Did you know that water must constitute 60-70% of an adult pet’s body weight?
But pets are hit-and-miss drinkers in the water bowl. They can leave more water on the floor than what ends up in their mouth…
It takes careful observation to see whether your furry friend is trying to tell you something about their health, so you should learn how to read the signs…
Meanwhile, pet drinking fountains can be an excellent way to keep them hydrated. They’re drawn to the running water… and fountains, compared to still (and stagnant) water dishes, harbor less of these bacteria that can cause serious health problems for your pets.
In addition to that, they can be a pleasant feature in your house, one that you and your pets can enjoy…
Simple Steps to Build a Pet Drinking Fountain
Wet pet food is up to 78% water, while dry kibble food only contributes about 10 percent of a pet’s water intake. You should be making adequate clean, fresh water available according to the diet your pet is following.
Bear in mind, they might be trying to tell you something if they’re either completely avoiding the water bowl… or draining it more often than normal.
Here is a simple way to create your own pet fountain…
1. Choose the vessel
This can be an ornate ceramic dish on a little pedestal, or a glass fishbowl or tank. Make certain to pick out a vessel that is between 1.5-5 gallons – depending on the size of your pet – which isn’t porous.
It should be simple to wash in your dishwasher or sink. Do not use plastic of any type. Be sure that if you use ceramic that it’s certified food safe.
Something that is not too tippy will prevent spills and damage to the container or your floors! As you know, some pups like to receive their paws into the action…
2. Buy a fish tank pump with a filter.
It’s best to tell the store why you’re buying the pump… you’re searching for a fountain effect that comes from the top of the bowl and generates the sounds and sensation of a flow.
You’ll also want to have the ability to adjust the water flow if it is too strong or too weak for your vessel and the quantity of water.
3. Use stones, glass beads, or a bull clip to suspend the pump.
Lining your vessel with decorative stones or glass beads from a dollar or craft store will allow debris to sit on the bottom of the dish.
Place them where your dog can not get at any of them, and it’ll keep the filter at the ideal height.
Again, the beads and fastener should not be porous.
4. Plug your pump into a surge-protector.
Whenever you are mixing water and electricity, it’s prudent to take precautions.
Leave a downward loop in the cable between the wall plug and the fountain and make sure if water does spill it won’t splash or submerge the surge-protector.
You don’t want the pump to short out, or give your pet an unwelcome zap on the nose or tongue! How excited do you think they’ll be to drink water after being hurt? Not so much.
We can’t stress this enough. Related – Are There Any Real Benefits of Having Pets?
There are bacteria on your pet’s mouth that isn’t harmful to them obviously… but if it gets in their water source and has an opportunity to grow, it can make your pet very ill. It may even cause fatal illnesses.
You should employ good hygiene practices to each of the toys and dishes that your pet comes into contact with regularly. This includes their food dish – even if they’re having dry food. Bacteria in their saliva can transfer to their food dish and grow in the right light and temperature conditions if it isn’t cleaned properly.
I hear so many people joke about their dog having an”iron gut”… but there are some germs that can do real harm if you’re not looking out for them. And they may be feeling unwell and not be able to communicate with you regarding the reasons why…
Biofilm in a water dish is easy to manage. Be sure to clean the pet fountain every 3 days.
- Remove all the stones, glass beads, or anything else you’ve put in the fountain for decoration or to support the pump.
- Wash all the parts in a mild non-toxic soap solution. For tough biofilm residue, scrub the sides of the vessel with a baking soda paste, rinse thoroughly and then wash with warm water and mild soap.
- Make certain to rinse all the soap residue from the parts.
Dogs and cats and lots of other pets love using freshwater.
Just make sure your pump is powerful enough for the size of your pet and their water bowl, and that the components can be cleaned completely.
And, if any of your pets start to behave differently around their water bowl or food dish, be sure to listen to them carefully… they may be trying to tell you they’re unwell.
