Do Dogs Like Water Fountains? (Pros & Cons, Best for Breeds + FAQ)

Ella with Homerunpet Dog Fountain
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Does your dog get enough water? Dogs need fresh, clean water to stay healthy and hydrated. Just like people, dogs can become dehydrated from not drinking enough water or from sweating too much on a hot day.

Dehydration in dogs can cause serious health problems, so it’s important to make sure your dog always has access to fresh, clean water.

One solution to keeping dogs hydrated is to use a pet water fountain.

But do dogs like pet fountains or not? It depends on the dog. Some dogs will drink from a pet water fountain as soon as they see it, while others may never touch it. It all depends on the individual dog’s personality and preferences.

In this article, we’ll explore the topic of whether or not dogs like water fountains and provide tips on how to pick the best fountain for your canine friend. We’ll also look at some pros and cons of having a pet fountain and answer some common questions about these popular devices.

Note: If you click some of the links or pictures in this article we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Ella with Homerunpet Dog Fountain
Ella using her Homerunpet fountain

Do Dogs Like Pet Water Fountains?

As we mentioned, it depends on the dog. Some dogs love drinking from a pet water fountain, while others could care less about them.

In general most dogs Like pet water fountains. Most pet water fountains have a re-circulating system that keeps the water tasting fresh and clean.

Dogs also like running water, so pet water fountains are a great way to provide your pet with both fresh-tasting water and plenty of hydration.

Plus, most pet water fountains come with filters to keep the water free of impurities and contaminants.

Wrigley drinking from Homerunpets dog fountain
My friend’s Yorkie, Wrigley, loves the pet fountain. When he stayed with Ella he was always drinking her water. Now with the fountain he can finish the entire reservoir in less than 2 days! Good fo senior dogs that need extra hydration.

Dog Breeds that Prefer Pet Water Fountains

Some dog breeds seem to prefer drinking from a pet water fountain over a bowl of water.

These breeds include:

  • Labradors
  • Golden Retrievers
  • Poodles
  • Dalmatians
  • German Shepherds

While these breeds may be more likely to drink from a pet water fountain, it’s still up to the individual dog’s personality whether or not they’ll use one.

Dog Personalities that Prefer Pet Water Fountains

In addition to certain dog breeds, certain dog personalities seem to prefer pet water fountains.

Dogs that are more active or playful are more likely to drink from a pet fountain. This is because they tend to get thirstier than less active dogs.

Dogs that live in hot climates may also be more likely to drink from a pet fountain. This is because they need to stay hydrated to stay cool and avoid heat stroke.

Pros of Water Fountains for Dogs

There are many benefits of using a pet water fountain for your dog. Some of these benefits include:

  • Fresh-tasting water – Most pet water fountains have a re-circulating system that keeps the water tasting fresh and clean.
  • Plenty of hydration – Dogs need fresh, clean water to stay healthy and hydrated. Pet water fountains are a great way to provide your pet with plenty of clean water. One study on cats found that most cats drinking more when using a cat water fountain (source).
  • Free of impurities and contaminants – Most pet water fountains come with filters to keep the water free of impurities and contaminants.
  • Cool in hot weather – Dogs that live in hot climates may appreciate the cool water from a pet fountain on a hot day.
  • Attractive design – Many pet water fountains come in attractive designs that can complement your home décor.

Homerunpet fountain

Cons of Water Fountains for Dogs

There are also some potential drawbacks to using a pet water fountain for your dog. These drawbacks include:

  • Noisy – Some pet water fountains can be noisy, which may not be ideal if you have a quiet home.
  • Splashy – Some dogs may splash water out of the fountain while they’re drinking, which can create a mess.
  • Not all dogs like them – As we mentioned, not all dogs like drinking from a pet water fountain. If your dog doesn’t use the fountain, it may be a waste of money.
  • Power outages – If there’s a power outage, the fountain will not work. This means your dog will need another source of water.

How to Pick the Best Pet Water Fountain for Your Dog

If you’re considering getting a pet water fountain for your dog, there are a few things to keep in mind.

  1. First, consider the size of your dog. You’ll want to make sure the fountain is big enough for your dog to drink from comfortably.
  2. Second, consider the climate you live in. If you live in a hot climate, you may want to get a fountain with a larger reservoir so your dog has plenty of cold water to drink.
  3. Third, consider your home décor. There are many different styles of pet water fountains available, so you should be able to find one that fits with your home décor.
  4. Finally, make sure to read the reviews before you buy. This will help you find a fountain that’s high quality and likely to work well for your dog.

Video Example of A Dog Water Fountain in Action by Homerunpets

Here’s a video of Petloverguy’s product testers, Scott and Ella, setting up and trying out the Homerunpet dog and cat water fountain.

Are Pet Fountains Safe?

There is no evidence that pet fountains are unsafe, but it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your pet’s diet or routine. Fountains can be a great way to encourage your pet to drink more water, which is important for their overall health.

However, some pets may not like drinking from a fountain and may prefer still water instead. So it’s important to watch your pet and see what they prefer. If your pet seems hesitant or scared of the fountain, you may want to try another type of water dish instead.

Do Pet Fountains Attract Bugs, Mice, and Other Pests?

Many people believe that pet fountains attract bugs, mice, and other pests. The theory is that the moving water in the fountain provides an easy source of drinking water for these critters, which can then lead to an infestation inside your home.

There is no scientific evidence to support this claim, but it’s still a good idea to take some precautions just in case. One way to reduce the risk of attracting pests is to keep your fountain clean and free of debris. You can also try using a pest deterrent like peppermint oil around the outside of your fountain.

Will My Dog and Cat Fight Over the Pet Fountain?

Your dog and cat may fight over the pet fountain, but it’s also possible that they won’t. Some pets take to drinking from a pet fountain right away, while others may need a little time to get used to it.

If your pets do start fighting over the fountain, try separating them or putting the fountain in a place where they can’t reach each other.

As long as you keep the fountain clean, both your dog and cat should be able to drink from it without any problems.

How Often Do You Have to Clean a Dog Water Fountain?

You should clean your pet’s water fountain at least once a week using hot soapy water and a brush. Be sure to rinse the fountain thoroughly afterward. If you notice any signs of algae growth, you may need to scrub the fountain more frequently.

Pet water fountains are a great way to ensure that your beloved pet always has access to fresh, cold water. However, it’s important to clean them regularly in order to prevent the build-up of bacteria and other contaminants.

Washing wireless basin for homerunpet dog fountain
Cleaning the Homerunpet fountain

Ready to try one? We recommend the Homerunpet water fountain for both dogs and cats. Check for price and availability here.

Homerunpet Cat Water Fountain with Wireless Pump, 68oz/2L Ultra Quiet Pet Water Fountain for Cats and Dogs, Easy to Clean and Assemble, Filters Included, Dual Working Mode, Smart LED Light


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