It is a well known fact that every living thing needs water. That includes dogs. Even dogs bred for harsh desert conditions like Chihuahuas and Salukis eventually will need a drink. An ounce of water per pound of body weight is about the average need for a healthy dog.
Many dog owners have a problem with their dog trying to drink out of the toilet! Keep the lid closed so your dog does not do this nasty thing. Why does a dog sometimes go to the toilet even when they have a dish of clean water available for them?
One reason for this is water in the toilet bowl is cold and fresh. Between the porcelain bowl and constant flushing the water is constantly oxygenated and nicely cool.
If after preventing your dog from drinking from the toilet he seems unsatisfied with the water dish you provide, you may want to look into not just a water dispenser but the best dog water dispenser.
In this article, we’re going to review the following dog water bowls:
- Dog Water Dispenser- Easy Paw Activated Eco-Friendly Pet Water Fountain
- COCOPET Dripless Automatically Water Feeding Bottle
- PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum 1 Gallon Pet Waterer
- AmazonBasics Self-Dispensing Gravity Pet Feeder and Waterer
- BPA Free Chew Proof Dog Water Dispenser with Nozzle
- PetSafe Healthy Dog Water Station with Bowl
- Critter Concepts All Day Waterer for Thirsty Canines
- Lunvon 100 OZ Pet Fountain Dog Water Dispenser
- IPETTIE Tritone Ceramic Pet Drinking Fountain
- Zeus Fresh & Clear Elevated Fido Water Station
- Choco Nose H570 Patented No Drip Dog Water Nozzle
- PetSafe Drinkwell Pagoda Dog and Cat Water Fountain
- Petmate Replendish Gravity Waterer w/ Microban
- Blessed family Automatic Dog Feeder Dispenser
- Yicostar Dog Water Bottle with Collapsible Bowl and Waste Bags
- BAYKA Pet Water Fountain
- PetSafe Healthy Dog Water System
- Easy-Clean Water Bowl Water Bow Stainless Steel Hose
- Standing Pet Feeder Water Dispenser – 2 in 1 Pet Feeding Station
- Choco Nose H590 Patented No Drip Dog Water Bottle
- Whisker Doodle Gravity Dog Waterer
- Poodle Pet Water Feeder Bottle for Cage or Kennel
- Old Tjikko Dogs Water Dispenser, Water Bowl for Dogs
- Veken Pet Fountain, 84oz/2.5L Automatic
Why Should You Get A Water Dispenser For Your Dog?
It can be easy to forget sometimes to fill a water dish. Some dispensers can hold a gallon or more so you can do without refilling the dish for a while. If you get the right kind of dispenser, it may encourage your furry but fussy friend to drink more.
What they say about water and horses is also true about dogs. Also, a dispenser will not spill or turn over. It may even have a filter to keep the water clean. Different dispensers will have their own bells and whistles.
Check: Can Dogs Go All Day Without Water?
Indoor vs Outdoor Water Dispensers For Dogs
Will your dog be drinking indoors or outdoors?
If you like to take your dogs on long walks, hikes or camping there are portable drinking fountains for dogs so they can have clean drinking water wherever you go. These are lightweight to make them easy to carry, but are not suited for long term use.
If your dispenser needs to be mounted to be usable, it is probably for indoor use. Something that needs to be attached to a hose faucet is for outdoor use. If one of the advertised selling points is “Goes well with any decor” it’s primarily for indoor use. An indoor dispenser may also come with a mat to keep the floor dry.
Most dispensers are designed not to tip over, but some water loving pups (such as poodles of all sizes and Newfoundlands) like to play with the water after they’ve drank their fill.
Is Timed Water Dispenser A Good Choice For Your Dogs?
Remember that a dog’s vision is not like a human’s vision. You look at a dish of water and see just that. Fido looks at a dish of still, clear water and sees an empty dish, not something that would interest him in any way.
A dog takes more notice of something if it is moving. (They are attracted to food by smell. Drinkable water should have no smell). A timed or automatic dispenser will have more of an eye catching fountain effect. What’s more, constantly moving water stays fresh and clean.
On the downside, such dispensers do require a power source, whether it be an outlet or batteries. They also have moving parts and pumps that can break down. If it has filters, they need to be replaced. Some of them are a bit noisy.
Even if the motor is quiet, the sound of running water has a psychological effect on some people, prompting them to run for the bathroom. If the fountain creates mineral buildup, that will have to be cleaned.
Read To Learn: Benefits Of Self-filling Water Dish
Facts You Should Consider if You Want the Best Automatic Dog Water Dispenser
Before making any major purchase you should of course ask yourself a few questions. Answering these questions will help you make a wise purchase.
Keep in mind that you are not just minding your own wants and needs but Fido’s wants and needs as well.
Do You Want Any Special Purposes?
Are you watering more than one pet?
Are they big, small or like playing with water as much as drinking it?
Do you want the dispenser to have enough water supply for a few days?
Do you think your local tap water isn’t fit for a dog?
Do you have mobility issues that would make it very difficult for you to refill a reservoir?
Does your dog have mobility issues?
Being so lazy he’d rather open his mouth and wait for rain than get a drink of water is not a mobility issue.
What Design Of Dispenser is Best For You?
If you live in a place where quality of tap water is a major concern you may want to get a water dispenser with a filtration device. It beats buying bottles of Evian for Fido!
You may prefer to fill the reservoir from the top than the bottom. Remember that dogs like their water cold too, so be sure to toss in a few ice cubes to make it nice and chill.
What Size And Weight Dispenser Best For You?
What size is the dog? For that matter, what size are you? There are, to be sure, small people who can handle large dogs. That’s all a matter of asserting dominance.
However, handling heavy and unwieldy inanimate objects can be a real challenge for some people. Remember that an empty plastic jug of any size can be tossed around like it’s nothing but it’s going to be heavy when full of water.
What Capacity Dispenser Do You Need?
As said before, the average dog needs one ounce of water per pound of body weight every day. You’ll have to crunch some numbers to see how much water Fido will need every few days to figure out how often you’ll need to refill the reservoir.
If your dog is pregnant, nursing, rather young, very active or has special health needs she may need more water than usual.
What Are Some Other Factors And Considerations?
Some dispensers have features that guard against mold, bacteria and mildew. Some have a fountain feature. This is good if your dog prefers water that moves. When outdoors, it also discourages mosquitoes from leaving their larva in it.
Some of the hefty ones come with wheels to make moving it a little easier. Do you prefer to use a plastic bowl or stainless steel?
Some will give you the option of a removable/replaceable bowl.
Popular Read: Is It OK To Add Water To Dry Dog Food?
Best Dog Water Dispensers For Medium And Large Sized Dogs
Big dogs drink a lot! Here are some of the best dispensers for medium to large sized dogs.
#1 BringerPet’s Easy Paw Activated Eco-Friendly Doggy Water Fountain
Ah, remember the “Wharrgarble” meme? Now you can revive it in your very own home! Or back yard, if you’d rather. It works on the same principle as a water fountain (That’s a bubbler to you Cheeseheads and Aussies).
Fido puts his paw on lever and out comes a little fountain of water for him to drink from.
Pros:
- It is easy to install.
- Dogs that like playing with water will have fun with it.
- There’s no need to refill. Just turn on the hose.
Cons:
- It’s better for quick sips than continuous drinking.
- Can get messy.
#2 COCOPET Dripless Automatic Water Bottle Dispenser Kettle
This dispenser delivers a constant supply of fresh and clean water for your dog with a patented leak proof nozzle.
Give your dog all the water he needs with this environmentally sound tool that comes with a one of a kind nozzle that adheres to just about any standard PET bottle.
This Leak Proof nozzle also guarantees to offer your pet an ample supply of water all while keeping your home dry.
Pros:
- It doesn’t drip.
- It is very durable.
- It comes with a money back guarantee.
Cons:
- It can be hard to teach an older dog to use it. Most people swear by using a little peanut butter to entice the dog.
#3 PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum 1 Gallon Water Fountain
The PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum Pet Fountain provides your dog with one hundred and sixty-eight ounces of fresh and filtered water. The activated carbon filter takes away bad tastes and odors all while the cascading stream of water encourages your pet to drink more.
The built-in reservoir makes refills easy and increases capacity. The snap-on reservoir lid plus the rubber feet on the bottom of the fountain both guard against sliding and tipping.
Pros:
- The device is very reliable
- The filters are easy to change.
- The smooth design make it go with any decor.
- The reservoir tank is clear so you can tell when it’s time to add more water.
Cons:
- It is a bit difficult to clean.
- It can tip over a bit easily.
#4 AmazonBasics Self-Dispensing Gravity Pet Feeder and Waterer
You can keep your pets well fed and healthily hydrated with the AmazonBasics Gravity Pet Feeder and Waterer Bundle. It is perfect for cats or dogs whether they are in single or multiple pet homes.
This feeder and waterer both utilize gravity in order to make sure that a fresh supply of dry pet food and water is consistent
Pros:
- The feeder can store up to six pounds of dry pet food
- The water reservoir can hold up to one gallon of water
- They are made from environmentally friendly materials known as PP and PET
Cons:
- The water reservoir can leak if not secured properly.
#5 Fatpet BPA Free Chew Proof Pet Water Dispenser with Nozzle
This one works on the same principle as a water bottle you might find in a hamster cage, only bigger.
Plus, the drinking water pipe is made out of stainless steel, making it difficult to bite down on the tube while the big dog is drinking.
Also, the water bottle includes a roller ball style nozzle and no springs so that it will not ever hurt your pet
Pros:
- It doesn’t leak.
- The metal tip cannot be chewed off.
- At thirty ounces, it has a pretty good volume size.
Cons:
- Dogs that aren’t used to it will have trouble figuring it out.
#6 PetSafe Healthy Pet Water Station with Stainless Steel Bowl
The PetSafe healthy pet water and food station is the primary gravity food system accompanied by a removable-stainless steel bowl that is dishwasher safe.
Just sanitize the stainless steel bowl at high temperatures in your dishwasher to get rid of any bacteria that might cause your pet pernicious infections from microorganisms, or irritations.
Pros:
- The station is very easy to clean and set up.
- The stable base makes it hard to tip over.
- Handles are placed strategically, making it easier to handle.
- The stainless steel bowl is removable.
Cons:
- It can be hard to fill from an ordinary sink.
- Filters must be purchased separately.
Best Outdoors Water Dispensers For Medium and Large Sized Dogs
#1 Critter Concepts All day Automatic Waterer
This automatic water dispenser by Critter Concepts is designed to keep your fuzzy friends of all sizes hydrated all day with your choice of three, five or six gallons capacity.
And what’s more, it features a well constructed reservoir to ensure that the water inside is safe until your pup is thirsty.
Pros:
- The item is easy to assemble and disassemble.
- It was constructed using food-grade containers.
- It can be used both indoors and outdoors.
- The wheels make it so easy to move a child can do it.
Cons:
- The lid is tricky to remove.
#2 Lunvon 100 OZ Pet Fountain Dog Water Dispenser
This particular dispenser comes with three different modes. These modes can be switched by simply pressing the touch button on the fountain.
This fountain also features a replaceable carbon filter that takes away chlorine odors, calcium, magnesium and bacteria from the water.
This will make the water safe for your dog and reduce the liability of your dog to contract urinary tract diseases.
Pros:
- It has three separate modes that aid the user in choosing which water flow is best for the dog.
- The fountain is easy to clean and maintain.
- The pump stops working automatically when water fills up the tank.
- The filter can be replaced easily.
Cons:
- It can be a little noisy.
- Should the pump fails for any reason the water will no longer be able to flow any more
#3 IPETTIE Tritone Ceramic Pet Drinking Fountain
If you just can’t keep Fido away from the toilet, he might like this. The ceramic bowl keeps the water cool while the fountain keeps the water circulating.
It has all the advantages of drinking from the toilet without the “Oh, gross! People pee in that!” factor.
In fact, filtration system filters out any hair or other impurities that may get in the water.
Pros:
- It comes with a hefty capacity of seventy-one ounces.
- The parts are removable and machine washable.
- It is made of high quality ceramic.
- The dual filtration system keeps the water clean.
Cons:
- Getting replacement filters is difficult.
#4 Zeus Fresh & Clear Elevated Dog and Cat Water Dispenser
This fountain offers a continuous supply of fresh and clean drinking water. The wide surface area adds oxygen to the water for a fresher taste.
The multi stage filtration absorbs all water impurities, further cleaning the water.
This fountain holds two hundred fluid ounces of water, seeing to it that there is a sufficient amount of water for many days or for more than one dog.
Pros:
- The tall design makes it comfortable for tall dogs to use.
- It is easy to clean.
- The fountain is quiet.
- It is easy to fill.
Cons:
- The filters need to be replaced frequently.
#5 Choco Nose H570 Patented No Drip Large-Sized Dog Water Nozzle
This unique leak-proof nozzle is an eco-friendly innovation to reuse the ordinary PET bottles (plastic soft drink bottles are recommended).
This fresh and innovative creation lets your pets enjoy fresh and clean water all the while ensuring that your home is clean and dry.
The enlarged nozzle is ideal for large sized dogs over forty-five pounds.
Pros:
- It is easy to fill.
- It is very durable.
- It holds a lot of water.
- It is lightweight.
Cons:
- It tends to leak a bit.
#6 PetSafe Drinkwell Pagoda Dog and Cat Water Fountain
The PetSafe Drinkwell Pagoda Pet Fountain constantly recirculates and filters your dog’s water which keeps it cleaner and fresher than an ordinary water bowl.
It provides seventy ounces of fresh and filtered water in a ceramic formation that is simple to clean and look good in your home.
The upper and lower dishes serve two drinking areas for your dogs. Plus, the pair of cascading streams lets the water stay fresh and encourages dogs to drink more.
Pros:
- It is very easy to refill.
- The motor is quiet, when full.
- It is easy to clean.
- It cannot be knocked over easily.
Cons:
- The motor has only one speed setting.
- It gets noisy when the water level is low.
Best Water Dispensers For Small Sized Dogs
If you have a small dog, you of course want a dispenser small enough for him to drink from. Also, they don’t require quite as much water as a big dog and can get by with a smaller reservoir.
#1 Petmate Replendish Gravity Waterer w/ Microban
This water dispenser offers a continual flow of filtered water so that occupied pet parents have not as many refills to make and dogs stay hydrated with cool, fresh and clean water at any time, day or night.
It is perfect for temporary stays away from home. The product also delivers an extra level of defense from harmful microbes.
Pros:
- It is easy to clean.
- It does not tip over easily.
- It has a large capacity.
Cons:
- Mold forms easily in the cracks.
#2 Blessed family Automatic Pet Feeder & Water Dispenser
Don’t tell Fido! This was built with cats in mind but it should suit a small dog as well. It is a bundle that comes with an automatic feeder.
This product is fabricated from high-quality and resistant food-grade plastic material that is non-toxic and comes with no odd odors that would discourage Fido from trying it.
Pros:
- It is constructed from food-grade plastic material.
- It is non-toxic which makes it eco-friendly.
- The waterer features a spiral and spring valve design so that it will not leak.
- The anti-skid pad at the base aids in preventing your dog from overturning the waterer and feeder and making a mess
Cons:
- It is not dishwasher safe and requires to be hand washed
- It does not come a timer
#3 Yicostar Water Bottle with Collapsible Dog Bowl and Waste Bags Dispenser
Help your dog stay hydrated and healthy with this great travel buddy for your furry friend. It is idea for bringing along while exercising your pet or while on the road with them.
It is collapsible which makes it perfect for carrying in your bag. This bottle holds up to twenty ounces and can be filled with water from any clean source.
Pros:
- It doesn’t spill easily.
- It is very lightweight.
- Comes with waste bags.
- All in all, very convenient.
Cons:
- It leaks easily
#4 BAYKA Automatic Pet Water Fountain Dispenser
This fountain is great for pets who have a hard time getting around or just prefer their water to move. The filters greatly improve the water quality.
The continuous flow of water through the fountain makes it very hard for bacteria to feed and reproduce than in a bowl of stagnant water.
Pros:
- It can hold nearly three liters of water.
- It goes well with any decor.
- It is well constructed.
- The filters make the water extra clean.
Cons:
- It’s a bit noisy.
#5 Easy-Clean Water Bowl With Stainless Steel Hose
The Easy-Clean Water Bowl is an automatic filling water bowl for animals of all sizes that comes with numerous cost and time saving features. It has no pockets, corners or hard to reach areas to make it much easier to clean.
It offers a simple do-it-yourself method to have automatic water for pets. It is an automatic filling featuring a fast-fill float valve that can refill the water faster than a dog can’t wag his tail.
It is compact and minimizes the water capacity and surface area. It delivers a superior quality water for your dog.
Pros:
- It is easy to set up.
- It is easy to clean.
- It does not leak.
- Will not tip over easily.
Cons:
- It is not very durable.
#6 PetSafe Healthy Pet Water Station System with Stainless Steel Bowl, 128 Ounces
The PetSafe Healthy Pet Water Station presents a healthier way for your pet to benefit from fresh, cascading water. This item features a removable stainless steel bowl that is quite simple to clean and is dishwasher safe.
What’s more, it features a useful Lock in Place Reservoir to prevent spillage. It also features a Flow Control Valve.
Pros:
- It is durable.
- It is easy to clean.
- It does not spill easily.
Cons:
- The instructions are difficult to understand.
Best Indoors Water Dispensers For Small Sized Dogs
#1 Standing Pet Feeder Water Dispenser – 2 in 1 Pet Feeding Station
This two in one detachable feeding and watering station has anti-slip suction pads on the base so that it won’t tip over. The water bottle can be adjusted to nearly ten inches to make it more accessible.
The water flow can be controlled by adjusting the three stainless steel balls located in the mouth of the water bottle.
Pros:
- It is spill proof.
- It is very sturdy.
- It attaches easily.
Cons:
- The bottle only holds eight ounces at a time.
#2 Choco Nose H590 Patented No Drip Dog Water Bottle
The Choco Nose Water Feeder Bottle delivers a supply of clean and fresh water to your dog with a patented leak-proof nozzle.
Give your dog the water he needs with this environmentally-designed device that comes with a special nozzle that attaches to just about any standard PET bottle.
This leak-proof nozzle also guarantees to deliver your dog a plentiful supply of water while keeping your home dry.
Pros:
- It is easy to refill.
- It does not leak.
- It fits with any decor.
- It is easy to install.
Cons:
- It is not durable.
- The instructions are unclear.
#3 Whisker Doodle Gravity Cat Dog Waterer
The Whisker Doodle Automatic Pet Water Bowl makes your life a little easier while bettering the life of your pet. It comes with an automatic gravity design that ensures that your dog stays hydrated by providing a constant water supply.
The water hopper automatically fills the water reservoir when levels are low and there’s even a big water dispensing hole that makes the bottle simple to clean.
The Pet Cafe’s streamlined base has easy to grab cutouts that make the dispenser simple to maneuver and it comes in a plethora of colors in order to go with any home decor.
Pros:
- It is a gravity feed so no batteries or other power source is needed.
- It is lightweight.
- It is easy to clean.
- The largest one can hold a gallon and a half.
Cons:
- The lightweight design borders on flimsy.
- It is top heavy.
#4 Poodle Pet Water Feeder Bottle Container Dispenser for Cage or Kennel
This kennel water bottle is useful for dog owners who are taking part in crate training or who must use a kennel to corral their rambunctious little puppy dogs.
You would no longer need to clean up damp messes from tipped over water bowls. It is super simple, safe and completely mess-free.
Pros:
- It does not leak.
- It is durable.
- It is easy to use.
Cons:
- Some parts may present a choking hazard.
#5 Old Tjikko Dogs Water Dispenser, Water Bowl for Dogs
Here is a water dispenser made out of high-quality material. It is a BPA free, food-grade plastic material. It is non-toxic so that there is no strange smell, making it more welcoming for your dog to use.
The waterer can be taken out directly from the non-slip base then filled up with water and then affixed to the base.
Pros:
- It is easy to fill.
- It does not leak.
- It is easy to clean.
Cons:
- The bowl is a bit too small. The advertisement photos are likely Photoshopped to make the product look bigger.
#6 Veken Pet Fountain, 84oz/2.5L Automatic
Veken Pet Water Fountain comes with three different water flow settings. You can try them all out to learn which one your dog prefers.
The water dispenser is constructed out of high-quality PP resin that is not only BPA free but quite durable. Also included in the package are three replacement filters.
The filtered water is suited for humans so you know it’s good for your dog! What’s more, the pump is whisper quiet and low in consumption.
Pros:
- It is very quiet.
- At eighty-four ounces, it can hold a good deal of water for a small to medium sized dog.
- It is easy to assemble.
- It is fairly easy to clean.
Cons:
- The filters are difficult to replace.
Conclusion
It is difficult to come up with a clear winner here. The best water dispenser is PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum or 1 Gallon Cat and Dog Water Fountain that is best for you and your dog.
Consider things like your dog’s size and health before you buy and whether you want this for indoor or outdoor purposes. Consider what you can handle in one go as well.
What are your experiences with dogs and water? I find that Chihuahuas need to be reminded to drink by physically putting them in front of the bowl.
Big, hairy dogs like Samoyed’s and Chow Chows like to put their front paws in the water dish, eventually making it too dirty to drink.
Have you tried a water dispenser? Would you like to?
Please feel free to give your questions and opinions in the comments below and share the article if you like it.
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