Replace your dog or cat’s water bowl with a pet water fountain
Cats love a running faucet, and dogs are famous for running toward a garden hose in hopes of a fresh drink. Clearly, our furry pals love fresh, running water. If you have a much-loved dog or cat in your home, you may want to consider upgrading their regular water bowl to a pet water fountain to help them stay hydrated and healthy.
A pet water fountain may actually get your dog or cat to drink more water. The devices have become more popular in recent years, and for good reason. There are many benefits to providing one for your pets.
Pet water fountain health benefits
They’re cleaner
Even if you change out the water in your pet’s bowl a few times a day, it can still be full of bacteria. A pet water fountain can be cleaner because many of the ones on the market actually filter the water as it’s coming out. This prevents bacteria from growing and keeps your pup or kitty healthier.
More hydration for reluctant pets
Another benefit is better hydration for pets that are typically reluctant to drink from a regular bowl. A pet water fountain may encourage your dog or cat to drink water more often. Cats are wired to look for freshly flowing water instead of still water in a stagnant source. Better hydration can help improve health outcomes and even prevent certain illnesses in your animals such as kidney issues, diabetes and urinary tract infections.
Helps pets stay hydrated while you travel
The water fountain continuously provides fresh water, so with cats in particular, it can be a lifesaver if you’re traveling and want them to have access to water the whole time you’re gone.
What to consider when choosing a pet water fountain
How to clean it
Pet water fountains need to be kept clean in order to keep your pets healthy, and some are easier to clean than others. Try to purchase a pet water fountain that is fairly easy to clean and not difficult to disassemble and reassemble.
Size
Consider the number and size of your pets before deciding on the size of fountain to buy. A larger fountain is excellent for multiple animals, but if you only have one smaller animal, it wouldn’t make sense. They also take up a good deal of space, so be sure to pick one that will fit where you need it to go.
Noise level
Pet fountains are never completely silent, but some are louder than others. Check reviews to see if the pet fountain you like has a loud motor or makes loud water sounds.
Material
Plastic pet water fountains will likely cost a bit less, but ceramic or stainless steel should last longer and could be easier to clean. Take this into consideration when making your decision.
Best pet water fountains
If you have a larger pup or multiple dogs, this pet water fountain could be the right fit. Its 7-liter capacity means plenty of water for your dogs, and it’s made of 304 stainless steel, making it dishwasher-safe and easy to clean. It also features a triple filtration system to ensure your dog’s water is always fresh.
NautyPaws Ceramic Cat Water Fountain
If you’re looking for a cat water fountain that packs aesthetic appeal, this is a perfect option. It’s ceramic and comes in multiple colors to vibe with your existing decor. The ceramic material means it’s resistant to scratches, and it runs quietly thanks to its advanced pump.
PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum Dog and Cat Water Fountain
This large pet fountain is great for bigger dogs as it has a built-in reservoir that holds 168 ounces of water. This fountain features a replaceable carbon filter so your pet’s water is always clean and fresh. All parts are top-rack dishwasher-safe, so it’s easy to keep clean, as well.
This pet water fountain features a quiet pump, an 85-ounce capacity and an LED light with a switch for nighttime. It’s made of BPA-free plastic and boasts an affordable price. It also has triple filtration for the cleanest water and a window to show you how much water is left before it needs a refill.
PetSafe Drinkwell Ceramic Pet Water Fountain
This water fountain would work well for cats and smaller dogs thanks to its 70-ounce capacity. It’s ceramic, so it’s top-shelf dishwasher-safe and looks more attractive than plastic or stainless steel. It has a submersible pump, so it operates quietly.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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