The Best Dog Water Fountains in 2022
- The Best Dog Water Fountain
- 1. PetSafe Drinkwell Multi-Tier Dog Water Fountain
- 2. Zeus H2EAU Drinking Fountain
- 3. PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum Pet Fountain
- 4. Bergan Automatic Waterer
- 5. PetSafe Drinkwell Stainless Multi-Pet Fountain
- 6. Pioneer Pet Raindrop Fountain
- 7. Mospro Pet Fountain
- 8. H20 Animal Hydration Flow Automatic Waterer
- 9. Uniclife Pet Water Fountain
Just like their human counterparts, dogs’ and cats’ bodies are around 70% water. For this reason, it’s vital to ensure that your pooch stays hydrated, and this means giving them easy access to clean water.
You could use a standard bowl, but an increasing number of owners are opting for an alternative solution: pet water fountains. These handy devices provide your pet with running water, which studies show they prefer to drink from. If you’ve ever noticed a dog or cat drinking water from a dripping tap around the house, this is why – in the wild, running water is a much safer bet than still water, which can sometimes be stagnant. Doggie fountains are also a great way to give your pet access to water when you need to leave them alone, and ensuring the water they do drink is as fresh and appealing as possible.
With so many benefits, it’s unsurprising that many petcare companies have made their own dog water fountain. To help you choose one, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 fountains on the market right now. We’ve also included some important information about how to keep your pet properly hydrated, helping them to stay happy and healthy.
The Best Dog Water Fountain
1. PetSafe Drinkwell Multi-Tier Dog Water Fountain
Key Features
Two-tiered drinking fountain for dogs and cats
100 oz water capacity
Keeps water flowing constantly, to improve its freshness and appeal
Features a carbon-based filtration system for extra freshness
Low voltage motor is efficient and quiet
Easy to clean and dishwasher safe
Made from durable and safe BPA-free plastic
Elevated top tier makes it easier for senior pets to drink
Kicking off our list is PetSafe, with their multi-tier dog water fountain. Featuring a large water capacity of 100 ounces, it’s ideal for keeping larger canines well hydrated throughout the day. When in use, water constantly flows from the top tier to the bottom, creating an appealing hydration station for canine companions.
The drinking fountain also features a carbon based filtration system, to keep the circulating water clean and fresh. The low voltage motor offers great efficiency, as well as running quietly so as not to distract you. The fountain’s BPA-free plastic is safe and easy to clean, too – in fact, you can simply pop it in the dishwasher. Since flowing water limits bacterial growth, though, you’ll probably need to clean in much less often than a standard water bowl. The elevated dish design makes it easier for senior pets to reach the water inside, while the appeal of flowing water encourages your animals to drink more.
2. Zeus H2EAU Drinking Fountain
Key Features
Dog water fountain featuring a 200 oz capacity
Elevated design for more comfortable drinking
Integrated filtration system prevents stagnant water and keeps debris at bay
Virtually silent to run
Easy to disassemble and clean
Shallow drinking pool prevents spillages
The next dog water dispenser to earn itself a spot on our list is Dogit Design’s offering. Their fountain provides pooches with a continuous source of fresh-tasting water, encouraging them to drink and stay hydrated.
Its 200 fluid ounce capacity is copious enough to keep even large dogs hydrated all day long, while its clever filtration system prevents the water from going stale or stagnant. This system also prevents hair and other debris from finding its way into your pet’s drinking water. When in use, it’s virtually silent, and a slight gurgling noise will let you know that it’s time to top the fountain up. The shallow layer of water that flows over the fountain’s top plate means it’s unlikely to spill, and won’t result in longer haired breeds ending up with sopping wet faces every time they drink!
3. PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum Pet Fountain
Key Features
PetSafe Platinum dog drinking fountain
Provides a stream of free-falling water
Improves oxygenation for excellent freshness and taste
Constant circulation inhibits bacterial growth, preventing stagnant or stale water
Features adjustable pump power
Incorporates a carbon-based filtration system
160 oz reservoir keeps pets hydrated throughout the day
Easy to disassemble and dishwasher safe
Made from non-toxic and durable BPA-free plastic
This Petsafe drinkwell Platinum pet fountain is another hydration solution that has caught our attention. It provides dogs with a free-falling stream of water, improving oxygenation compared to a standard bowl. This constant circulation also inhibits bacterial growth, keeping water fresher for longer. The stream itself is adjustable, allowing you to adjust the pressure to meet your dog’s preferences.
The fountain also incorporates a filtration system, which utilises natural carbon filters to remove bad tastes, odors, and debris. The large reservoir capacity ensures your pooch will stay hydrated throughout the day, and when the time comes to clean the fountain, you’ll find it easy to disassemble, and can simply be placed in the dishwasher. The product is also made from safe, durable, BPA-free plastic, so it’s designed to last for years to come.
4. Bergan Automatic Waterer
Key Features
Dog water fountain suitable for outdoor use
Hooks up simply to any garden hose
Features mounting tabs for a secure hold
Float valve in the reservoir prevents the dish from overflowing
Perfect for keeping dogs hydrated in the garden during hot weather
Bergan’s design is the perfect solution if you need a dog water fountain outdoors. This automatic dog waterer is carefully designed to provide access to fresh, safe drinking water when your pooch is playing outside.
Its simple design can be hooked up to any garden hose with ease, making for a secure and convenient hydration method. The fountain features a float valve that cuts off the water supply when the reservoir is full, ensuring you won’t experience any overflow onto your patio or lawn. It’s also equipped with mounting tabs on the back of the dish, allowing it to be easily mounted to a wall or floor. For pooches who enjoy relaxing outdoors in hot climates, this fountain is a simple and effective way to make sure they’re accessing the cool, fresh water they need to stay healthy.
5. PetSafe Drinkwell Stainless Multi-Pet Fountain
Key Features
Stainless steel dog fountain with 128 oz capacity
Features 5 free-falling streams, each of which can be switched off
Each stream’s pressure can be adjusted
Features a replaceable carbon filter, designed to remove bacteria and debris
Made from durable, rust-resistant stainless steel
Easy to clean and dishwasher safe
Multiple streams perfect for multi-pet households
PetSafe have earned their third and final spot on our list with this attractive and functional stainless steel pet fountain. It features a bowl with a raised fountain and five free-falling streams, each of which has an adjustable flow control cap, to customise the pressure. You can also turn each of the taps on and off, to find the right balance for your dog.
The fountain also includes a replaceable carbon filter, designed to remove bad odors and tastes, and keeping the water extra fresh. Its 360 degree construction makes it perfect for multi-pet households, since more than one canine can drink at once. Because it’s made from rust resistant and durable stainless steel, the fountain is long-lasting and easy to clean too. You can take it apart easily, and put in the dishwasher for safe and effective maintenance. The raised streams make it easy for pets to drink – especially larger animals – while the constant water circulation prevents bacterial growth. The fountain operates quietly thanks to its efficient electric pump.
6. Pioneer Pet Raindrop Fountain
Key Features
Compact stainless steel water fountain, perfect for smaller pets
60 oz water capacity
Attractive water droplet design
Continuously circulates water for improved taste and freshness
Made from high grade stainless steel
Dishwasher safe
Smooth steel surface prevents bacterial growth
Ultra-quiet while running
Adjustable pump power
For smaller pooches, this compact Raindrop style drinking fountain could be the perfect option. It’s attractive design, shaped like a water droplet, circulates your pet’s drinking water through a shallow channel, making it more appealing to them.
The fountain also includes a charcoal filtration system, keeping the 60 ounces of water contained in the reservoir fresh and clean at all times. This drinking fountain is made from high grade stainless steel, so it’s built to last and dishwasher safe. The ultra-quiet pump ensures that water is circulated as smoothly as possible, preventing any irritating noise from entering your home. The sleek design is tailored to compliment almost any interior, while the smooth surface prevents bacteria growth.
7. Mospro Pet Fountain
Key Features
BPA-free plastic water foundation for cats and dogs
Central flower spout and well-shaped water dish
Silent pump and three flow settings
Reusable filters for fresh and odor-free water
Low power consumption
Easy to take apart for cleaning
Ideal for smaller dogs as well as cats, this cute water fountain features a flower shaped spout that catches attention and draws your pet in to drink. The overall design is also neat meaning it will be a smart addition to your home. You get a reservoir base with a two-liter capacity, while the drinking reserve set on top. The water pump is quiet, meaning you only get a slight tinkle as the water flows, so is gentle enough not to spook a timid pet. With three flow settings, you can set the water fountain to suit, from waterfall and bubble to a lovely gentle mode and the bowl top of the device is deep enough for your pooch to either sup from the flowing water or have a delicious drink. The water is kept oxygenated via the circulation system, while the replaceable carbon filters keep it clean and odor free. The power consumption is nice and low too, meaning you can keep the fountain on for longer periods of time, to ensure there is always flowing water ready for your dog.
8. H20 Animal Hydration Flow Automatic Waterer
Key Features
Heavy-duty stainless steel drinking bowl for outdoor use
Attaches securely to any garden hose, and automatically refills
High-density polypropylene cover protects water from falling debris
Large surface area for drinking
Ideal for cats, dogs, goats, and sheep
Mechanical float valve prevents spillage and overfilling
Perfect for keeping pets cool outdoors in hot weather
Durable and easy to clean
As their name suggests, H20 Animal Hydration are experts when it comes to keeping pets hydrated. Their Automatic Waterer is perfect for outdoor use, and can be easily attached to any garden hose to offer pooches a constant flow of cool, clean water.
The bowl features a high-density polypropylene cover, protecting the water inside from falling debris, while still providing the largest drinking area for products of its kind. Both dogs and cats will find the bowl attractive and easy to drink from, but it can also be used to satiate the thirst of larger animals, such as sheep and goats.
9. Uniclife Pet Water Fountain
Key Features
Stylish cube-shaped design
Blue LED bulb helps pets to track down the fountain and drink easily even at night
Features one free-falling stream, with adjustable pressure
Constantly circulated water prevents stagnation
Made from durable, easy to clean BPA-free plastic
Built-in carbon filter technology keeps out hair, dirt, and other debris
Runs as quietly as a whisper
Low voltage motor for excellent efficiency
Last, but not least, we have Uniclife’s electric drinking fountain. The cube-shaped design, featuring an LED light, could almost be at home in a spa, and will look great in almost any home. It consists of a reservoir, bowl, and one free-falling water stream. The water within is constantly circulated, preventing stagnation and improving its appeal for pets.
The fountain’s flow rate can be easily adjusted, so you can find the pressure that’s right for your pooch. Meanwhile, a blue LED light mounted just behind the stream makes it easy for dogs to find, encouraging them to drink more. It’s made from durable, BPA-free plastic, which is non-toxic, odorless, and easy to clean. Within the reservoir, carbon filter technology keeps water clean and fresh by removing hair, dirt, and other debris, as well as bad tastes that could put pets off. The low voltage motor ensures the fountain runs quietly and efficiently. Producing less than 35 decibels, the fountain is literally as quiet as a whisper.
Best Dog Water Fountain Buying Guide
All the fountains on our list have been curated for quality, so you can rest assured you’ll be purchasing a reliable product whichever one you choose. Below we run through some factors to bear in mind when purchasing a drinking fountain, and how to keep it in good condition.
Because proper hydration plays such a vital role in keeping pooches healthy, we’ve also compiled some useful information about what dehydration looks like, and how it can be prevented.
What To Look For When Buying a Dog Fountain
Which fountain you choose will very much depend upon the needs of you and your pet - below are some key factors to bear in mind:
- Indoor or Outdoor use
The first question you’ll need to answer when choosing a dog water fountain is whether you’ll be using it for indoors or out. Outdoor designs don’t tend to be fountains per se - instead, they replenish water as your dog drinks, and are typically attached to a garden hose. Indoor fountains do have flowing water, and depend on a mains outlet for power.
- Water Capacity
The next factor to bear in mind is water capacity. How much you need the reservoir to hold depends on how many animals will be using it, and how large they are. As a rule of thumb, healthy dogs should drink about an ounce of water per pound of body weight per day. With this in mind, you’ll notice that many of the fountains here have capacities large enough to support your dog for several days without topping up.
- Material
Dog water fountains tend to made from plastic or stainless steel. Stainless steel designs are little heavier and more durable, but can be a more expensive to purchase. Whichever material you choose, though, you can rest assured it’s non-toxic and safe. That being said, if your pup is a chewer, investing in steel might be a good call!
- Noise
Another factor to consider when buying a water fountain is how loud it will be. If you need to keep it in a room that you frequently occupy, look out for low voltage pumps, and models designed to run quietly so as not to be bothered by the noise.
Advantages of Dog Water Fountains
Dog water fountains offer many benefits:
- Running water is more appealing to dogs, encouraging them to stay hydrated
- Fountains usually feature filters to keep the water safe and fresh
- Attached reservoirs mean you don’t need to top up the water in your fountain regularly
- Proper hydration makes for healthy pets
- Many fountains are designed to prevent spillage
- Dog water fountains are cost-effective to run, thanks to low powered motors
- Pet drinking fountains can quench the thirst of multiple pets
Signs Your Dog Might Be Dehydrated
Replacing your dog’s water bowl with a drinking fountain can encourage them to drink more and prevent dehydration, which can be a serious problem resulting in kidney failure, heatstroke, or even death.
Fortunately, dehydration in dogs is fairly easy to spot; look out for the following symptoms:
- Excessive panting
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Sunken eyes that appear dry
- Dry gums and nose
- Reduced skin elasticity
- Dark urine
- Breathing difficulty in extreme cases
If you suspect your dog is dehydrated, encourage them to drink. If they refuse to do so, it’s vital to contact your vet as soon as possible.
Take a look at our review of Crate Water Bottle for more options.
How to Prevent Dehydration in Dogs
With so many bodily functions depending upon water, staving off dehydration is incredibly important. Below are some tips to stop your dog becoming dehydrated before damage can be done:
- Provide them with a constant source of fresh, clean water, checking that it’s topped up regularly
- Clean water bowls and fountains regularly to prevent bacterial growth
- Take bottles of water for your dog as well as yourself when you go walking. Find out more about dog water bottles.
- Avoid encouraging dogs to exercise on hot days
- Keep dogs indoors or in the shade in hot climates
- Never leave your dog alone in the car if you can avoid it - especially in warm weather
You may also like our articles on Elevated Dog Bowls and Heated Water Bowls for Dogs.
How To Clean a Dog Fountain
Dog water fountains need to be regularly cleaned if they’re to work effectively, and how this is done will naturally vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Most suppliers will provide guidance on how to properly clean their specific product, but you can expect to use these tips:
- Unplug and disassemble the fountain first, rather than trying to clean it as a whole
- When cleaning a filter, avoid soap and just use water - soap can leave deposits and impede its functioning
- Use an acidic cleaner such as lemon juice or vinegar to scrub deposits from steel bowls
- Check to see if your fountain is dishwasher safe; many are, and knowing this could save you a lot of time
Our Top Pick
For us, the best dog water fountain on the market right now is PetSafe’s famous drinkwell fountain. Its attractive, multi-tier design allows multiple pets to drink side by side comfortably, and its raised top tier is especially convenient for senior dogs who are less able to bend low.
Its substantial 100 ounce water capacity will keep pets hydrated all day, so you won’t need to worry if they’ll have enough to drink whenever you head out the house. The free-falling stream encourages pets to drink more, which can prevent a whole host of health problems down the line. Constantly circulating water not only tastes better to dogs and cats, it’s also far less likely to harbor harmful bacteria. This fountain’s built-in filtration system ensures the water within is even safer, by removing hair and dirt, as well as removing bad tastes and smells. Thanks to its quiet motor, you’ll barely even notice it’s running.
PetSafe have been helping pooches stay happy and healthy since 1991, and they’ve channeled that experience into this fountain to great acclaim.