Are Water Fountains Good for Dogs?

What a pet fountain does

A pet fountain pumps water in a loop through a filter and back over a spout or bubbler, so the surface is always moving. The AKC notes that the filter traps food particles, hair and larger debris that can make water less appealing, and that continuous circulation helps keep the temperature steady. Dogs tend to prefer cool water, and many fountains hold more than a standard bowl, so they need refilling less often.

What a fountain does not do is purify water like a household filter, or replace daily cleaning. It is a more inviting water bowl, not a health device.

Which dogs benefit most

Dogs that already seek out moving water, drinking from the hose, the faucet or the shower, are the most likely to take to a fountain. Dogs that drink too little, including some seniors and dogs your vet would like to drink more, may benefit, as may dogs in hot climates. In a home with several pets, a large fountain plus extra bowls gives everyone more choice and reduces competition.

The AKC is honest that there is no strong evidence dogs in general prefer running water; much of that idea comes from cats. Some dogs will simply ignore a fountain. The simplest test is to put one out next to your dog's usual bowl and see which it chooses.

The downsides

Fountains cost more than bowls and have ongoing costs for filters. They have more parts to clean, including the pump, which collects slime and hair. The pump makes a quiet hum, and noise-sensitive or fearful dogs may avoid it, at least at first. Large, enthusiastic drinkers and puppies can knock lightweight models over or chew the cord, so choose a sturdy design and keep the cord out of reach.

If the power goes out or the pump fails, the water stops circulating and the reservoir can go stale. The AKC recommends keeping your old bowl clean and filled as a backup.

Choosing and caring for a fountain

Stainless steel and ceramic fountains are easier to keep clean than plastic, which scratches and holds bacteria more readily; a stainless steel pet water fountain or a 304 stainless steel pet fountain is the metal type described here. Pick a size suited to your dog and how many pets you have, with few parts or dishwasher-safe parts so cleaning is not a chore. A wide drinking area suits flat-faced and large dogs better than a small spout.

Refresh the water daily and take the fountain apart to clean it at least weekly, including the pump, following the manufacturer's directions. Replace filters as recommended, often every few weeks. Wipe away any pink or slimy film you see between cleans.

Fountain or bowl: the bottom line

If your dog drinks well from a clean bowl, a fountain is a nice extra rather than a necessity. If your dog is a reluctant drinker, loves the faucet, or you want fewer refills, a fountain is worth trying alongside a dog water bowl. Either way, the most important things are fresh water, a clean container and water available all the time. If you want to see what is available, browse our dog water fountains.

A sudden change in how much your dog drinks, whether more or less, is worth telling your vet about, whatever kind of bowl you use. Increased thirst can be an early sign of illness, and drinking very little can lead to dehydration.

This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.