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Dog water bottles are taking the pet world by storm. As squeezable silicone cups, push-button flasks, and specially designed thermostats flood the market, many pet parents may wonder: is a dog really? need their own water bottle? Are the cute new containers a gimmick or a useful device?
We talk about the latest hydration trends with veterinarian and Doctor Rebecca Greenstein, veterinarian and Dog Watcher to find out.
What the experts say about dog water bottles
It’s no surprise that, just like humans, dogs need access to fresh water throughout the day. A good baseline Give your puppy about an ounce (or one-eighth cup) of water for every pound of body weight. That means a 16-pound Dachshund needs about two cups of water a day, while a 60-pound German Shepherd needs nearly eight cups — or more on hot days or with lots of exercise.
But is drinking water at home enough, or should a dog drink water on the go?
It depends on 1) the dog and 2) the outing.
Moisturizer based on your dog
As Dr. Greenstein has pointed out, “It is not a matter of what works for a theoretical dog; it’s really about understanding and knowing your dog and what they are capable of drinking, and that can be very individual. “
If your dog needs to be reminded to drink around the house, bring a dog water bottle on outings makes it a lot easier for you to help your puppy achieve his hydration goals; they have many opportunities to drink.
Conversely, if you have an avid drinker on hand, a dog water bottle can help you control what your dog is drinking. While dog stores and parks may have communal water bowls available, it’s not always a good idea to let your puppy drink. They carry the risk of spreading diseases such as worms, kennel cough and salmonella.
Aleksandr Zotov via iStock
A dog water bottle or traveling dishes saves you from worrying about what’s hidden in public water dishes. And keeping your dog well-hydrated can prevent them from wanting to swim out of that puddle or other problematic water source.
Environmentally based water supply
Whether a dog water bottle is necessary also depends on the outing and the climate.
Serious adventures like hiking, camping, and tripping always mean you’ll have to keep using water on the go. By contrast, a walk around the neighborhood may not require water most days — but when the weather is hot, the usual hydration math can change dramatically.
Ilona Shorokhova via iStock
Since dogs lose moisture by panting and are quickly warmed by their coat, they are prone to dehydration. Dr. Greenstein stresses that it’s important to replenish lost fluids on a hot day, whether you’re going for a leisurely walk or running around a dog park. That goes double for breeds with bushy coats or double coats (like German Shepherds and Malamute Dogs) and dogs that have difficulty breathing, like senior puppies and small-headed (face-to-face) breeds. plane).
“You want to make up for some of their loss by making sure they have access to water, whether that’s a portable water bottle you carry around or a stopover wherever you are going,” says Dr. Greenstein. Go.
But do I need a Dog–Private Water bottles?
Given the importance of keeping your dog hydrated, it’s reasonable to assume that you’ll need to drink water on the go at least for a while when you’re out and about with your dog — but do you need to join everyone? people and a preference exclusively for dogs Water bottles?
It depends on the problem you are trying to solve.
Chalabala via iStock
Most pet parents find sharing human water bottles with dogs a challenge, either from a hygiene perspective (you probably don’t want your puppy to slurp directly from your bottle) or a dehydration standpoint. (lots of water go to waste if you spill and let your dog drink what they can before he hits the ground).
Bottle of water for dogs are designed to avoid these difficulties — but the way they handle it varies from bottle to bottle.
Some include a water dispenser with a bowl attachment that you can easily flip and fill with water. Others can soak any remaining water into the bottle, so no water is wasted. Many models include a handle or clip that makes it easy to attach to a purse or backpack.
For example, have a nice design MalsiPree water bottlecomes with an attached drinking bowl and a button that allows you to dispense water from and Retracted into the bottle, minimizing waste. Our testers find it great for small dogs but a bit finicky for big drinkers.
Can be pressed Gulpy Dog water bottle It’s both an affordable option and a classic — it’s been on the market and providing water for dogs long before it was great. The Gulpy looks like a regular human water bottle with an included chute that flips open to form a water dish. However, it is a strong favorite at the dog park we found It requires human hand to stabilize. This one holds 20 ounces, but it has size less than 10 ounces as well as.
Then there are many colors OllyDog water bottle, is one of the few options on the market that allows you and your puppy (hygienic) to drink from the same bottle. Its attached disc opens completely and never touches the mouth of the bottle, making it a good choice for hiking and cases where you just want to carry a box. Our testers Also appreciated that it is dishwasher safe.
That said, you don’t necessarily have to run out and buy a bottle of water specifically made for dogs. Collapsible travel bowls are an easy, affordable option that often works similarly to fancy dog humidifiers (though you’ll still have to bring your own water supply).
Foldable bowls are also versatile, as they can hold both water and food for your dog while you’re on the road or trail. We like This dishwasher safety kit from PetBonus.
If you’re using a travel bowl or filling your dog’s water bottle with an outdoor hose, be sure to check the water temperature first. “While it’s a super convenient and acceptable way to do this, the temperature of water in a faucet that’s exposed to the sun can cause burns and inadvertent burns,” says Dr. Greenstein. “So always check the water temperature before you use the faucet.”
Final verdict on dog water bottles
So do you need a dog water bottle? For hydration on the go, we say yes.
If you and your puppy are home lovers who love nothing more than hanging out at home or in the backyard, you can do without. But if you and your dog experience hot summer weather, frequent the dog park, hike, or drive on the road, it’s important that you carry water the way you can. can be easily given to dogs.
Alona Siniehina via iStock
In short, dog water bottles are more than just a gimmick; They provide clean and safe water in an all-in-one design for your pet to help prevent dehydration. You may not need water when walking around the neighborhood in the warmer months, but your dog might. Attach one of these to your belt or backpack or tuck it in dog backpackwhich means you never have to worry about their water supply, even if you don’t need your own.
Can you get away with a travel bowl? Sure! As Dr. Greenstein pointed out, “It’s a little tricky.” It really depends on whatever tool makes it easiest for pet parents to keep their dog hydrated. And your dog may have preferences too — some puppies prefer to drink from a bowl, while others prefer to drink from a pitcher. Anything that keeps your dog happy and healthy!
How do we choose?
The products featured here are selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing, comprehensive review of customer reviews across multiple retail platforms, and interviews with experts. veterinary medicine, including Dr. Rebecca Greenstein of Rover’s Dog People Panel. We are also guided by our own experience of living and playing with our very own, beloved and very steadfast pets, who are never stingy with their feedback (thanks, Remy and Lucy!).
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