The best pet water fountains ensure a source of clean running water to encourage our furry friends to drink – after all, accessibility to clean water is vital for anyone’s long-term health, including our dogs’. Whether you’re gearing up for warmer weather (maybe check out our list of best paddling pools for dogs or best dog cooling mats, too) or your pooch is a fussy drinker, a pet water fountain is a great tool in motivating him to drink more. But when it comes to choosing one, there’s plenty of variety out there.
Some experts believe dogs prefer to drink running water, because ancestrally in the wild this would mean it is less likely to be contaminated than still and stagnant pools. So, fountains may play into your dog’s natural instincts and therefore encourage him to keep himself hydrated. On the other hand, some dogs may be shy of the water fountain initially, but should be easily encouraged by drinking water from your cupped hand near the fountain to start with.
Best pet water fountains
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Dog Mate Large Fresh Water Drinking Fountain
Capacity: 6l
Power source: Mains
Weight: 1.41kg
Reasons to buy: High capacity, quiet and easy to clean
Reason to avoid: Takes up more space than other models
Suitable for dogs and cats of all sizes, this water fountain has a large six-litre capacity, making it ideal for multi-pet households. It has an isolated pump for very quiet operation and a water ramp eliminates splashing. The extra-large reservoir provides extended drinking capacity for overnight households, and there are platforms of reservoirs at different heights so each pet can choose their preferred level. It has three levels of filtration and the water circulates to ensure naturally oxygenated, cool water.
Reasons to buy: Low energy consumption, super quiet and you can easily monitor drinking
Reason to avoid: Not the best size for larger dogs
Made in a translucent material in the colour of your choosing, this fountain enables you to monitor your pet’s overall water consumption. The pump is ultra-quiet and has low energy consumption. When the pump switches off, it’s time to fill up the water.
There is a smart LED light for water shortage and filter replacement. This fountain has two modes, smart and normal – either pumping constantly, or three minutes pumping and two minutes rest.
Equipped with a high-performance purifying filter, composed of a cotton layer, a coconut shell activated carbon and an ion exchange resin. This triple filtration system provides healthy, clean and oxygen-rich water for your dogs and cats.
Reasons to buy: Large capacity, elevated drinking platform and top is dishwasher-safe
Reason to avoid: LED could be irritating
Designed to provide your dog with a clean source of continually flowing clean water and stimulate them to drink more. The stainless steel top offers a hygienic drinking surface that inhibits bacterial growth, and is dishwasher-safe.
It has a large 6l reservoir and elevated drinking surface, making it ideal for medium and large dogs, and also elderly dogs who may suffer from joint problems.
The fountain has two water flow settings, gentle and bubbling, and triple-action filtration.
It also has a LED water level indicator so you know when it’s time to refill, and this acts a nightlight for dogs wanting to find their water in the dark.
Reasons to buy: Super-quiet, includes reserve tank and has a splash guard
Reason to avoid: Takes up space and not the most aesthetically pleasing
This fountain’s design incorporates a handy 500ml reserve tank in case of a power outage. It has three modes and three drinking zones – the small receptacle at the top, the streams running down the side and the large reservoir at the bottom. Less mobile dogs won’t need to stoop to drink from it.
It has a three-layer filtration system than removes debris, softens the water and eliminates odours and impurities. It’s easily assembled, and easy to clean. It also features a splash guard to help prevent spillages from messy drinkers.
The fountain operates at less than 30 decibels, so is ultra-quiet.
Reasons to buy: Two drinking heights, easy to clean and attractive design.
Reason to avoid: Relatively small capacity and heavier than other models
The fountain continuously recirculates and filters your pet’s water, preventing bacteria growth and keeping it cleaner and fresher than a normal water bowl. Submersible pump for quiet operation.
The ceramic bowl is easy to clean being dishwasher-safe, and looks great too. Includes replaceable foam filter to keep pump and water clean, by catching hair and debris, and a replaceable charcoal filter to keep the water tasting fresh.
The upper and lower dishes provide two drinking areas, which is helpful for older dogs with joint issues wanting to drink at a higher level. Dual patented free-falling streams add oxygen for freshness and encourage dogs to drink more.
Reasons to buy: Good for enrichment, play and teaching new skills
Reason to avoid: Not for indoor use
For those looking for a fountain that’s more of a toy than a drinking device, this doubles up to hydrate your dog while he plays. Connect it to the hosepipe or water source, and your dog has to push or stand on the pedal, which dispenses the water through a fountain. It has a wide lever and is designed for dogs of all sizes, but some users find that toy dogs struggle to put enough force on the pedal. Keep your pooch (and the kids) entertained and hydrated!
Some water fountains have greater capacity, designed for larger dogs or multiple pets – so size matters. Some have a quieter pump than others, and most people want to choose one they like the look of to complement their home. Think about where you intend to place the water fountain – it’ll likely need to be close to a power outlet (though some run on battery power), so consider its size and length of chord.
If your dog is elderly or less mobile, he might appreciate a fountain that has a raised drinking reservoir so he can use it without having to lower his head too much. Fussy pups might appreciate a few different drinking options, such as the ability to drink from a running stream or the choice of different pump settings.
Aerated water stays fresher for longer, however you will still need to clean the fountain bowl regularly to prevent any bacterial growth. The best pet water fountains are easy to take apart for this purpose. Some have parts that are dishwasher safe for ease of cleaning, too. If energy saving is a must, look for a fountain that prioritises efficiency.
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Martha is an experienced journalist who is mad-keen on horses and dogs. Her reporting CV includes the Paris Olympics, European championships, Aachen World Equestrian Festival and World Cup finals. After growing up with assorted liver and white springer spaniels, she enjoyed 14 years with two rescue dogs. Now, her constant companion is Fidget, an extremely energetic and habitually muddy black and white springer. Martha has written on topics as diverse as a top horse’s clone to the best GPS trackers for dogs, as well as equestrian and rural matters for Country Life, The Field, The Times, The Spectator and The Telegraph alongside Horse & Hound.
