How to Make a Pet Drinking Fountain

Did you know that an adult pet’s body weight should be 60% to 70% water?

Pets, however, are inconsistent drinkers at the water bowl. They can swallow more water than they can leave on the ground…

You must pay close attention to see if your pet is attempting to communicate with you about their health, so you should learn to read the cues…

A pet drinking fountain can be a great way to keep your pet hydrated while you’re away. The sound of moving water draws them in… and fountains, compared to still (and stagnant) water dishes, harbor less of the bacteria that can cause serious health problems for your pets.

Additionally, they may be a pleasant addition to your house that both you and your pets will appreciate…

Simple steps to make a pet drinking fountain

While dry kibble food only accounts for 10% of a pet’s water intake, wet pet food can contain up to 78% water. Considering the diet your pet is on, you should be providing enough access to clean, fresh water.

Remember that if they’re either completely ignoring the water bowl or trying to communicate with you in some other way… or draining it more often than usual.

Here is a quick guide to building your own pet fountain…

1. Choose your vessel.

These can be glass fishbowls or tanks or elaborate ceramic dishes on small pedestals. Depending on the size of your pet, make sure to select a non-porous container with a capacity of 1.5 to 5 gallons.

Your dishwasher or sink should make cleaning it simple. Useless plastic of any kind should never be used. Use only ceramic that has been approved as food safe.

Something that isn’t too unstable will stop spills and injury to the container or your floors! As you may already be aware, some puppies love to participate actively…

2. Invest in a filter-equipped fish tank pump.

Make sure the pump can support the weight of your bowl or tank.

It’s best to explain to the shop why you’re buying the pump… you’re looking for a fountain effect that comes from the top of the bowl and creates the sounds and sensation of a stream.

In case the water flow is too strong or too weak for your vessel and the amount of water, you’ll also want to be able to adjust it.

3. To hang the pump, use stones, glass beads, or a bull clip.

You can encourage debris to settle on the dish’s bottom by lining your vessel with decorative rocks or glass beads from a craft or dollar store.

The filter will stay at the proper height if you put them somewhere your dog can’t get to any of them.

Once more, porous beads and fasteners are not acceptable. Smooth and cleanable material is what you need.

4. Connect a surge suppressor to your pump.

Always use caution when combining electricity and water.

Make sure that the cord between the wall plug and the fountain has a downward loop so that, in the event of a spill, water won’t splash or cover the surge-protector.

The last thing you want is for the pump to short out or to zap your pet in the nose or tongue! What do you think their thirst for water will be like after being hurt? Not so much.

Remember that hygiene is important for your pet drinking fountain

We cannot emphasize this enough.

Your pet’s mouth contains bacteria that isn’t harmful to them by nature… but if it gets into their water source and has a chance to grow, it can make your pet very sick. Even fatal illnesses may result from it.

All the toys and dishes your pet regularly plays with should be cleaned with good hygiene procedures. Even if they are eating dry food, they must also clean their dish. If the food bowl isn’t cleaned thoroughly, bacteria from their saliva can transfer there and grow if the temperature and light conditions are right.

I hear so many people joke about their dog having an “iron gut”… but there are some bacteria that can do real harm if you’re not looking out for them. Additionally, they might be struggling to communicate with you because they’re not feeling well…

Water dishes make it simple to control biofilm. A pet fountain should be cleaned every three days.

• Following the manufacturer’s recommendations, replace the filter and O-ring.
• Take out every stone, glass bead, and other item that you had placed in the fountain for decoration or to help the pump.
• In a mild, non-toxic soap solution, clean all the components. Scrub the vessel’s sides with a baking soda paste to remove any stubborn biofilm residue. Rinse well, and then wash with warm water and mild soap.
• Don’t forget to thoroughly rinse the parts to remove any soap residue.

Access to clean, flowing water is a necessity for many animals, including dogs, cats, and other pets. Although they can be expensive, you can make your own pet fountain for much less money.

Just make sure your pet and their water bowl can accommodate the strength of your pump, and that all the components are easily washable.

Additionally, pay close attention to your pets’ cues if they begin to act differently around their water or food bowls… they could be trying to tell you they’re unwell.