Dog water fountains are a great way to get your dog drinking more and ensure he always has fresh clean water. Aerating the water reduces microorganisms in the water and makes it more appealing to most pups. Our returning top choice for 2021 is the PetSafe Drinkwell Pagoda– easy to clean, great for multiple pet households, and looks good at the same time!
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Best Dog Water Fountain & Dispenser

Best Products Best Dog Water Fountain & Dispenser
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Best Overall. PetSafe Ceramic Pagoda Fountain
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Best for Smaller Dogs. eufy PetCare Fountain with Sterilization Filter
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Best Budget. Dogit Fresh & Clear Drinking Fountain for Dogs

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- What we Like
- 70 oz capacity
- Ceramic
- Top-shelf dishwasher safe
- Dog can drink from top or bottom level
- What we Dislike
- Plastic interior components
- Noisy pump and water trickling sound
- Filters are too thick
Product Details | |
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TYPE OF WATER DISPENSER | Cascade style |
MATERIAL |
Ceramic plastic |
SIZE | 10.5 x 8.9 x 5.75 (bowl height 3) |
COLOR CHOICES | 4 |
This is a great fountain for dogs who like to drink from a faucet, from a bowl, or from a bubbling source of water- it offers all 3 options! The ceramic is attractive, smooth and easy to clean. One of the issues with this fountain is that the filgers can sometimes prevent the water from moving effectively through the pump. We do like the ceramic surfaces but if you were purchasing this to avoid plastic, be aware that the pump and inner components are all plastic. It’s relatively simple to take apart to clean but not all the inner surfaces of the pump can be wiped clean. This pump does not have an automatic shut-off so will keep pumping even when the water gets low.


- What we Like
- Easy to drink or lick water
- Easy to clean
- Filters readily available
- What we Dislike
- May not work for larger dogs
- No auto-shutoff
Product Details | |
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TYPE OF WATER DISPENSER | Cascade style |
MATERIAL | Ceramic |
SIZE | 8" x 9.25" x 5" |
COLOR CHOICES | 1 |
This fountain is similar in design to the pagoda except for the large ball shape in the middle. We have a dog that compulsively loves to lick things, and this shape is attractive to him. Whether your dog likes to lick or lap up his water, this fountain can accommodate both. The filters are easy to find in stores or online and we like the additional little spongy foam filter to keep debris from clogging the pump.
We love the Petsafe fountains but you do have to keep a close eye on volume, as they don’t automatically turn off. They will start getting noisy and sucking air if left too long without refills.



- What we Like
- Chew proof cord
- Easy to find filters
- Auto standby mode
- Quiet
- What we Dislike
- Smaller capacity
Product Details | |
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TYPE OF WATER DISPENSER | Top tray style |
MATERIAL | Plastic |
SIZE | 7.87" x 7.87" x 5.91" |
COLOR CHOICES | 1 |
We’re a big fan of Anker and Eufy smart home products and while this fountain does not offer smart capability or an app, it’s the same high quality we expect from the brand. It’s very quiet and the design helps keep debris out of the bowl. It only has a 1.5L capacity, so this one is best for medium to smaller dogs. It’s also one of the most quiet pet fountains we’ve encountered so if you have a nervous pup, this one may do just the trick. It’s a great fountain and our cats love it too!


- What we Like
- 128 oz capacity
- 5 customizable streams
- Top shelf dishwasher safe
- Pump can be completely disassembled
- What we Dislike
- Stainless steel can rust
- Has to be cleaned at least weekly
- Filters can slow down flow of water
Product Details | |
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TYPE OF WATER DISPENSER | Cascade-style |
MATERIAL | Stainless steel and plastic |
SIZE | 14 x 14 x 9 |
COLOR CHOICES | 1 |
We were really disappointed that this fountain appears to be made out of coated steel and is not true stainless as it does rust. We love that you can change out how the streams of water fall. But there are a lot of places where scum and bacteria can harbor and this fountain will need to be cleaned at the very minimum once or twice a week. The filters can really slow down the flow of water. The plastic clips on the side of the bowl become brittle over time and break, plus they tend to collect slime and debris that ends up in the bowl. It may be harder for larger dogs to drink from the bowl portion of this fountain.


- What we Like
- Non-slip bottom
- Smartphone app for monitor pet proximity to the fountain
- 64 oz capacity bowl
- Carbon filter
- What we Dislike
- Bluetooth fobs for collars are gimmicky and unreliable
- Lots of parts
- Higher price point
Product Details | |
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TYPE OF WATER DISPENSER | Cascade style |
MATERIAL | Plastic and stainless steel |
SIZE | 14 x 16 x 10 |
COLOR CHOICES | 1 |
The two-tier design for this fountain is nice and we like that the bowl portion is completely seamless and dishwasher safe. This will send you information to a smartphone app about how often your pet is near the fountain, water levels in the fountain and how frequently you should change it. It comes with a fob that your pet wears that will activate the fountain when they are nearby. It will cycle every 40 minutes to keep water fresh. What we don’t like about this fountain is that there are a lot of parts to disassemble and clean. The bluetooth fob will activate if the dog is as close as 10 feet to the fountain, so if he’s taking a nap nearby it’s kind of pointless. If you are extremely busy and like electronic reminders of everything, this app will definitely keep you mindful of the status of the fountain but we’d rather just set a reminder than add one more app to our phones. It’s also quite expensive.


- What we Like
- Interchangeable spouts
- Silent pump
- 60oz capacity
- BPA free plastic
- Dishwasher safe
- What we Dislike
- For smaller dogs only
- Plastic is lower quality
- Needs to be cleaned frequently
Product Details | |
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TYPE OF WATER DISPENSER | Cascade style |
MATERIAL | Plastic |
SIZE | 12.3 x 3.2 x 5.1 |
COLOR CHOICES | 2 |
This is a simple little fountain with two different spouts- one in the shape of the flower and the other a maple leaf. We like how simple it is to take apart and clean and that there are not as many crevices and cracks for bacteria to grow in. This fountain tends to run on the more quiet side and our favorite feature is the ability to adjust the flow of water for picky dogs who may be scared off by a faster running pump or not interested in a trickle of water. Like all fountains it will need to be cleaned frequently at least several times a week and we like that it can go in the dishwasher.


- What we Like
- No electricity needed
- Water is gravity fed
- Travel friendly
- Minimal splashing
- 2 liter capacity
- What we Dislike
- Matte finish can be difficult to clean
- Very difficult to clean reservoir
- Difficult to gauge water level
- Knob is irresistible to chewers
Product Details | |
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TYPE OF WATER DISPENSER | Hybrid bottle/bowl style |
MATERIAL | Plastic |
SIZE | 11 x11 x 3.2 |
COLOR CHOICES | 7 |
We love the idea of this bowl – a self-contained water source that can be plugged up for travel and that will fill itself as the dog empties it. This has a critical design flaw in that the reservoir cannot be cleaned, only flushed out. The manufacturer suggests using sterilizing tablets but we don’t like the idea of our dogs’ drinking water coming out of a reservoir that we can neither see or reach to verify that there is nothing contaminating it. If there was some way to take the bowl apart this would be an outstanding product but until manufacturer fixes this flaw we cannot recommend it.


- What we Like
- BPA free plastic
- Dishwasher safe
- Quiet pump
- What we Dislike
- No automatic shut-off
- Unit can spatter or be diverted onto floor
Product Details | |
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TYPE OF WATER DISPENSER | Cascade style |
MATERIAL | Plastic |
SIZE | 12 x 8 x 3 |
COLOR CHOICES | 1 |
For those dogs who love to drink from the faucet this is a great innovation. If your dog prefers to drink from a tray/bowl, he could easily cause the water coming from the spout to spatter or spray onto the top of his head or the floor, so this fountain is definitely not for every dog and may be best for smaller dogs. It does have some crevices and grooves on the bottom of the bowl where the spout affixes but the entire unit is easily disassembled and run through the dishwasher. Overall this is a great fountain for both dogs and cats if you have both in your household.


- What we Like
- 6 liter capacity
- Water level indicator
- Quiet pump
- Surface skimmer
- What we Dislike
- Filters need to be changed frequently
- Divider in the bottom reservoir is not watertight so not all the water is being filtered
Product Details | |
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TYPE OF WATER DISPENSER | Top tray style |
MATERIAL | Plastic |
SIZE | 13 x 12.1 x 7.6 |
COLOR CHOICES | 1 |
This dog water dispenser has lots of great features. We love the surface skimmer (if your dog has a lot of slobber it’s nice!), the water level indicator on the side, and the quiet pump. What we don’t like is that the divider in the reservoir may allow unfiltered water to pass it below and on the sides. The unit does break down quite easily for cleaning and the top tray is all smooth and rounded. The spout at the top allows dogs to drink from the bubbly part or the calm water portion of the tray depending on their preference.


- What we Like
- 2 liter capacity
- PP resin
- 3 layer filtering system
- What we Dislike
- For small dogs only
- Filters can be expensive
- Not dishwasher safe
Product Details | |
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TYPE OF WATER DISPENSER | Top tray style |
MATERIAL | Plastic |
SIZE | 7.8 x 6.2 |
COLOR CHOICES | 3 |
This is a great for smaller dogs. It is a very unique design with the three disc filters, an internal reservoir, and outer shell. It’s very easy to take apart and clean and we also like that it has a small piece that you can put in to adjust the height of the bubbling water. It is more affordable than similar fountains that cost three times as much. We like the design and appearance. It’s just very small and probably better suited for cats and small dogs.


- What we Like
- 50 oz capacity
- Dishwasher safe
- BPA free plastic
- Optional additional reservoir
- What we Dislike
- No automatic shut off
- Plastic breaks down
- Loud
- Quality control issues
Product Details | |
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TYPE OF WATER DISPENSER | Cascade style |
MATERIAL | Plastic |
SIZE | 26 x 26 x 8 |
COLOR CHOICES | 1 |
There are a lot of indentations, crevices in this product that could harbor bacteria. This product recently underwent a design change that has more flaws and issues than the previous version. Product can be broken down but cleaning out the pump and the crevices around the pump housing can be difficult. One of our favorite parts of its design is that the wires for the pump are not near the water and routed through the bottom and rear of the unit. Water has to be refreshed daily or the pump may burn up. We do like that there is the option to add a reservoir behind the unit to keep water levels higher for longer but with the buildup of grime in this fountain we’d recommend cleaning it more frequently. We do like the option of leaving the top of the fountain off for a dog who may want to drink out of the top.


- What we Like
- BPA free plastic
- Adjustable flow
- 50% higher carbon content in filters
- What we Dislike
- Noisy pump
- Plastic seams can leak
- Cleaning requires additional tools
Product Details | |
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TYPE OF WATER DISPENSER | Cascade style |
MATERIAL | Plastic |
SIZE | 14.6 x 15.4 x 10.1 |
COLOR CHOICES | 1 |
Some areas of this fountain can be difficult to clean. It does have 2 filters (1 carbon, 1 foam) which helps cut down on hair and other larger debris from clogging the fountain as well as removing odors and bad tastes from the fountain. We like that you can control the flow of the water to adjust for your pet’s needs and even turn off the cascade allowing the water to circulate through the bottom tray only. The rounded corners and interiors allow for easier cleaning of the interior but the pump and other components can be difficult to clean. Filters are relatively inexpensive but need to be changed frequently, especially with larger or multiple dogs.


- What we Like
- Antimicrobial material
- Non-skid rubber feet
- 3 liter capacity
- What we Dislike
- Not dishwasher safe
- Cheaper plastic parts
- Water level in bowl is always high
Product Details | |
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TYPE OF WATER DISPENSER | Bottle style |
MATERIAL | Plastic |
SIZE |
small (12.5 x 5.1 x 5.1) large (18 x 17.5 x 10.5) |
COLOR CHOICES | 1 |
This is a great water dispenser with a high capacity, no pump or electronic parts, and a simple screw-on valve that regulates the flow of water from the bottle reservoir to the tray below. It will not need to be cleaned as frequently as a fountain but it will need cleaning and the water reservoir/bottle could be difficult to clean inside as it has a narrow mouth and this may make it near impossible to scrub out the inside of the reservoir. The gravity effect generally keeps it cleaner than the inside of a fountain but it will still need cleaning. The biggest flaw on this one is that the water valve piece on this water dispenser breaks easily.


- What we Like
- Non-skid rubber feet
- Dishwasher safe base
- 1 gallon capacity
- What we Dislike
- For smaller dogs
- Seam between bowl and bottle valve can leak
- Steel rusts
Product Details | |
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TYPE OF WATER DISPENSER | Bottle style |
MATERIAL |
plastic metal |
SIZE | 14 x 12 x 8 |
COLOR CHOICES | 1 |
It’s always disappointing when a product is advertised as stainless steel when it is a coated steel product that easily rusts and has rolled edges with sharp edges. We loved the idea of a stainless steel bowl cutting down on the amount of scum and slime that tends to form in the plastic fountains, but the design of this one has some flaws. The water bottle/reservoir does not easily come off and has to be forcibly removed, and that can damage or crack it over time. Great concept but poor execution.


- What we Like
- BPA free plastic
- Non-skid rubber feet
- 3.8 liter capacity
- What we Dislike
- For small to medium size dogs
- Valve can be tricky to adjust
- Unit may leak
Product Details | |
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TYPE OF WATER DISPENSER | Bottle style |
MATERIAL | Plastic |
SIZE | 12.2 x 12.6 x 9 |
COLOR CHOICES | 1 |
This gravity-fed bottle style water dispenser has a pressure release valve cap to keep it from dispensing all over the floor but the valve may need some adjustment to keep water flowing. As with most bottle-style dispensers, you will not be able to scrub out the inside of the water bottle/reservoir without a special long-handled brush and this may be a problem. We like the smooth rounded interior of both bowl and the water dispenser base which is easy to clean.


- What we Like
- ABS/BPA free plastic
- Quiet pump
- Upper or lower drinking areas
- What we Dislike
- Will need frequent cleaning
- Lots of crevices that may harbor bacteria
Product Details | |
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TYPE OF WATER DISPENSER | Cascade style |
MATERIAL | Plastic |
SIZE |
small 2.3 liters (9.84 x 9.84) large 3 liters (12.5 x 12.5 x 5.6) |
COLOR CHOICES | 1 |
This is a very attractive little fountain and we like that it comes in two sizes, has an upper and lower drinking area and that the filters are easy to find (same listing as product). Where the spout tray sits in the bowl could be an area that could harbor bacteria but the amount of holes in it will make it less likely that fur or other debris would clog the fountain. It will need to be cleaned frequently but this one is easy to take apart and put back together.


- What we Like
- 2.1 liter capacity
- Dual filter system (foam and carbon)
- Quiet pump (comes with spare)
- What we Dislike
- For small to medium dogs
- Not dishwasher safe
- Pump is lower quality and may fail
Product Details | |
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TYPE OF WATER DISPENSER | Cascade style |
MATERIAL |
Ceramic plastic |
SIZE | 10.7 x 10.7 x 5.5 |
COLOR CHOICES | 2 |
This a very attractive, well made ceramic fountain and we love how easy it is to clean and maintain. Smooth, rounded surfaces make it easy for your dog to drink and not encounter the issues he might with a plastic bowl. Dogs can drink from the top tier or the lower. Our biggest concern is the lower quality pump that does seem to go out frequently on this product. It will likely need to be replaced in the first year, so if you are a big fan of the fountain itself, you may want to consider finding a higher quality pump for it. Filters are relatively inexpensive and a pack containing both the foam and carbon filters is available. Due to the size of this fountain it is probably best suited for a smaller to medium sized dog.



- What we Like
- 9 liter capacity
- BPA free plastic
- Dual filter system
- What we Dislike
- Weak, loud pump
- Quality control issues
- Very heavy once filled
Product Details | |
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TYPE OF WATER DISPENSER | Top tray style |
MATERIAL | Plastic |
SIZE | 12.3 x 14.7 x 14.7 |
COLOR CHOICES | 1 |
This is a top tray style fountain with a cascade side for several drinking options. We like that this one holds so much water and households with larger or multiple dogs will love this higher capacity. The unit may be difficult to lift for some dog owners once it is full. The top tier has a splash guard on the top that may irritate some dogs who are sensitive to plastic as they drink. Unfortunately the biggest issue with this fountain is keeping it clean. The lower water reservoir has lots of deep grooves that will need cleaning with a special brush and stagnant water turns slimy quickly in this unit. This unit has recently been re-designed with a smaller pump that is noisy and clogs easily.


- What we Like
- LED lit cube
- Multi-stage filtration
- Outdoor-certified transformer
- What we Dislike
- Paint over resin/fiberglass, flakes off
- Strong chemical odor
- Porous material
Product Details | |
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TYPE OF WATER DISPENSER | Top tray/cascade hybrid style |
MATERIAL |
Plastic resin fiberglass |
SIZE | 12 x 14.3 x 10.3 |
COLOR CHOICES | 1 |
This fountain looks lovely at first glance with clean, modern lines and a glowing white cube in the center with the water bubbling out of the top. Upon closer examination it is made of sketchy textured resin material painted black and the paint comes off in the water inside, going straight to your dog’s water source. The material is cheap, textured and extremely porous making this a tough one to keep clean. The pump is weak and will burn up if the unit is less than a third full because the hose provided for it does not reach the bottom of the unit. We cannot recommend this one.


- What we Like
- 96 oz capacity
- Dishwasher safe
- Charcoal filter
- What we Dislike
- Pump will need frequent cleaning
- Potential problems with cord
Product Details | |
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TYPE OF WATER DISPENSER | Top tray/cascade hybrid style |
MATERIAL |
Steel plastic |
SIZE | 10.5 x 9.5 x 4.5 |
COLOR CHOICES | 1 |
This is a very attractive, easy to clean unit. We love the water bubbling at the top curving over the teardrop shape of the top tray. This unit is dishwasher safe. It does have several flaws. The most critical issue we have with this design is how the wire is threaded through the unit and then bent over a steel edge at a 90 degree angle, putting strain on the insulation of the wire. The other is that if your pet likes to drink from the bottom bowl, the edges of the top tray are not wrapped and may chafe against his neck or face.


- What we Like
- 6 liter capacity
- BPA free plastic
- Multi-stage filtration
- What we Dislike
- Water flow is not adjustable
- Pump is low quality
Product Details | |
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TYPE OF WATER DISPENSER | Top tray style |
MATERIAL | Plastic |
SIZE | 9.75 x 12 x 6.75 |
COLOR CHOICES | 1 |
This is a simple design with a round donut-shaped foam/carbon filter in one unit instead of two separate filters that have to be bought seperately. Like all fountains it will require weekly maintenance and cleaning but there are not many areas for slime to form and accumulate. We like that this fountain is refilled directly from the top and does not require disassembly to refill. One of the design issues with it is the power cord is held at a sharp angle encapsulated in an inset groove on the side of the unit and the little plate that holds it in place can snap or break.


- What we Like
- 3-stage filtration system
- Water level indicator on side
- Quiet pump
- What we Dislike
- Pump is cheap, built into unit, hard to clean
- Best for smaller dogs
Product Details | |
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TYPE OF WATER DISPENSER | Top tray style |
MATERIAL | Plastic |
SIZE | 7.8 x 7.8 x 6.6 |
COLOR CHOICES | 1 |
This is a well-designed fountain with a very pleasing, simple design. We love the water level indicator on the side. Unfortunately, the pump is built into the bottom, which is why it is so quiet. It can be removed but with a little effort and will need to be cleaned frequently otherwise it will burn up. Carbon filters are proprietary design with 3 layers and are designed to last longer than cartridge style filters but they are expensive. There are add-on parts and accessories available for this one including placemats, cleaning kit and different top tray style.


- What we Like
- 2.3 liter capacity
- BPA free plastic
- Dual filtration system
- What we Dislike
- For small to medium dogs
- Lights may deter dogs from drinking
- Noisy
Product Details | |
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TYPE OF WATER DISPENSER | Cascade style |
MATERIAL | Plastic |
SIZE | 12.6 x 11 x 6.3 |
COLOR CHOICES | 1 |
This is a cute little fountain with lots of smooth, rounded edges and a very simple assembly. We like the 3 water stream modes that can be changed by removing or adding the little flower: fountain bubbling mode, a faucet like waterfall, or a bubbling fountain and waterfall mode. It uses a foam filter for hair and larger debris, and a charcoal filter to purify the water. The light can be turned on or off, but some dogs may benefit from the illumination at night.


- What we Like
- 3 liter capacity
- Great size for smaller dogs
- Dual action filtration
- BPA free plastic
- What we Dislike
- Filters are expensive and need frequent replacement
- Noisy pump
Product Details | |
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TYPE OF WATER DISPENSER | Cascade style |
MATERIAL | Plastic |
SIZE | 9 x 8.3 x 7.7 |
COLOR CHOICES | 1 |
While this is designed for cats, we think it’s perfect for smaller dogs. It’s a simple design, easy to clean and has three flow settings adjustable by removing or adding the flower. Another reason we love this fountain is a hack we learned for it- it’s the perfect size for using coffee filters (to be changed every day) instead of expensive filters. The sloped design makes it easy for a smaller or toy sized dog to drink from.


- What we Like
- BPA free plastic
- Spill-resistant lip
- What we Dislike
- Water reservoir is brittle plastic
- Difficult to set reservoir into base
Product Details | |
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TYPE OF WATER DISPENSER | Bottle style |
MATERIAL | Plastic |
SIZE |
small (.5 gallon) small (1 gallon) medium (2.5 gallon) large (4 gallon) |
COLOR CHOICES | 7 |
This is in theory a great design but the larger size can be frustrating to assemble and disassemble. We like that the interior is smooth and rounded for easy cleaning but it does harbor bacteria easily if not cleaned several times a week. We like the color choices and the spill resistant lip, but mold can grow under the lip if it’s not cleaned regularly. This unit does not automatically fill itself to the brim as some other bottle style dispensers do and that’s a huge benefit for sloppy drinkers.
Product Name | Best for | Rate |
---|---|---|
PetSafe Ceramic Pagoda Fountain | Best Overall | 8 |
eufy PetCare Fountain with Sterilization Filter | Best for Smaller Dogs | 8 |
Dogit Fresh & Clear Drinking Fountain for Dogs | Best Budget | 3 |
How to Choose a Dog Water Fountain/Dispenser:
One of the biggest concerns with your dog’s source of water should keeping it fresh and free from bacteria. Dog fountains and dispensers are convenient from day to day but also require frequent maintenance. All dog water dispensers will all need to be broken down and cleaned weekly, some more often. Whether they are made of ceramic, stainless steel, or plastic, they will all have places where bacteria and slime can form and potentially make your dog very sick if not maintained properly. We’ve looked at 35 dog water dispensers and fountains to compare features, ease of maintenance, the frequency that your filter will need to be changed, and how easy it is for your dog to use.
We’ve narrowed our reviews into several categories for dog water fountains and dispensers:
Top Tray Style: A dispenser/fountain with water bubbling into a tray above a reservoir below
- Reservoir below usually contains a filter
- Flatter surface area for dog to drink from
Cascade Style: Water is dispensed over a surface or above a tray that the dog drinks from
- More running water over a surface means more areas for dog to lick or drink from
- Sometimes harder to take apart
- More water exposed to air will necessitate more frequent refills
Bottle Style: A plastic bottle/water reservoir holding water that is released into a bowl as the bowl is emptied
- Water is not exposed to air all at once
- Typically does not have a filter system
- Water sits in the bowl and is not circulated
Not all dogs will like to drink from a fountain that is gurgling or noisy and some of them can get loud when the water level runs low and the motor is straining. This could easily frighten off more timid or nervous dogs.
Some dogs are extremely sensitive to plastic and get acne on their chin and jowl areas from exposure to plastic bowls and feeders. Steel and ceramic are an excellent alternative and may help alleviate or eliminate this problem altogether. Many bowls that are listed stainless steel may still rust, especially if run through the dishwasher or not cleaned and allowed to air dry properly.
Unless otherwise specified, these fountains are all for indoor use only. Buy brushes! Some companies such sell brush kits specifically for cleaning their fountains and there are bottle brushes on the market as well that will make cleaning easier. These are an excellent investment in your dog’s health and your peace of mind.