The 9 Best Dog Water Fountains to Buy in 2024
Everyone wants a dog — until they realize how hard it is to look after one. If you’re reading this and you happen to be a chihuahua or a poodle, I mean that in the nicest way possible.
If you want to make your life easier by purchasing a cool gadget that will help you take care of your furry child, you should. And, since science is yet to invent a robot that will clean your dog’s feces while you take care of cuddles and walks, a water fountain will have to do.
Despite their inability to help with toilet duties, the capabilities of our top best dog water fountain picks should pleasantly surprise you.
- What You Need to Know About Dog Water Fountains
- Our Top Water Fountain Picks
- Top 9 Best Dog Water Fountains 2024
- 1. Best Overall Dog Water Fountain: Veken Pet Fountain
- 2. Best Budget Dog Water Fountain: Petmate Replendish Gravity Waterer
- 3. Most Stylish Dog Water Fountain: PetSafe Healthy Pet Gravity Water Station
- 4. Best Free-Falling Dog Water Fountain: PetSafe Drinkwell Fountain
- 5. Best Premium Dog Water Fountain: Mospro Water Dispenser
- 6. Best Adjustable Flow Dog Water Fountain: isYoung LED Fountain
- 7. Best Stainless Steel Dog Water Fountain: PetSafe Seaside Water Fountain
- 8. Best Dog Water Fountain With Multiple Tiers: PetSafe Drinkwell Multi-Tier Fountain
- 9. Best LED-Lit Dog Water Fountain: PETKIT EVERSWEET 2S Water Fountain
- Guide to Buying the Right Dog Water Fountain
- Time to Decide on the Right Dog Water Fountain
What You Need to Know About Dog Water Fountains
Before we dive into the best dog water fountains on the market now, let’s explore the most vital info to know about these helpful devices.
What Are Dog Water Fountains?
Otherwise known as automatic waterers, dog water fountains are basically high-tech water bowls. Instead of you requiring you to top up your pet’s water every few hours, water fountains store a significant supply of water and continuously top up the amount available to your dog. Smart, right?
So, you’ll still need to add more water, but far less frequently. Perfect for anyone who leaves the house for long periods and worries about their pet dehydrating.
What to Look for in a Dog Water Fountain
The world of dog water fountains has produced some weird and wonderful options. It might be tempting to go for the biggest, shiniest item available, but keep these practical considerations in mind, too.
Type
The most basic factor to consider is how the fountain powers itself and releases water — by electricity or good, old-fashioned gravity. While this is a simple, straightforward option, it lacks a lot of extra features you and your dog may appreciate, like a controllable flow.
Most of the water fountains on the market are electric. This allows them to offer all kinds of fancy functions, like an adjustable flow and decorative lights.
But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Electric fountains only work when you plug in their cords, which isn’t always practical. Especially if your dog is prone to freaking out when you leave them home alone.
They can also be noisy, although some items have added features to make them quieter, like the Veken pet fountain.
Water Capacity
Most brands sell water fountains in a few different sizes. As common sense dictates, the bigger your dog, the bigger the fountain you need. Otherwise, you risk your chihuahua drowning in its hydration station, and nobody wants that.
Generally, smaller fountains store around 64 oz of water, medium options closer to 128 oz, and larger items 320 oz. If you’re ready to do some math, you can find out how much capacity your pet requires now.
Materials
Not everyone cares about what their dog is drinking out of to the same extent they care about what goes into their pet’s food. But maybe you should — many animals suffer from allergies, infections, and other irritations.
The majority of fountains out there are either plastic, stainless steel, or a mix of the two. Which should you choose?
Stainless steel is the more hygienic option; it’s easy to sanitize in your dishwasher. Plastic is less ideal on a hygiene basis — but, unlike steel, it doesn’t rust. If you do opt for plastic, make sure it’s free of BPA to minimize your pet’s exposure to microplastics.
Ease of Cleaning
You wanted a dog water fountain so you’d have one less chore to do, right? Either that or you just wanted to show off to your friends. Either way, don’t make your life even harder by choosing something that’s difficult to clean.
Fountains come in all shapes and sizes; not all of them lend themselves to easy cleaning. Avoid anything that has a narrow top you’d struggle to get your hand or cleaning equipment into, or you’ll live to regret it. A few fountains come with helpful cleaning brushes, though.
Also, look out for parts you can put in the dishwasher. The best type of cleaning is automated cleaning done by a machine.
Flow Control
Many (electric) water fountains have pumps that let you adjust the flow of the water. This might sound pointless, but it has a few advantages.
Some pets like to drink water flowing fast or slowly. Some would call them divas, but we all have our preferences.
Another advantage of adjustable fountains is making the water flow slower and therefore quieter if the fast-moving water gets annoying. Some people find the sound of water falling soothing and relaxing, while it drives others crazy. We just hope you don’t get into any heated arguments about it with your dog!
Tiers
The most basic dog water fountains look exactly like a normal dog bowl, but with a fountain added on top. Others are elevated above the ground or contain multiple tiers. Why, you ask?
If you have a few pets of different sizes, it’s multi-tiered systems are well worth the investment. It’s far more efficient than getting the same fountain in three different sizes.
In special cases — like an arthritic dog — you might also find that your pet needs to drink from an elevated level.
Filters
We’ve all heard the nightmare stories about arsenic and lead in our tap water. As far as we know, arsenic is also bad for dogs, so you don’t want them to drink it if you can avoid it. It’s not just nasty chemicals that you need to worry about, either — dog water bowls also tend to fill with hair, dirt, and just about everything else you can imagine.
Luckily some fountains kill two birds in one stone by filtering and circulating the water to remove all kinds of rubbish. But bear in mind filters require more expense and more cleaning.
Now, let’s check out our reviews of the 9 best dog water fountains available.
Our Top Water Fountain Picks
Assuming you diligently read our guide, you’ll probably have figured out there’s a wide range of water fountains on the market. Depending on the size of your pet, your budget, and how important extra features are to you, your ideal water fountain will help you choose.
We’ve outlined the best choices for different priorities to help you choose.
Top 9 Best Dog Water Fountains 2024
1. Best Overall Dog Water Fountain: Veken Pet Fountain
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: This fountain has all the features you could dream up in a water fountain, yet sounds no louder than a quiet library. What more could you want?
Quick Facts
- Type: Electric
- Water Capacity: 84 oz
- Material: BPA-Free Plastic
- Tiers: One
For anyone who likes the idea of an electric water dispenser but not the noise that comes with it, the Veken dog fountain may be a tempting option. The pump makes around 40 decibels of noise, which is roughly equivalent to the sound of a library. We think you’ll cope just fine with that.
In part thanks to the low noise level, the pump will also last for a ridiculously long time. We’re not just saying it because it sounds good — we’re talking four years.
It also comes with lots of snazzy features and color options — blue, cyan, green, gray, and orange — although they’re not always all available on Amazon.
Materials
The water bowl is made of PP (polypropylene). It’s plastic, let’s not beat around the bush, but at least it doesn’t contain BPA. This is one of the main downsides of the fountain, along with the manufacturing. Unlike various other brands on this list, Veken isn’t a pet specialist — they’re a manufacturer of various cheap electronic items, and so they aren’t necessarily experts when it comes to the nuances of pet products.. Proceed at your peril.
However, the fountain comes with a silicone mat sporting a cute paw print design to stop your floor from getting water all over it. That shouldn’t bring much to the table, but at the same time, it’s swaying us a little.
Ease of Cleaning
Although there are many parts of the fountain, it’s designed for easy cleaning. With a cuboid shape and a large tray, it won’t take you long to pull it apart and wash it down.
However, you will need to put some time and effort into cleaning the pump, or you’ll risk poor water quality and even breaking your fountain prematurely. It’s a three-step process: remove the pump cover, remove the impeller cap, then finally remove the impeller and clean each part with water and soap.
Flow Control
As if having an electric water fountain to keep your pet hydrated wasn’t enough, you can choose how you want the water to be released. As a gentle fountain, flower bubble, or flower waterfall? Owners of little princes and princesses, we’re looking at you.
Some pets are enticed by the faster-falling water that comes from the fountain option, while others prefer a less intimidating water flow. Unless you pay close attention to your dog drinking, you probably don’t know which type they’ll prefer yet, but you can figure it out by testing each one.
Tiers
There’s just one tier on the fountain, although the different styles of fountains give slightly more flexibility — a larger pet could drink from the water directly as it exits the fountain formation, while a smaller animal drinks from the tray.
The fountain is best suited for small- and medium-sized pets though, since it isn’t particularly elevated above the ground.
Filters
Did you really think a fountain boasting three different types of water flow wouldn’t offer a filter? You thought wrong.
The Veken pet waterer doesn’t just have any old filter, either — it has three. A high-density cotton filter, an ion exchange resin filter, and a coconut shell activated carbon filter. This ensures the water passes through various stages to filter out hair residue, heavy metal and chlorine, and improve the taste. More on that later.
Pros
- Sophisticated filter
- Different flow types
- Quiet pump
Cons
- Made of plastic
- Only suitable for smaller pets
2. Best Budget Dog Water Fountain: Petmate Replendish Gravity Waterer
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: An affordable option that does its job without using electricity, the gravity waterer is perfect for non-fussy pets (or owners).
Quick Facts
- Type: Gravity
- Water Capacity: 1 gallon (other sizes also available)
- Material: BPA-Free Plastic
- Tiers: One
Not won over by fancy pumps and different fountain styles? Here’s a dog fountain that stays true to its key function: keeping your dog hydrated.
You’re in good hands with Petmate, an established provider of anything and everything pet-related with over 50 years of experience in the industry. It’s not just some random Amazon seller.
Plus, with four colors to choose from (pink, blue, gray, and silver) and four different sizes (0.5, 1, 2.5, or 4 gallons), there’s something to suit the thirst levels of any pet and the whims of every owner. The most basic version is less than $20.
Materials
The container and bowl are both made of BPA-free plastic.
There is some misleading mention of “brushed nickel” on the product types, but this refers to the color of the bowl rather than the actual material.
Ease of Cleaning
Petmate really pulled out all the stops here. Not only is the design easy to clean, it’s also made in a way that assures you won’t need to clean it as often. A win-win situation!
It’s made with Microban Antimicrobial Product Protection to reduce both stains and bacteria, meaning less cleaning for you. It’s still advisable to give the container a wash regularly, though.
Plus, the water tank features a wide entrance you could fit your entire arm in, so cleaning it won’t be a problem.
Flow Control
Since this dispenser is powered by gravity rather than electricity, there’s no way to control how quickly the water flows out.
However, the water will be released at a slow but reasonable pace to ensure the bowl is never empty. Unless your pet is especially picky, it shouldn’t be an issue.
Tiers
There’s only one tier for the bowl, and it isn’t adjustable. This means larger dogs will have to crane their necks a fair bit to drink the water; but, provided they’re not arthritic, it shouldn’t be a deal-breaker.
Filters
The dispenser contains a charcoal filter, guaranteeing your pet won’t be subjected to anything other than perfectly purified water.
It’s easy to replace the filter and keep it fresh.
Pros
- Carbon filter
- Affordable
- Microban technology to keep it clean
Cons
- Fewer features
- Only one tier
- Made of plastic
3. Most Stylish Dog Water Fountain: PetSafe Healthy Pet Gravity Water Station
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: A smart-looking monochrome water station made partly of stainless steel that you don’t need electricity to run, it’s hard to go wrong with this water station.
Quick Facts
- Water Capacity: 320 oz (other sizes also available)
- Material: Stainless Steel, BPA-Free Plastic
- Tiers: One
The Healthy Pet water station is undoubtedly one of the better-looking items on this list. The simple black and white design will blend in stylishly with most houses, regardless of your color scheme. It’s a lot better than a huge piece of gray plastic. Plus, the cylindrical shape saves space.
Materials
Anyone worried about their pets’ health will be thrilled by the stainless steel removable bowl, guaranteeing better hygiene than most of the options on this list.
However, it should be noted that the entire setup of this item isn’t stainless steel — just the removable bowl. Everything else is made of BPA-free plastic.
Before you turn away in disgust, remember the only part your dog is coming into contact with is the bowl they’re drinking from. Having plastic parts too helps to keep costs down and makes this item as affordable as it is (under $30).
Ease of Cleaning
The stainless steel bowl is removable, so you can easily pop it out of the water station and into the dishwasher without having to worry about cleaning the entire thing daily. Now, that’s efficiency!
PetSafe claims the rest of the fountain is easy to clean too, but the truth is, you’ll need some tools. The opening of the reservoir part is too narrow for your hand to fit through with a sponge or cloth, so you’ll need a brush with a long handle to clean it properly. We know — how terrible for you.
Since this is a gravity fountain, there’s no need to worry about cleaning pumps, but if you add a filter, that’s an extra consideration.
Flow Control
Since this is a gravity fountain, there’s no way to control how fast or in what form the water exits.
Tiers
There’s only one level available, and unfortunately, it’s pretty close to the floor. But if your dog can handle that, it can still enjoy its other benefits.
Filters
As mentioned, the dispenser doesn’t come with a filter, but it’s possible to buy one separately and add it in. The obvious choice is the matching PetSafe Healthy Pet Water Filter, available for less than $10.
This will remove chlorine, sediments and odor.
Pros
- Stainless steel removable bowl
- Elegant finish
- Space-saving design
- Very easy to clean
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a filter
- Need a brush to clean reservoir
- Very low level
4. Best Free-Falling Dog Water Fountain: PetSafe Drinkwell Fountain
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: If you’re looking for a beast of a water fountain complete with large capacity, adjustable flow, and free-falling water, this one’s for you.
Quick Facts
- Type: Electric
- Water Capacity: 168 oz (also available in 64 oz, 128 oz)
- Material: BPA-Free Plastic
- Tiers: Two Levels
Waterers like this one really go beyond giving your pet a bowl of water to drink. To that, PetSafe said: what a quaint idea!
This water station releases water from the fountain in a free-falling manner to encourage animals to drink more.
As if that weren’t enough, you could also opt for the Platinum model to get a huge LED night. However, the huge chunky design isn’t for everyone.
Materials
Made of BPA-free plastic, this fountain doesn’t quite boast the finest materials on the market. For most pets, it should be just fine though.
Ease of Cleaning
Probably one of the easiest items to clean on this list, it’s super simple to take the fountain apart and put each part in the dishwasher.
Flow Control
Not only is the water free-falling (have we mentioned that enough already?) but you can easily adjust the speed the water flows at. Cool, right?
Tiers
You can’t adjust the fountain to a different level per se, but it’s up to your dog to decide whether they want to drink directly from the head of the fountain or the bowl at the bottom.
So, effectively, there are slightly different levels, but it’s still not ideal for larger dogs.
Filters
There’s an activated carbon water filter to keep the water clean.
Also, the water constantly circulates to prevent dirty water and bacteria growth. Phew!
Pros
- Easy to clean in dishwasher
- Free-falling water design
- Large capacity
Cons
- Bulky design
- Made of plastic
- Only one tier
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: Perfect for small pets, this water fountain has a premium filtration system that will remove everything nasty from the water.
Quick Facts
- Type: Electric
- Water Capacity: 2 liters
- Material: BPA-Free Resin
- Tiers: One
The eagle-eyed amongst you will notice this Mospro product is similar in design to the Veken fountain. They’re both great products, so we couldn’t leave this one off the list – it offers some excellent features that make it worth seriously considering.
With three flow modes, a silent pump, and ecological materials, it’s hard to go wrong.
But any owners of big dogs, stay away. This one is specifically tailored to smaller animals.
Materials
Mospro prides itself on the ecological and food-grade materials they used to make this fountain. That means BPA-free resin.
Ease of Cleaning
Unlike some other fountains, you can’t put the parts in the dishwasher. Shame, but they’re very easy to clean with a rinse and some soap.
Flow Control
You can choose between three water flow modes for your pet. The gentle fountain produces a slow trickle of water, the waterfall is more faucet-like, and the fountain is bubbly.
Generally, the fountain is the best option for dogs, while cats prefer a slower trickle.
Tiers
There’s only one level on the fountain. It’s not designed for larger animals, but for smaller dogs, the bowl is fairly raised above the ground.
Filters
The fountain comes with an activated carbon filter to keep the water nice and clean.
Also, recirculation increases the oxygen in your water, which all water nerds know will improve flavor. We just hope your dog appreciates the effort.
Pros
- Silent motor
- Different fountain settings
- Ecological materials
Cons
- Only for small pets
- Made of plastic
- Just one level
6. Best Adjustable Flow Dog Water Fountain: isYoung LED Fountain
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: At first glance this fountain doesn’t look drastically different from anything else available, but it actually contains a range of cool features, like an LED nightlight and an adjustable flow.
Quick Facts
- Type: Electric
- Water Capacity: 51 oz
- Material: BPA-Free Plastic
- Tiers: One
This might not be the only product to offer some kind of way to adjust flow, but it does it better than most, earning status as the best adjustable flow option.
It also has an LED nightlight. You might be wondering if you really need a fountain that comes with a nightlight. We’ll give you the answers to that one later.
Materials
The isYoung waterer is made from BPA-free plastics. Not the finest materials, but nothing to worry about either.
Ease of Cleaning
The materials are suitable for the top shelf of your dishwasher, allowing for easy cleaning.
To clean the pump, remove the pump impeller and clean each part with water roughly every two weeks.
Flow Control
A few of the fountains on the list have offered a way to change how the water flows, but the isYoung does it in the simplest way: you can change the valve to alter how the water flows out. Genius.
This also means you control how much noise the fountain makes.
Tiers
There’s only one level, but the flowing style offers some flexibility for your dog. Unfortunately, it’s another product only suitable for smaller animals. Sorry to all the labradors out there, you deserve better.
Filters
The isYoung has a multi-stage filtration and circulation system, leaving your pet with pretty awesome water.
First, the water goes through a filter net to remove residues and hair, then a water line, and finally a charcoal and ion exchange resin filter to improve the taste and smell.
Pros
- Nightlight
- Silent
- Adjustable flow
Cons
- Just one level
- Only for small pets
7. Best Stainless Steel Dog Water Fountain: PetSafe Seaside Water Fountain
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: The stainless steel material of the fountain is hygienic and easy to clean, and it won’t be noticeably different to a regular bowl for your pet.
Quick Facts
- Type: Electric
- Water Capacity: 128 oz
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Tiers: One
At first glance, you’d be forgiven for mistaking this PetSafe fountain for a conventional water bowl — the metallic silver finish and round shape are what consumers come to expect.
In fact, it’s complete with advanced features like a filter, fountain, and adjustable flow. There’s also a ramp that reduces splashing.
Materials
The bowl is entirely made of stainless steel, so it has full marks from us in that regard. It’s hygienic and durable and the high-grade material used minimizes the rust sometimes found with stainless steel.
Ease of Cleaning
The various parts and the considerable size of the bowl make it relatively difficult to clean. However, it’s dishwasher safe.
Flow Control
It’s easy to control the flow of the water. The fountain protrudes out of the center of the bowl, and all you have to do is turn the cap to affect how fast the water falls out.
The water also exits from five separate spurts, giving plenty of choice for how the animals drink.
Tiers
There’s only one level to drink from, unfortunately.
Filters
This fountain doesn’t just have a filter. It has both a carbon filter for chemicals in tap water and a foam filter to protect the pump from smaller residues like hair and dirt.
Pros
- Stainless steel is more hygienic
- Adjustable flow
- Durable
Cons
- Expensive
- Harder to clean
8. Best Dog Water Fountain With Multiple Tiers: PetSafe Drinkwell Multi-Tier Fountain
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: The two-tier system means two pets of different sizes can drink from the same place.
Quick Facts
- Type: Electric
- Water Capacity: 100 oz
- Material: BPA-Free Plastic
- Tiers: Two
The Drinkwell fountain is another PetSafe product, but this one has an added advantage — it’s a multi-tier fountain. If you’ve been reading with despair as fountain after fountain turns out to contain just one level, you’ll surely be breathing a sigh of relief.
It comes with all the other basic features you might want too, and thanks to a low-voltage submersible pump, it’s not very noisy either.
However, if you don’t have any need for the double-tier aspect, it will probably make more sense to go for something else. This isn’t the sturdiest or most reliable item on the list and has a lower capacity than most others.
Materials
The entire fountain is made of BPA-free plastic, like most items on this list. The greatest drawback is the lack of durability. As you might expect for a budget item (this costs under $40), the Drinkwell fountain tends to break easily.
If you decide to buy, take good care of it and try to be gentle.
Ease of Cleaning
Being suitable for the dishwasher top shelf is a huge plus. Why would you wash your fountain by hand when you could let a machine do it for you?
To clean the pump, remove the faceplate, stator, and impeller.
Flow Control
The water in this fountain flows from the top tier to the bottom down a ramp, but it’s not possible to adjust the speed. Tough luck.
Tiers
As mentioned above, there are two tiers on this fountain. It’s the perfect choice for larger pets, especially if they suffer from arthritis or other similar conditions that prevent their necks from bending over.
Filters
The carbon water filter included isn’t the most sophisticated on the list, but it does a great job of removing the worst odors and tastes and is far better than having no filter at all.
However, it’s also possible to buy premium replacement filters, which feature segmented carbon compartments with an even distribution to sift out more of the nasty stuff.
Pros
- Two tiers
- Dishwasher friendly
- Affordable
Cons
- Not very sturdy
- Low capacity
- Can’t adjust water flow
9. Best LED-Lit Dog Water Fountain: PETKIT EVERSWEET 2S Water Fountain
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: The LED light creates decorative patterns on your walls and roof — a fun touch that makes this fountain noteworthy.
Quick Facts
- Type: Electric
- Water Capacity: 97 oz
- Material: BPA-Free Plastic
- Tiers: One
This dog waterer comes with a pretty formation of blue lights that can decorate your dog’s room at night. Depending on what type of person you are, you might think that’s ridiculous or a good idea — we’ll let you decide.
Materials
Although the materials are BPA-free, they’re not the most durable available. Don’t be surprised if your fountain doesn’t last longer than a year or two.
Ease of Cleaning
The fountain is easy to both assemble and disassemble. There are just a few parts and you can clean it in the dishwasher.
It even comes with cleaning brushes to ensure you don’t miss a single spot!
Flow Control
You can choose between a gentle fountain and a waterfall bursting from the lotus flower — or both at once.
Tiers
There’s only one level to drink from, which is a slight shame.
Filters
The dual filtration system uses a charcoal filter to remove the worst of the dirt and a foam filter to remove larger residues.
Even better, the multi-directional streams mean the water recirculates around the fountain constantly.
Pros
- Pretty lights
- Multi-directional stream
- Dual filtration
Cons
- Less durable
- Just one tier
Guide to Buying the Right Dog Water Fountain
You know the basics now. Still trying to narrow down which dog water fountain is the one for you? Or rather, for your dog?
Here’s some more detailed information to help you choose.
Considering Your Budget
A dog water fountain is a considerable investment compared to buying a bowl for a few dollars from Walmart. It’s worth the money to keep your pet hydrated, but there’s no need to go overboard if you can’t afford it.
It’s tricky to make direct comparisons between the waterers since they all have different capacities and features, but you could end up paying anywhere between $10 and $60.
If your primary concern is hydration, you can get your hands on a gravity waterer for a very reasonable price. The Petmate Gravity Waterer is a prime example.
However, if you can afford better, why not give your pet everything they could ever wish for? The PetSafe Seaside Water Fountain is expensive but has more features.
Choosing the Right Size
There are fountains available that hold varying quantities of water, but it’s all meaningless without answering one simple question. How much water will your dog actually drink?
That depends on how big your dog is. Dogs should drink up to 50 ml of water per kilogram of body weight.
That means the average 2kg chihuahua only needs 100ml a day, while an average 30kg dalmatian should drink 1.5l a day. So, you don’t want to buy the wrong size!
For larger pets, the PetSafe water station is a great option, with a capacity of 320 oz (9.5 l).
If you have multiple pets, that’s something else to consider.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Filters
On paper, it seems better to have a filter than no filter, given the choice. Clean water is always a good thing, right?
Well, not always. As you may have figured out already, filters are more than just an upfront financial investment. You’ll need to clean them every couple of weeks or so. If you won’t be able to put the time into this, it’s probably better to have no filter at all.
Also, remember you must buy replacement filters regularly, too.
However, given you can look after your filter properly, they’re a brilliant idea. Activated carbon filters absorb chemicals to purify the water, cotton filters out coarse particles and rust, and ion exchange resin filters reduce water hardness (the concentration of magnesium and calcium) to improve the taste.
The best filters on the list offer all these things. Dogs deserve yummy water, too!
Looking After Your Fountain
All the waterers in this article require some level of care and maintenance, but some need far more than others.
The advantage of gravity fountains isn’t just their lower price, it’s the lower level of maintenance involved with them.
Electric water fountains have various parts: power adaptors, pumps, impellers, stators, flow control dials, and more. Then you have to consider the parts involved with the filter and the fountain itself.
Every time you clean your water station, you must disassemble each item, and they all need to be cleaned except for the motor itself. Think you’re up for it?
You should also have a think about where you’re going to keep the fountain. Most are only suitable for indoor use unless they state otherwise. Also, consider putting a mat under your fountain — some come with one, but not all do.
Encouraging Your Pet to Use the Dog Water Fountain
It’s important to bear in mind that not all pets immediately like water fountains. If this happens, don’t panic that you’ve bought the wrong item or think you need to return it.
See it from your dog’s perspective — all their life, they’ve been drinking from a familiar, unassuming water bowl. Then one day, you suddenly plonk some huge machine in front of them, that may spurt out water in a very different way or make a loud noise.
To ease the transition, it can help to use the lowest flow setting possible (if the flow is adjustable) or leave it unplugged for a while.
Comparing Different Flow Types
Some of the best fountains on the market offer different flow types to choose between. Amongst the most common are a gentle fountain that bubbles and circulates the water around, and a waterfall that drips the water down from the top to the ground.
If you’ve ever taken a dog for a walk in nature, you probably noticed they have a thing for drinking from streams. The water in these natural water sources flows in a circular motion, so it makes sense.
Even if you never let your dog leave the suburbs, you might have found your dog playing with water from a shower or garden hose. So, it makes sense that moving water is naturally appealing to animals.
Then again, a thirsty dog will drink anything. Even swamp water. So, take this with a grain of salt. You know your dog better than some company claiming all dogs prefer to drink from their fountain.
On another note, the sound of the waterfall is divisive among humans. Relaxing and soothing or tedious?
Considering Other Special Features
Flow type isn’t the only feature you might be in two minds about. Some fountains on the list have an LED light, like the PETKIT water fountain.
In some ways, this makes sense. We give our kids nightlights, so why not our pets, too? Or, you might find the prospect ridiculous.
It turns out that dogs can be afraid of the dark — in fact, most are. Even though the darkness barely affects their eyesight, it often freaks them out. Well, they’re only human — wait, hang on a minute.
If your dog has a serious fear of the night or the separation anxiety that comes with it, common-sense solutions like leaving the light on at night or letting your dog sleep near you might help. However, a night light can offer an extra layer of security and protection. Suit yourself.
Time to Decide on the Right Dog Water Fountain
You probably didn’t click on this article thinking your dog needs an LED nightlight or a flower-shaped waterfall on their fountain. Now, you’ll probably feel like you’re cheating them if you don’t provide it.
It’s easy to get caught up in thinking about the many cool features available, but don’t forget that the core purpose of a water fountain is to drink. Yes, it sounds obvious, but it’s worth reminding yourself!
How much water does your dog drink each day? How big are they, and can they bend down comfortably to drink from a bowl close to the floor? Boring as they sound, these questions should be at the forefront of your mind.
Of course, once you have the basics covered, there’s no harm in having some fun with it. Choose a fountain in your dog’s favorite color. Buy a rug with a complementary pattern to stand it on. You have our blessing!
