate joints
By providing fresh water, you're giving your dog the best chance at staying healthy and happy.
Product Reviews and Recommendations
If you're considering upgrading your dog's water bowl to a fountain, there are some great options out there. The Pioneer Pet Big Max Premium Stainless Steel Drinking Fountain is a solid choice if you're not a fan of ceramic.
Over 30% of pet owners in the U.S. struggle to monitor their cat's hydration, but the Dockstream RFID Smart Fountain is here to change that. This innovative product is designed specifically for cats and uses RFID recognition technology to track each cat's water intake.
The Dockstream can track volume, frequency, and duration of water intake for each cat, making it a game-changer for multi-cat households.
Our Pick: Pioneer Big Max Stainless Steel
If you're not a fan of ceramic, the Pioneer Pet Big Max Premium Stainless Steel Drinking Fountain is a great alternative. It's a high-quality option that's definitely worth considering.
The Pioneer Pet Big Max is a stainless steel drinking fountain that's designed to provide your dog with a refreshing and healthy drinking experience. This product is recommended by Pet Water Fountain Product Recommendations.
One of the standout features of this fountain is its durable stainless steel construction, which ensures it will withstand regular use and cleaning.
Consider reading: Dogs Drinking Toilet Water
Drinkwell Multi-Tier
The Drinkwell Multi-Tier Pet Fountain is a great option for pet owners with multiple pets. It's designed for dogs and cats of all ages and sizes, and it's made of BPA-free plastic.
This fountain can hold 100 ounces of water, making it a good choice for households with multiple pets. You can also adjust the water flow to meet your pet's needs.
One of the best features of this fountain is its multi-tier design. Your pet can drink from the top bowl, the bottom bowl, or the stream of water that flows continuously. This is especially helpful for senior pets who may have difficulty drinking from a traditional bowl.
The fountain also has a carbon filter that removes hair, saliva, and odor, keeping your pet's water fresh. Cleaning the fountain is easy, too - you can wash the pump by hand and use your dishwasher to wash the fountain.
Here are some key features of the Drinkwell Multi-Tier Pet Fountain:
- 100 oz water capacity
- Multi-tier design with top and bottom bowls and a stream of water
- Carbon filter to keep water fresh
- Easy to clean
- Available in different sizes
Water Fountain Features and Accessories
Water fountains can be a great addition to your home, and understanding their features and accessories can help you choose the right one for your dog.
Some water fountains come with multiple streams or jets, which can create a more interesting and dynamic water flow.
These features can be especially appealing to dogs who enjoy playing with water.
Other water fountains have filters that help keep the water clean and fresh, which is essential for your dog's health.
By choosing a water fountain with a filter, you can ensure your dog always has access to clean drinking water.
What Are Made Of
Pet water fountains can be made of BPA-free plastic, which is durable and resistant to breakage.
Ceramic water fountains are another option, but they can be more fragile and require gentle pets.
Stainless steel fountains are the sturdiest and easiest to clean, making them a great choice for pet owners.
Some pet water fountains plug into the wall and operate like a fountain, while others use gravity to replenish the water bowl.
Access Provided
Having access to fresh water at all times is a game-changer for pet owners. This is especially true for those with long workdays or living in warmer climates where water bowls need to be constantly refilled.
Pet water fountains provide pets with a constant supply of cool water, which is especially useful for people who work long days and can't be home to refill their pet's water bowl throughout the day.
In warmer climates, pet water fountains are a lifesaver, constantly providing pets with fresh, cool water to stay hydrated.
Worth a look: Why Do Dogs like Pets
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the cons of a pet water fountain?
Pet water fountains have a higher upfront cost and may be noisy, but they also require more maintenance as they need to be washed by hand.
Do dogs prefer flowing water?
Yes, many dogs prefer flowing water over still water, as it makes drinking more engaging and playful. This can be especially beneficial for older or ill dogs who may need motivation to drink.
Sources
- https://www.petguide.com/pets/benefits-of-pet-water-fountains-for-dogs-44471587
- https://www.petassure.com/maxscorner/pros-and-cons-pet-water-fountain/
- https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-water-fountain-for-cats-and-dogs/
- https://www.prouddogmom.com/water-fountain-dog-bowl/
- https://www.petsafe.com/shop/fountains-and-feeders/fountains/
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