Water Fountains and Pet Hydration

Keeping your pet hydrated is essential to their overall health and well-being. Water is involved in almost every bodily function, from digestion to circulation. But many pets, especially cats, may not always drink enough from their water bowls. Inadequate hydration can lead to health issues like urinary tract infections, kidney disease, and more. A simple solution? Pet water fountains!

As a cat parent, I’ve always known that cats don’t drink a lot of water. In the wild, they get most of their moisture from their prey so they don’t have a strong drive to drink. Once I started feeding my cats raw, I was’t that concerned about it. However, I learned more about pet water fountains at a pet conference in 2017 and decided they were a great idea for pets, especially my cats.

Why Hydration is Crucial for Pets

Water is the foundation of all life, and pets are no exception. Our pets rely on water to maintain healthy organs, regulate body temperature, and process food. For cats and dogs, dehydration can cause a range of health problems, some of which can be serious or even life-threatening if left untreated.

The Importance of Hydration:

• Supports Digestion: Adequate hydration helps break down food and absorb nutrients efficiently. Pets who don’t drink enough water might experience digestive issues like constipation or stomach discomfort.
• Regulates Body Temperature: Water helps to regulate body temperature. Pets that are dehydrated are at risk of overheating, which is particularly important during warmer months.
• Joint Health: Hydrated joints are more flexible and less likely to cause pain. Water plays a role in cushioning the joints and preventing arthritis-related discomfort.
• Detoxifies the Body: Water helps flush out toxins from your pet’s body through urine. If they aren’t drinking enough, they might not be eliminating waste efficiently.

Signs Your Pet Might Be Dehydrated:

• Lethargy or lack of energy
• Dry gums or nose
• Loss of skin elasticity (skin doesn’t snap back quickly when pinched)
• Less frequent urination, or concentrated urine that’s darker than usual

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to take action quickly to ensure your pet gets the hydration they need. The problem is, pets are good at hiding the fact they are sick until they are really sick. Taking action before the signs are noticeable are much more desirable.

Why Choose a Pet Water Fountain?

Water fountains are a great way to help your pet stay hydrated, and they come with a lot of benefits that regular water bowls just can’t provide. Here’s why a pet water fountain can make all the difference:

1. Encourages Drinking: Many pets, especially cats, instinctively prefer moving water over stagnant water. In the wild, running water is usually cleaner and less likely to be contaminated. A pet water fountain mimics this natural behavior by providing fresh, flowing water. The movement attracts pets and encourages them to drink more regularly.

2. Fresh and Clean Water: One of the biggest drawbacks of traditional water bowls is that the water can quickly become dirty. Dust, pet hair, and food particles can contaminate the water, which makes it less appealing to your pet. A water fountain circulates the water, keeping it fresher for longer. Many models come with built-in filters that remove impurities, so your pet always has clean, tasty water.

3. Better Taste: Moving water is cooler and tastes fresher. Since water fountains keep the water flowing, they avoid the stale taste that often accompanies water sitting in a bowl for hours. Pets are more likely to drink more when the water tastes better, which means better hydration.

4. Less Mess: Traditional water bowls can easily spill or get knocked over, creating a mess that requires constant cleaning. Many water fountains are designed to minimize spills, with spill-proof bases and enclosed water containers. This makes them an excellent option for keeping your home cleaner and your pet’s drinking area neat.

Types of Pet Water Fountains

There are many types of pet water fountains to suit the needs of both cats and dogs. Each type has its own benefits depending on the size of your pet and your home environment. Here’s a rundown of some popular options:

• For Cats: Cats are notoriously picky when it comes to drinking water, and they prefer smaller, low-profile fountains that are easy to access. Look for fountains with a gentle flow that won’t startle your cat. Many cats also prefer ceramic or stainless steel fountains because they tend to retain less odor than plastic ones.

• For Dogs: Dogs tend to drink more water than cats, so a larger fountain with a higher water capacity is ideal. Look for fountains that hold more water, especially if you have a larger dog or multiple pets. Some fountains also come with a dual-flow option, where both high and low-flow settings are available to suit your dog’s preference.

• Materials: The material of the fountain can affect both its durability and how easy it is to clean. Stainless steel fountains are often the easiest to clean and are durable, while ceramic fountains can add a touch of style to your home. However, ceramic fountains can be heavier and more fragile compared to stainless steel or plastic models.

• Size and Design: Think about your available space and your pet’s habits. Some fountains have a compact design, perfect for smaller areas like apartments, while others have a larger basin suitable for homes with multiple pets.

The first water fountain I used back in 2017 was a clear acrylic model. I liked it a lot but the cats weren’t too sure about it at first. Eventually, though, they used it all the time.

When I left California in my RV in 2018, a water fountain wasn’t practical. It wasn’t until we settled in Texas with my dad later that year that the cats again had a fountain, even though it was by accident. I saw a cute table top outdoor fountain on a friend’s website and decided it would be perfect on my porch. I bought the fountain kit on Amazon and found a beautiful bowl in Mexico to complete the fountain. This wasn’t intended for the cats but they decided it was theirs. Now they have a small indoor fountain as well.

How to Choose the Right Fountain for Your Pet

When choosing a pet water fountain, you want to consider factors like size, noise level, and ease of cleaning. Here’s what to look for:

• Size and Capacity: Ensure the fountain holds enough water to last throughout the day. For cats, a smaller capacity may be sufficient, but larger dogs or multiple pets will need a larger model that can accommodate more water.

• Noise Level: Some water fountains can be a bit noisy, which may be off-putting to pets. If your pet is sensitive to sounds, consider a quieter model. Look for fountains that advertise low-noise operation or those that feature a submersible pump to reduce noise.

• Ease of Cleaning: Keeping the fountain clean is essential to maintaining fresh, bacteria-free water. Look for fountains that are easy to disassemble, with parts that are dishwasher safe or can be cleaned with minimal effort.

• Durability: Consider how durable the fountain is. Stainless steel and ceramic fountains are typically more durable than plastic ones, but they may come at a higher price.

Conclusion

Hydration is key to keeping your pet healthy, and water fountains can be an excellent solution for encouraging them to drink more. With their fresh, circulating water and spill-proof designs, they provide numerous benefits over traditional water bowls. By investing in a good pet water fountain, you can ensure your furry friend is staying hydrated and healthy, without the mess or worry of stale water.

Ready to improve your pet’s hydration? Check out these top pet water fountains and make the switch today! Your pet will thank you and you’ll love the convenience.