The Best Dog Water Fountains
Dogs need a lot of water to stay hydrated throughout the day, but giving it to them in a bowl may not be the best option. If left out for long periods of time, bowl water can stagnate, affecting not only the taste and temperature but also the number of bacteria inside. To keep your dog's water as fresh as possible, we recommend purchasing a dog water fountain. By circulating its contents, a fountain delivers a continually refreshed source of water that is cleaner and cooler than water from a bowl.
What to Look For
We decided to find the best dog water fountains on the market, so we asked ourselves four main questions. Is it safe and enticing for our dogs to drink from? Is it easy to keep clean and sanitized? Does it hold a lot of water? Is the price fair? At the front of the pack was the Veken Pet Fountain, which offered excellent filtration and a gentle fountainhead that our dogs adore. Another top dog was the option from Scuddles. Its sprinkler design is activated by a large pedal, which makes it a great option for outdoor fun in the sun. Clearly, there’s a lot to consider. Read on for more of our in-depth reviews of the best dog water fountains.
Veken Pet Fountain
Lap it up
Whether you’re worried about the quality of water in your dog’s bowl or want to keep them hydrated while also giving them some mental stimulation, the Veken Pet Fountain is the perfect choice. The compact unit boasts a range of different features for delivering cool, clean H2O to your pet, including a triple-action filtration system that softens water and removes bacteria. It also offers three different settings for dispensing the water, from a steady stream to a gentle bubbling surface. In fact, all of these things make it an ideal hydration option for multiple pets, too, including cats.
Pros:
- We love how the first filter collects pet hair to prevent it from gunking up the inner parts of the pump.
- It really is super quiet, so it’s a great option for those with pets that are scared by loud noises.
- The filters are easy to replace and the entire unit is a cinch to clean.
Cons:
- It may not hold enough water for very large and very thirsty dogs.
PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum
Quench a big thirst
Whereas other fountains are more suited for smaller pets, the PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum is fully capable of supplying water to medium and full-size dogs without a problem. Part of that is thanks to its larger design, which incorporates a 168-ounce water reservoir that can be easily refilled when it runs low. But it’s also thanks to its free-flowing stream, which can be adjusted to dispense more or less water depending on the needs of your particular pet. Both of those features also mean it does a better job aerating the H2O as it’s released, resulting in fresher, cooler water.
Pros:
- Thanks to the rubber feet and heavier weight, the entire unit is very stable.
- It offers both a gentle stream and a little pool of water, so your pets can choose whichever source they prefer to drink from.
- The reservoir is clear to indicate when it needs refilling. The pump also gets a little louder when the water is low, so you’ll always be reminded when your pets need water.
Cons:
- Gunk can build up in the pump, so you have to clean it about once a week.
Scuddles Dog Water Fountain Step On Toy
H2O on demand
If you’re looking for a truly unique way to give your dog their daily serving of H20, check out the Scuddles Dog Water Fountain Step On Toy. It’s an excellent solution to water dehydration on hot days since it’s designed for outdoor use. It hooks right up to a hose, and shoots water out with a push of the paw, allowing your dog to wet their whistle while also engaging them in a mentally and physically stimulating activity. For dogs that love to spend a lot of time outside, it’s the ideal choice.
Pros:
- Most dogs love pressing on the pedal and playing with the water stream. It’s basically a game that encourages them to hydrate.
- It’s built for the outdoors, so rinsing it off is very easy.
Cons:
- It requires a hose and outdoor space.
PetSafe Drinkwell 360 Multi-Pet
Welcome to the watering hole
There’s no need for your dogs — or cats — to have to fight over the same bowl for water when you have the PetSafe Drinkwell 360 Multi-Pet. As its name suggests, it’s designed for supplying water to more than one animal, featuring an innovative 360-degree design and up to five free-falling streams of water that run continuously. It’s also made of stainless steel, which makes it easier to clean and gives it a sleeker appearance than many other plastic models out there.
Pros:
- The assembly is really easy and takes just a couple of minutes.
- We love the ability to change the power and shape of the flow since some dogs are picky and will only drink from gentle trickles.
Cons:
- It requires a thorough weekly cleaning or else rust and bacteria can develop.
Frequently Asked Question
Why do I need a water fountain for my dog?
If you’re looking for a more effective way to keep your pup hydrated, a water fountain is a good idea. They’re healthier, for one thing, since many contain filters that help purify their contents of unwanted metals and chemicals. Water from a fountain also tastes better, since it can circulate and keep from stagnating. Another reason to get a fountain is that running water offers some mental and physical stimulation, which makes them a great solution for dogs that won’t drink from a traditional bowl.
How are dog water fountains powered?
Many of the options on our list use an electrical cord to provide the pumping power required. Some other options may require a standard garden house for pressure.
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