When I started using a water fountain for my three dogs and my cat, I thought it was just an extravagance and not strictly necessary. But six months later, and I wonder how I ever lived without it. So, is a pet water fountain really that much better for your dog or cat than a regular old-fashioned water bowl? The answer is a resounding yes and I’ll explain why.
Content:
- Many Pets Prefer Running Water
- Water Fountains Promote Health
- Constant Access to Fresh, Clean Water
- Filtered Water Means Safer Hydration
- Larger Capacity, Fewer Refills
- Conclusion
Many Pets Prefer Running Water
Running water taps into animal instinct. In nature, still water often means bacteria, while flowing water signals freshness and safety. And smart pet water fountain, like Petcube’s, mimics natural flowing water sources in the wild and encourage animals to drink more water.
While dogs aren’t always picky about where they drink from, cats definitely are and can definitely prefer a running water source to a still one. And there’s some science to back up the idea that some pets definitely prefer flowing water.
In one study, Veterinarian Dr. Christopher Pachel, DVM found that:
“Out of nine cats, cats who drank from a water fountain tended to drink more than cats that drank from a bowl. Also, individual cats tended to have a preference.”
One Reddit user shared their experience on r/CatAdvice:
“I have one for my two cats and they started drinking more water right away. Just remember to clean it good and buy a model where you can put a filter and change it after cleaning.”
That small shift can make a major difference for pets that chronically under-hydrate, especially for cats who often don’t drink enough.
Water Fountains Promote Health
The reason I rely on a fountain to help me encourage my animals to drink really comes down to their health. As I have a bullmastiff that has had uroliths (bladder stones), I use anything that helps to keep them drinking as much as possible to flush their kidneys and urinary tract and prevent some expensive vet bills.
The kidneys filter waste from the bloodstream and balance electrolytes, but they rely on consistent water intake to do it. When pets don’t drink enough, toxins become concentrated in the urine, forcing the kidneys to work harder. Over time, that strain can lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially in aging cats and dogs.
It also helps with other urinary tract issues, such as kidney or bladder stones, and urinary tract infections. And remember, good hydration is beneficial for an animal’s overall health.
Constant Access to Fresh, Clean Water
A pet water fountain also ensures your dog or cat always has clean water available. Its continuous circulation keeps oxygen levels high while filters trap fur, dust, and other debris. That means fresher water for your pet and less worry for you, especially in warm climates or when you’re away for the day.
Filtered Water Means Safer Hydration
Standing water can quickly collect bacteria, slime, or odors. Also, plastic bowls often harbor bacteria that can irritate a dog’s skin and cause acne, pimples, and other skin infections on the face.
A pet-safe water fountain continuously filters impurities using activated carbon and mesh filters, improving both the taste and quality. This keeps your dog or cat from constantly ingesting gunk every time they take a drink.
Larger Capacity, Fewer Refills
The best pet water fountains are designed with generous reservoirs that hold far more than a standard bowl. A large pet fountain like the Petcube Fountain reduces the need for constant refilling and ensures multiple pets have plenty to share. That means you never have to worry about whether you remembered to fill up the waterbowl before you left the house.
Conclusion
Ultimately, a water fountain is just an ultra-convenient way to make sure your dogs, cats, or other animals always have access to clean, fresh water. The moving water can also encourage them to drink more water, which is fantastic news for their kidneys and urinary tract, making it a nifty way to take care of hydration in your home.
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