Water is vital to every living organism. As animal owners, we are responsible for ensuring their well-being and this means providing them with permanent access to water.
We explain here how water fountains fully satisfy your pet’s hydration requirements.
Why is hydration so important?
Your pet’s body needs to be hydrated
Water is vital to every one of your pet’s bodily functions.
It helps the animal to regulate its body temperature and supports biochemical processes. Good hydration is necessary for healthy kidney function and the proper elimination of toxins.
Hydration is also important for your pet’s skin health, to ensure protection against aggressive external factors and to stimulate the healing process in case of wounds.
It also has an impact on your pet’s mobility, affecting joints in particular. A dog or cat that is properly hydrated will be much more active.
Last but not least, hydration is necessary for good digestion and to optimise your pet’s brain function.
It is worth noting that in humans, hydration levels play a role in the prevention of heart disease and certain types of cancer.
In conclusion, water favours body temperature regulation and the elimination of body waste products, and aids digestion.
Note: it is recommended for your pet to absorb 70ml of water per kilogram of bodyweight daily. Of course, this recommendation varies according to your pet’s physiological condition, state of health and exercise levels. For example, a pet weighing 6kg needs to obtain 420ml of water per day from its food and water intake.
Cat hydration| Bodyweight (kg) | Water intake (ml/day) | Bodyweight (kg) | Water intake (ml/day) |
| 1 | 50 to 75 | 4 | 210 to 290 |
| 1.5 | 80 to 110 | 4.5 | 250 to 325 |
| 2 | 100 to 150 | 5 | 270 to 360 |
| 2.5 | 135 to 180 | 5.5 | 300 to 400 |
| 3 | 160 to 220 | 6 | 325 to 430 |
| 3.5 | 190 to 250 | 6.5 | 350 to 470 |
| 7 | 380 to 500 |
Dog hydration
| Bodyweight (kg) | Water intake (ml/day) | Bodyweight (kg) | Water intake (ml/day) |
| 2 | 100 to 150 | 25 | 1400 to 1800 |
| 4 | 200 to 300 | 30 | 1600 to 2200 |
| 6 | 320 to 430 | 35 | 1900 to 2500 |
| 8 | 400 to 600 | 40 | 2200 to 2900 |
| 10 | 550 to 700 | 45 | 2400 to 3200 |
| 12 | 650 to 850 | 50 | 2700 to 3600 |
| 14 | 750 to 1000 | 55 | 3000 to 4000 |
| 16 | 850 to 1200 | 60 | 3200 to 4300 |
| 18 | 950 to 1300 | 60 | 3800 to 4400 |
About pet hydration
Most animals, cats in particular, prefer to drink from moving water sources.
You have probably noticed that your cat loves drinking running tap water, despite this being neither practical for you or for him, nor ecological.
This was the inspiration behind water fountains, which imitate the sources of running water that our pets appreciate so much.
Just a reminder to dog owners: if you take your dog to the beach, be aware that he should not drink seawater. If he does, it could cause health problems later in the dog’s life.
To restore and maintain body hydration levels, water is the perfect solution. Nowadays, because of the relationship we enjoy with our pets, more and more owners want their four-legged friends to share the good things in life. Taking this into account, many companies attempt to humanise animals, offering them their own special drinks that resemble beer or wine.
Why choose a water fountain?
How a water fountain works
Water fountains have many benefits, for both pets and owners.
Firstly, fountain water is much healthier than water standing in a bowl. Fountain water is constantly recycled and oxygenated, thanks to a pump. So, to your pet’s delight, the water is always fresh and constantly running.
In addition, water fountains contain filters, including a carbon filter which removes impurities, leaving the water clear, pure and fresh.
In extreme heat, animals try to keep their bodies cool. It is therefore essential to offer them systematically fresh water, and moisten their coat regularly.
For more advice about animals and heat, please consult our article on the subject.
Benefits for pets
- The water is always clean and fresh and never stagnates.
- The water is free of tastes and smells (we don’t know what cats perceive, but a recent study revealed that mice can detect water through smell).
- It is more comfortable for the animal to drink from a fountain.
- The water movement stimulates your pet’s instinct to drink.
Benefits for owners
- You no longer need to refill the bowl regularly.
- Your pet no longer tips his bowl over.
- There are no more health concerns relating to the quality of your pet’s water.
- Attracted by the water fountain, your pet no longer has to be forced to drink.
Which material is best for the pet fountain?
Ceramic
Ceramic is perfect for maximum hygiene. It is easy to clean and is the most advantageous solution. In addition, ceramic does not affect the taste of the water. Ceramic designs look stylish in your home.Their only disadvantages are their fragility in transport, and their cost, much higher than other materials.
The Yummypets favourite: the Drinkwell® Pagoda water fountain by PetSafe® Brand.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is robust, hygienic and rust-proof. It prevents the formation of bacteria and the water stays clean. This is why vets often recommend this material. Also, stainless steel is easier to transport as not very fragile.
The Yummypets favourite: the Drinkwell® 360 Multi-Pet Stainless Steel water fountain by PetSafe® Brand.
Plastic
Plastic is an easy-maintenance material. Most plastic models are dishwasher-safe. The main advantage of plastic is its lower price.
The Yummypets favourite: the Drinkwell® Sedona Pet water fountain by PetSafe® Brand.
Pet fountain maintenance
A water fountain requires specific maintenance to ensure its longevity and water cleanliness. To maintain your fountain, follow these steps:
- Once a week, clean the fountain in warm soapy water.
- Once a month, descale the fountain with water and household vinegar
- Change the filters every 2 to 4 weeks.
- Rinse the fountain thoroughly after cleaning.
Take the time to read the user guide. Although basic cleaning operations are identical, each model has its own requirements.
Cost of a pet fountain
Pet fountains can be purchased in your usual outlets: pet shops, supermarkets and online specialist shops.
Pet fountains can be fairly expensive, costing up to about £80. As always, there are less expensive options, starting from £20, but these will be less stylish and, possibly, noisier.
Be aware that you will need to change the filter once or twice a month. New filters cost between £1.50 and £3.
So, a pet fountain represents a significant cost. But it is a necessary concession if you want to enjoy the benefits of a pet fountain, or if your vet has recommended one for a pet that has difficulty staying hydrated.
Does your fur friend use a pet fountain?
