The Best Dog Water Dispensers
As dog owners, we all know that it's important to keep our babies well hydrated. We like to use a dog water dispenser to keep their bowl filled all day, and even over multiple days. Here, we've rounded up some of the top water dispensers on the market.
What to Look For
There are many different water dispensers for dogs available. To hone our list of the top models, we asked these questions: Does it use electricity? Does it have a filter? What is the capacity? We personally found the PetSafe Drinkwell fountain to work great for our small dog and husky cat: it keeps water fresh and running constantly. For something a bit simpler that doesn’t require a wall outlet, the Petmate Replendish stood out. It has a large water jug that automatically keeps the bowl filled to the brim. Keep reading to learn more about these excellent dog water dispensers.
Petmate Replendish Automatic Gravity Waterer
Lap it up
Regular water bowls are outdated. These days, we prefer to use something like the Replendish from Petmate. It keeps water for much longer than normal bowls. On average, this dispenser has enough capacity for about three or four days for medium-sized dogs and cats. We recommend this for small to medium-sized dogs, though it can work well for a single large dog as well.
Pros:
- The plastic is BPA-free, making it safe for pets.
- The four-gallon version provides enough water for many days. This one is best for large dogs.
Cons:
- Refilling the water container can be a bit tricky for some users.
Amazon Basics Gravity Pet Food Feeder and Water Dispensers
Water cooler talk, but with barks
This sizable dog water cooler functions the same way as a human-sized version: it uses gravity to provide a constant source of water. We like that it comes in a large size that’s suitable for a Great Dane or other large dogs. The smaller version works best for cats and medium or smaller dogs. It’s easy to set up and clean. And it won’t tip over or slide around, even with rambunctious pets running around.
Pros:
- The water container uses a twist lock to stay in place. This means it won’t get knocked off the base accidentally or spill when refilled.
- The large water jug holds around 2.5 gallons of water. That’s more than most other water dispensers.
Cons:
- Some dogs may need to get used to the glugging sound this makes.
MalsiPree Leakproof Portable Water Dispenser
Water, water everywhere
There’s nothing like going for a good walk. Of course, in the heat of the day, our pets get just as thirsty as we do. That’s why we like to have this portable water dispenser on hand. It works in a pinch to hydrate Fido, whether on a hike or at a restaurant. It’s much more portable than bringing a small bowl.
Pros:
- This won’t leak thanks to a strong seal. It’s also easy to close and open for refilling.
- Water can be recycled with this dispenser. Whatever your dog doesn’t drink goes back into the reservoir.
Cons:
- The release button is a bit stiff.
PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum Dog and Cat Water Fountain
A steady stream of refreshment
We use this water fountain at home and our pets absolutely love it. It’s easy to keep clean thanks to the filter. Plus, it’s light enough to easily refill. With a small Yorkie and larger Manx, this fountain lasts for days. The filter is large enough to last for many weeks, as well. The only way this fountain gets dirty is if our pets accidentally drop some food particles in it.
Pros:
- It’s easy to tell when this fountain is running low. The pump will start to make a noise that lets us know it’s time for a refill.
- All of the pieces come apart for in-depth cleaning. We found that rinsing it clean worked most of the time and twice a year we would use soap and water.
Cons:
- Large food particles can block the flow of water back through the filter.
Loomla 4L Dog Water Bowl Dispenser
For the heavy drinkers
We found this to be a great water dispenser for multiple pets. They can access it from any side and multiple pets can drink from it at once. The filter on this fountain is also one of the largest we saw. It keeps water clean for almost a month at a time. We like that this also includes a small night light — it prevents accidentally bumping into it at night.
Pros:
- This assembles in minutes. It’s easy to take apart for cleaning or travel, too.
- Even with water pumping, this fountain is nearly silent. It doesn’t make splashing noises like other dog water fountains.
Cons:
- It’s a bit unwieldy to carry when completely full.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I replace the water in a dog water dispenser?
It depends on how large your dog is or if you have multiple pets. A dog water dispenser will work well for one small- to medium-sized pet for a few days. It will usually last for one, maybe two days for large dogs.
How often should I clean my dog’s water bowl?
We recommend cleaning a dog bowl at least once a week. Some water dispensers for pets use a filter to keep the water clean, but dirt and fur can still make the water messy. The water should look clear and not cloudy at all.
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