Making sure your dog drinks fresh, clean water every day is vital for their overall health and well-being.

Just like humans, dogs need proper hydration to support vital bodily functions, including digestion, circulation, and keeping their organs functioning properly. Water is also vital to help your dog regulate its body temperature. That’s because dogs do not sweat through their skin, like humans do to cool down. Instead they pant, evaporating water through their saliva – water that needs to be replaced.

In recent years, automatic water fountains have become increasingly popular among dog owners. These devices not only provide a continuous supply of fresh water, but they also encourage increased water intake, contributing to your dog’s better overall health and happiness. 

As a dog owner, you know how important it is to keep your furry friend hydrated, but sometimes making sure they have a constant supply of fresh water can be a challenge. That’s where automatic water fountains can be a huge help.

A good automatic dog water fountain ensures your dog always has access to fresh, clean water. Unlike traditional water bowls, which can become stagnant and collect bacteria – and need you around to keep refilling them – automatic fountains continuously circulate water, and filter it, keeping it oxygenated and clean.

One of the most important benefits of dog water fountains is that they encourage hydration. That’s because dogs are naturally drawn to flowing water, and an automatic dog water fountain mimics the fresh streams they would drink from in nature. This encourages increased water intake, which is particularly important for puppies, active dogs, senior dogs, and those dogs that are prone to dehydration.

Another important benefit is their ability to filter out dirt, hair, and bacteria, ensuring your dog’s water remains clean and fresh throughout the day. Stagnant water in regular bowls can quickly become contaminated, leading to potential health risks such as urinary tract infections or kidney disease.

Investing in an automatic water fountain is a simple yet effective way to improve their quality of life while making pet care easier for you!

Choosing the best automatic dog water fountain means finding one that suits your dog’s needs while being easy for you to maintain – and being affordable! Here are what we consider are the most important features to consider:

Capacity

The size of the fountain matters! If you have a large dog, an active dog, or multiple dogs, be sure to choose a high-capacity fountain (one that holds at least 100 ounces) to ensure a constant supply of fresh water without the need for frequent refills. Smaller fountains are only really suitable for small breeds.

Material: Plastic, Stainless Steel, or Ceramic?

• Plastic fountains are lightweight and budget-friendly but should be BPA-free to ensure safety to your dog.
• Stainless steel is durable, hygienic, and resistant to bacteria buildup, making it a great long-term choice.
• Ceramic fountains are stylish and easy to clean but can be heavier and more fragile.

Filter Quality

The best dog water fountains include carbon or multi-stage filters to remove hair, dirt, and bacteria, keeping water fresh and clean.

Ease of Cleaning

Look for a dishwasher-safe design or fountains with removable parts for easy cleaning to prevent slime and bacteria buildup.

Noise Level

If your dog is sensitive to sound, choose a quiet water fountain with a low-noise pump to prevent them from being nervous of approaching the fountain. The PetLibro Dog Water Fountain, for example, is as quiet as a whisper so you’ll barely hear it.

One of the most frequently asked questions on dog forums is: How Easy Is It To Keep Automatic Water Fountains Clean?

It’s an important question, as you don’t want to have to spend hours stripping down and cleaning a machine that is supposed to help your dog and save you time!

The truth is that cleaning an automatic water fountain doesn’t take that much time, as long as you do it regularly – we say it shouldn’t take you more than 10 minutes a week.

So here’s how to keep your dog’s water fountain in top shape:

1. Cleaning Frequency

You should clean your dog’s water fountain at least once a week. But if you have multiple pets, if your dog drools a lot, or you live in a warm climate, it’s best to clean it every 3-4 days to prevent bacteria buildup. Use mild soap and warm water, avoiding harsh chemicals that can harm your pet.

2. Filter Replacement

Most dog water fountains use carbon or multi-layer filters to remove dirt, hair, and impurities. To keep water fresh, replace the filter every 3-4 weeks, depending on your fountain model and how often your dog drinks. However, if the water appears cloudy or smells bad, replace the filter right away.

3. Tips to Prevent Bacteria Buildup

• Place the water fountain in a cool, dry area away from food or dirt, to keep bacteria from forming.
• Consider using a stainless steel or ceramic fountain, as these are more resistant to bacterial growth than plastic ones.
• Use pet-safe dish soap (such as Dawn dish soap) and warm water for regular cleaning.
• Scrub the pump and spouts with a soft brush to remove hidden slime.
• Rinse thoroughly to remove any soap residue.
• Use filtered or distilled water to reduce mineral buildup.

By following these simple steps, you’ll ensure your dog’s water fountain stays fresh, clean, and safe for drinking.

Here then are the Top 7 water fountains for dogs, broken into helpful categories for your ease.

The Veken Stainless Steel Automatic Water Fountain is an extremely popular choice among pet owners, and is great for all breeds and sizes of dogs. It has every feature you want from an automatic water fountain, which is why we recommend it as the very best all-rounder.

Pros:

• Generous Capacity: With a 95-ounce (2.8 liters) water reservoir, it reduces the need for frequent refills, making it suitable for multiple pets or for times when you’re away from home.

• Durable and Safe Materials: Constructed from BPA-free stainless steel, the fountain is both dishwasher-safe and resistant to bacterial growth, ensuring a hygienic drinking experience for your dog.

• Ultra-Quiet Operation: The fountain has one of the quietest pumps on the market, which means it operates in near-silence.

• User-Friendly Maintenance: The fountain’s design allows for easy assembly and disassembly, simplifying the cleaning process.

Cons:

• Plastic Components: While the main basin is stainless steel, a few parts are made of plastic, which may be a concern if you prefer all-metal constructions.

The PETLIBRO App-Controlled Pet Water Fountain is a great choice for anyone who wants to check-in on their dog and monitor their drinking intake while they’re away from home. Please note this was originally marketed for cats, but owners of small to medium-sized dogs also use it and rave about it!

Pros:

• Smart App Monitoring – You can monitor your dog’s drinking in real-time, set a water-intake for your dog from your phone, and if they aren’t drinking enough, you’ll know instantly. The app also tells you when the water level is running low, and when it’s time to change the filter.
• Stainless Steel Tray – The drinking tray is easy to lift out, and super easy to clean, as it’s dishwasher-safe.
• Ultra-Quiet Pump – The fountain has one of the quietest pumps available, so it won’t disturb you or startle your dog.
• Large Capacity – The large tank makes it perfect for all-day hydration while you’re away.

Cons:

• Wi-Fi Limitation – The fountain only connects to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, so if your home runs on 5GHz, you may need to adjust your router settings. If you’re not sure what GHz your WiFi is, check out this great article on How To Find Out If You Have 2.4GHz or 5GHz WiFi Network.
• Small and Medium-Sized Dogs Only – As it was designed for cats, it’s not really suitable for large dogs or multiple-pet households.

The Kastty Extra Large Dog Water Fountain is designed to cater to large dogs and multi-dog households, offering a substantial capacity and multiple features aimed at promoting pet hydration.

Pros:

• Large Capacity: With a 2.5-gallon (9.5 liters) reservoir, this fountain reduces the frequency of refills, making it ideal for multiple pets or large breeds.

• Multiple Flow Modes: It offers three distinct water flow settings—two faucet waterfalls and a gentle bubbling fountain—to attract pets and encourage increased water intake.

• Effective Filtration System: Equipped with a large 7-inch filter, the fountain ensures thorough purification, removing pet hair and debris to provide clean drinking water.

• Quiet Operation: The ultra-quiet pump operates discreetly, ensuring minimal noise disruption in your home environment.

Cons:

• Size Considerations: Due to its large capacity, the fountain has a substantial footprint, which might be a problem for those with limited floor space.

The PetSafe Drinkwell Pagoda Ceramic Pet Fountain is a popular choice among pet owners who are looking for a stylish and functional water fountain. It’s great for older dogs, and for small to medium-sized dogs. Here are some pros and cons to consider:

Pros:

• Open Bowl Design: This design ensures that pets have access to water even if the power goes out, providing peace of mind. The raised dish is great for older dogs so they don’t have to stoop down to drink. 

• Encourages Hydration: The fountain features two free-falling water streams that entice pets to drink more, promoting better hydration and helping prevent urinary and kidney diseases.

• High-Quality Materials: Made from scratch-resistant ceramic, the fountain is both durable and hygienic, inhibiting bacterial growth and ensuring a clean water source.

• Easy to Clean: The ceramic components are top-rack dishwasher safe, simplifying the cleaning process for pet owners.

• Aesthetic Appeal: Available in multiple colors, the fountain’s sleek ceramic design can complement various home decors.

Cons:

• Regular Cleaning Required: The fountain requires consistent cleaning to prevent buildup of dirt and bacteria.

• Weight Considerations: The ceramic material makes the fountain relatively heavy to move.

The PetSafe Drinkwell Outdoor Plastic Fountain is designed to provide a continuous supply of fresh water for pets, and is the best smart dog water fountain can use outside.

Pros:

• Durable Construction: Made from UV-resistant plastic, the fountain is built to withstand outdoor conditions without fading or degrading.

• Large Capacity: With a 2 gallon capacity, this fountain minimizes the need for frequent refills, making it ideal for multiple pets or large breeds.

• Different Sizes Available: The fountain comes in different sizes – 2 gallon, 1 gallon and 1/2 gallon – so if you’re looking for a smaller outdoor fountain, then the 1 gallon could be what you need. Just make sure you choose the correct size when you order.

• Effective Filtration: Equipped with a carbon filter, it helps remove debris, bad tastes, and odors, ensuring clean water for your pets.

• Easy to Clean: The fountain is dishwasher-safe, making it super-easy to keep clean.

Cons:

• Filter Maintenance: Because an outdoor fountain is liable to collect more dirt, hair and dust, you will need to replacement the filters regularly.
• Noise Level: Depending on the size you choose, the fountain may be a little louder than the fountains designed to be used indoors.

The BEMOONY Super Silent Pet Water Fountain is designed to provide a continuous flow of fresh water for your dog in the quietest way possible. These are some pros and cons you might want to consider:

Pros:

• Ultra-Quiet Operation: Equipped with an ultra-quiet pump, the fountain runs almost silently, creating a peaceful environment for both pets and owners.

• Large Capacity: It has a 108-ounce (3.2 liters) capacity, meaning you won’t have to refill it that often, and also making it suitable if you have multiple pets or larger breeds.

• Attractive Design: The sleek modern design will suit most homes.

• Easy Maintenance: The fountain is super easy to disassemble and clean – and just as easy to reassemble.

Cons:

• Plastic Construction: Some pet owners prefer materials like stainless steel or ceramic over plastic.

The Hicuper Wireless Dog Water Fountain is an outstanding battery-operated, Smart fountain. Here are the features we think you need to consider:

Pros:

• Wireless Design: The battery-operated feature allows for flexible placement without the need for power outlets, reducing the risk of pets chewing on cords.

• Large Capacity: With a 2.1-gallon (8 liters) capacity, it’s suitable for multiple pets or larger breeds, minimizing the frequency of refills.

• Stainless Steel Construction: The use of stainless steel ensures durability, is easy to clean, and provides a hygienic drinking surface.

• Ultra-Quiet Operation: Designed with a quiet pump, it minimizes noise, creating a peaceful environment for both pets and owners.

• Motion Sensor Activation: Equipped with a motion sensor, the fountain activates when a pet approaches, conserving battery life and ensuring water freshness.

• LED Indicators: Features LED reminders for battery status and filter changes.

Cons:

• Battery Maintenance: You’ll need to monitor the power-level of the battery and recharge it to ensure continuous operation.

Looking for more help picking out the best automatic water fountain for your dog? Here are some common questions and answers.

To keep your dog’s water fresh and bacteria-free, clean the fountain at least once a week. If you have multiple pets or live in a warm climate, consider cleaning it every 3-4 days. Regular maintenance prevents slime buildup, bacteria growth, and unpleasant odors. Look for models with dishwasher-safe parts to make cleaning easier.

Yes! Flowing water is more appealing to dogs than stagnant water in a regular bowl. Many dogs are naturally attracted to the sound and movement of running water, making them more likely to stay hydrated. This is especially beneficial for picky drinkers, senior dogs, and dogs prone to dehydration.

Most carbon or multi-stage filters should be replaced every 3-4 weeks, depending on usage and water quality. If your fountain gets dirty quickly or you notice a change in water flow, you may need to replace the filter more often. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific model.

Yes! Even though the fountain keeps water moving, debris, saliva, and bacteria can still accumulate. It’s a good idea to refill with fresh water every 1-2 days and do a deep clean once a week.

Stainless steel and ceramic fountains are often more hygienic than plastic because they are resistant to bacteria buildup and easier to clean. Plastic fountains are durable and affordable but should be BPA-free to ensure safety. They are also best if you want a drinking fountain for outdoors. 

Yes, absolutely. Most automatic water fountains are designed to run 24/7. In fact, keeping the fountain running ensures continuous filtration and prevents water from becoming stagnant. Just make sure to refill the reservoir regularly and perform routine cleaning to keep the water fresh and safe for your dog.

You can introduce your puppy to an automatic water fountain as early as 8-10 weeks old, once they are comfortable drinking from a regular bowl. But they may need some time to adjust to the flowing water.

To help them:

• Start by placing the fountain next to their regular water bowl.
• Let them explore it while it’s turned off, then gradually introduce the flowing water.
• Use positive reinforcement (praise or treats) when they drink from it.