Reddit mentions: The best dog fountains

I volunteer at a cat shelter--I'm not especially knowledgeable about cats, but I'm at least somewhat familiar with caring for them, so I'll try to answer some of your questions. I can't really give any advice on insurance, licenses, etc. since I don't own a cat in Quebec and I'm not involved with the adoption process at the shelter.

> Apparently I'm suppose to also feed wet, canned food. How often should I give this to my cat? Is this something that I alternate with dry food? Like one day is dry food, next day is wet, ect? Is there a difference in quality in the different brands of canned food, or are all the different variations just for flavour?

For each cat, we give one dish of wet food and one dish of dry food once a day. When you adopt the cat you can ask the people at the shelter if they have recommendations for what brand of food to get, or what brand they've been using at the shelter.

> Litterboxes. What's the difference between an open one and one with a cover? Will litterbox sand get tracked all over my apartment?

It gives privacy (if your cat happens to care about that). And it prevents litter being flung over the sides, which may or may not be an issue depending on your cat. It would also be a bit less of an eyesore if the litterbox is out in the open. A cover isn't necessary though.

You might occasionally find a few pieces of litter here and there, but you shouldn't be finding it all over your apartment. That might vary depending on the type of litter you use.

> Is there a quality difference between the brands or can I just get the cheapest stuff?

At the shelter I volunteer at we use a clumping litter. You can ask the shelter when you adopt the cat to see what litter they use (since the cat is already used to it) or if they have any recommendations.

> When I scoop out the poop everyday what do I do with it? Do I put it in a bag until it accumulates then put it out to the main garbage bin outside? Or am I suppose to dump it out every single time I scoop? Can it be flushed down the toilet?

Put it in a small plastic bag, like you get from the grocery store. You probably don't want a bunch of cat poop sitting around your apartment, so just tie it off and toss it in the garbage can outside. You don't have to change all the litter in the litterbox on a daily basis (that'd get very expensive). How often you need to replace the litter depends on what type you're using. Maybe once a week. Flushing anything down the toilet seems like a bad idea to me.

> Websites suggest I get a water fountain. Is this really that beneficial to have?

There are several at the shelter I volunteer at (they look something like this), and at least some of the cats use them. It could be beneficial if water in a bowl doesn't work well for your cat for some reason--like if they have a habit of tipping the bowl and spilling water, or splashing it, or if they just don't like drinking from a bowl. But in a lot of cases a simple water bowl is sufficient.

> Are cats like dogs, where they scarf down whatever food is in front of them? If I place a dish of dry cat food out, will it only eat until it's full and leave the rest for later? Asking this because sometimes I may have long hours at work.

They generally eat just when they're hungry. When we put the wet food out they tend to polish that off pretty quickly, and then eat the dry food throughout the rest of the day. When you adopt the cat you can ask the people at the shelter how much food to give your cat per day. It's fine to just put out the food in the morning, your cat should be fine for the rest of the day.

> Scratching posts. So there's vertical, horizontal and an incline. How do I figure out what my cat prefers without needing to buy all 3 while, hopefully, minimize furniture damage?

I'm not sure. I generally see the cats use the vertical ones. There are horizontal ones too and I don't think I've ever seen a cat use them. It depends on the cat though, I'd say just get a vertical scratching post and see how it goes.

> I come home from work in the evening and my apartment is usually dark. Do I need to leave the light on for my cat?

Your cat should be fine, they can see very well in the dark (better than you) and are often up at night after you go to sleep.

We got a water fountain that can hold a couple gallons of water. The baby still occasionally splashed, but couldn't dump the whole thing (and you could even add weights in the tank if necessary). As a bonus, the dog likes it more too.

Something like this is what we got.

We're getting our supplies together for a new rescue puppy and I was nervous about the same thing happening. The best advice was from my sister who has two Dachshunds and a Catahoula mix. She recommended getting the kind of water bowl that has an Ozarka style bottle attached to it. The weight of it keeps it from being tipped, and you don't have to refill it as often. I hope that helps!

Edit: Link with picture
http://www.amazon.com/Petmate-Stainless-Replendish-Waterer-Bottle/dp/B005DJTQHQ

TrioGato's Outdoor Dog Drinking Water Fountain Step On - Upgraded 2019 Easy Paw Activated Drinking Pet Dispenser, Fresh Water, Sturdy, Easy to Use + Bonus https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0733BNKW9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_SFeZDbR995FST

Here, you can get one here.

I wanted to add pet fountains are a thing! They can be relatively inexpensive and an effective way of getting most pets to drink a little bit more, especially if they're the type that enjoys faucets and hoses. There are even ones that can be made into games - like this one: Scuddles Dog Drinking Water Fountain Step On - Outdoor Auto Pet Water Dispenser https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FN5X9MG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_UhXSDbYNJ2G67

I got a regular fountain for my cat because I'm scared of him getting kidney disease (common in cats) but my dog (a spinone italiano, big dog) that lives with my parents also loves drinking from it whenever she comes over.

My Mastiff drools so much when he drinks that thing would be full of something the consistency of watery jello within a day. On the other hand, this thing has been a total lifesaver. Only took 20 minutes to teach him how to use it.

May I recommend Lixit Original Dog Faucet Waterer http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0002UOIZG/ As long as you can dedicate a water tap, you will never need to remember to fill a water bowl. Also don't have the source tap on full so it is easier for the cat to drink.

Cats really prefer moving/flowing water rather than stagnant. If you haven't already, get him something like this, he'll love it

https://www.amazon.co.uk/All-Paws-Chill-Garden-Fountain/dp/B01CEFZ5CQ/ref=sr_1_6?crid=1J74MOKN36UD2&keywords=dog+fountain&qid=1555863106&s=gateway&sprefix=dog+fountain%2Caps%2C132&sr=8-6 This is the UK amazon though, should be on the American one as well :)

Regarding the waterer, they make attachments for standard hose fittings that essentially act as a simple drinking fountain for dogs (I'll leave a link to one below) Essentially it's just a nub then when dogs lick it moves a stopper enough for water to flow out, but not the other way, so I think someone would have a hard time putting poison back in. Combine that with a padlock on the other end of the tube like you've shown for filling, and it should be fairly tamper proof. My only concern would be stray dogs figuring out how to use it. I've seen my grandparents implement one of these with their dogs, but the dogs knew what it was and how to use it because they were shown. But, maybe the dogs deserve more credit.

"Lixit Original Dog Faucet Waterer https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002UOIZG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_SaZrDb6A9D1WK"

I had one of these before I moved, too, and they work pretty well:

http://www.amazon.com/Lixit-Original-Dog-Faucet-Waterer/dp/B0002UOIZG

These things are great for avoiding the mess without shaving the signature beard. Definitely worth the investment, in my opinion.

K-Nine Pal step on dog fountain and sprinkler

$37.99

KninePal Step On Dog Water Fountain and Sprinkler Toy, Upgrade 2019 Version, 2 Bonus Included https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GP02EQW/

Edit: removed ref

Buy a good boy water toy/fountain to keep them hydrated and for fun

Which one were you looking at? BringerPet Dog Drinking Water Fountain Step On gets good reviews

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0794ZZC3Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_rMF9AbYC0BJM4

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004I1MCGM

Very cool just plug into a hose!

Here I found it out of curiosity

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004I1MCGM/ref=cm_cr_arp_mb_bdcrb_top?ie=UTF8

Edit: Whoever Gilded me, you have made my day! Thank you.

Looks like this Pet water fountain

https://www.amazon.com/Trio-Outdoor-Sprinkler-Activated-Fountain/dp/B0733BNKW9. If your like me, a non-American, I can’t find any of this model for you :(.

Here's the amazon link

sold out on Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Dog-Water-Fountain-API-Doggie/dp/B004I1MCGM/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

There are a few on Amazon. Most are around $35, but there are a few closer to $25.

Example: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D3G6ZBZ

You maybe able to contact the company that makes it and ask where you can get just that valve, I couldn't find it, but here is a new one with that valve for 25 dollars on amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Drinkwell-Indoor-Outdoor-Dog-Fountain/dp/B007US2BA2

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CQ12KKO/ref=psdc_2975355011_t3_B007US2BA2

this is the model, but I can't find one currently available

I use these Dog Waterer

This. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004I1MCGM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_CM3dBbA6B503V

Link for the lazy

http://www.amazon.com/Hagen-Design-Drinking-Fountain-Original/dp/B004L4XR3I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1324337044&sr=8-1&tag=acleint-20

and the small one

http://www.amazon.com/Catit-Fresh-Clear-Drinking-Fountain/dp/B0015Z3RYK/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1324337044&sr=8-4&tag=acleint-20

https://www.amazon.com/Dog-Pet-Water-Fountain-Doggie/dp/B004I1MCGM

Unscrew it and place a cap over it.

https://www.amazon.com/Lixit-Original-Dog-Faucet-Waterer/dp/B0002UOIZG

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Orbit-3-4-in-Threaded-Hose-Caps-2-Pack-27902/100659301

http://www.amazon.com/API-F-1-Doggie-Fountain/dp/B004I1MCGM

I think it’s this.

10 second search: [doggie fountain, $42] (https://www.amazon.com/Dog-Pet-Water-Fountain-Doggie/dp/B004I1MCGM)

Found it!
https://www.amazon.com/Dog-Pet-Water-Fountain-Doggie/dp/B004I1MCGM

https://www.amazon.com/Dog-Pet-Water-Fountain-Doggie/dp/B004I1MCGM

Yvelife Dog Water Sprinkler,Outdoor Dog Water Fountain Step On,Garden Pet Water Sprinkler https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07S8QPKG6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_5mCZDbV2GX6M9

Not the same one but it’s close

Where can I buy it?

Edit: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004I1MCGM/ref=cm_cr_arp_mb_bdcrb_top?ie=UTF8

Live in South Texas with a Husky.

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We have one of these on the backyard faucet: https://www.amazon.com/Lixit-Original-Dog-Faucet-Waterer/dp/B0002UOIZG

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She knows where water is if she needs it. In March or April I'll go buy 10 of those blue kiddie pools at Walmart. They last about 10 days each with water in them for her to self cool down when she wants.

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She has also dug out a little area so she can go sleep under our deck and the storage shed in the back yard. I am actually amazed at how cool it is under the deck during the summer.

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She will also come in whenever she wants as I work from home and enjoy her sleeping next to me while I work during the day.

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Walks are reserved for the morning hours. I've gone barefoot in 100 degree weather and burned my feet. I don't need her to have burned pads.

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She has never told me that she is uncomfortable, but I don't see signs that she ever has been.

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If your plan though is to have your husky as an outside dog all day long with no shade and limited water I'd suggest just watch videos on youtube and skip adopting any living animal.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0733BNKW9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_-mq.Ab1FSCKE7

My dog would loooove this, but $45? Not sure it's worth it.

Edit: Found another one much more reasonably priced. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CHN5ZQ1/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_aMy.AbCGYXG8S

Real link with no referrals: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019IUAG3I/ - $55.

I've raised a St.Bernards in Texas. The tub is cool. Instead of a dog bed get him a big piece of linoleum he can sprawl out on some where.
My dog (Bernie, short for bernard) had a dog house inside the garage. I decked it with linoleum and added a window unit ac. Wish I had pics. He loved that little house. I rigged one of these bad boys to a water cooler in the corner for him, he could lick it and get ice cold water whenever he wanted. He could kill a five gallon bottle in a few days during the summer.

https://www.amazon.com/Dog-Pet-Water-Fountain-Doggie/dp/B004I1MCGM

I found it but it seems in every video the water doesnt go as high. Maybe this is a high pressure hose or something in this gif.

WTF $160? Are you just looking for ways to throw away money? You could jerry rig something with a cheap nozzle and two clip boards for like $30 + duct tape.

http://www.amazon.com/Dog-Water-Fountain-API-Doggie/dp/B004I1MCGM

It sounds like it isn't a need, but a drinking fountain for my cat. He won't drink water out of a regular bowl, instead he dumps over cups or drops in the bathtub or out of the toilet. Apparently, when none of these things are available, he will sometimes not drink. He got a bad urinary tract infection a few years back, and since we got him this, he will drink more water, which seems to help. We had one, but it broke. :(

One like this is preferred as he likes drinking running water from taps. But this one would also work.