Best Dog Water Bottles In 2022

Features To Look For In Dog Water Bottles

Material - You want to ensure that the materials used for your dog water bottle are safe for them to drink from. Look out for BPA-free and food-grade materials that are non-toxic. With this, you can guarantee that your dog will not get sick from consuming water stored in the water bottle to ensure excellent health.

The material will also determine the durability of the water bottle. Materials used range from stainless steel to plastic. Both boast excellent durability, but you will still need to be careful and keep them out of harm’s way, especially if your dog likes to chew on anything they can find.

Capacity - The capacity of the water bottle is also a useful feature to consider. The larger the capacity, the more water you can store inside it. If you and your dog love going for lengthy walks, a larger capacity is ideal, as it means you won’t need to carry back up water with you. However, for a brief walk around the park in the evening for some quick exercise, a smaller capacity will be fine.

If you don’t want to purchase two bottles for both scenarios, then it is arguably more convenient to purchase a large capacity water bottle. You should also take the size of your dog into account, though. A chihuahua won’t need as much of a capacity as a Labrador, so bear this in mind if you are uncertain which size to select.

Portability - When buying dog water bottles for walking, portability is another issue to think about. This portability relates to the shape and capacity, as well as any attachments that make it easier to sling over your shoulder or attach to a backpack.

If you’re gripping onto your dog’s lead for dear life as they try to sniff as much as they can, a bottle you need to hold can be tricky. Bottles with carabiner clips, or even carrying slings will be useful in this scenario, and it also allows for easy access when required. As for the shape and size, the more unusual the shape, the more cumbersome it will be to carry or store in your backpack. Likewise, a bottle with a large capacity will add additional weight.

Dispenser - The dispenser style will determine how easy it is for your dog to take a drink. Most water bottles come with a useful spout that isn’t much different from the spouts on regular water bottles you use at the gym. With the attached bowl feature, you can also give them a reliable receptacle to drink from. These dispensers operate whether by squeezing the water bottle or using a button to initiate the water flow.

The other dispenser style is better for home use, as the dog operates it themselves. This is a simple design that uses a spout and ball bearing at the bottle. When the dog licks, the ball bearing rises, and this releases water.

Leak-proofing - If you’re carrying the water bottle in your backpack, then the last thing you want is for it to leak. Not only will it be a waste of water, but it could also damage everything else you have in your backpack.

Because of this, it’s vital to make sure that the bottle you choose is leak proof. Most of these options will offer decent to exceptional leak proofing, but this is not always certain. A secure gasket or locking system will guarantee that your bottle is leak proof. The only option that is certainly not leakproof is the crate-style bottle, but this is not a design flaw, but rather part of the design.

Dog Water Bottle FAQ

Q: What is a dog water bottle?

A: No, a dog water bottle isn’t a dog-shaped water bottle, although we can see why that might be a popular product. A dog water bottle is a water bottle that is specifically designed for dogs to drink out of. They were developed because you shouldn’t share your own water bottle with your dog, and standard water bottles are not the easiest for dogs to drink out of, spilling and slobbering that precious liquid gold all over the place.

While these bottles are typically designed for dogs, you can also use them for other pets, including rabbits, ferrets, and even cats. But as they are most convenient for walks, it’s likely you will use one for a dog more often than not.

There are two primary styles for dog water bottles. One looks like a standard water bottle you would use for sport. However, it uses a leaf-shaped attachment that acts as a dog bowl. The other design resembles the drip-style water bottle that you typically see use for smaller rodents, including rats, mice, and hamsters.

Q: How do I use a dog water bottle?

A: Using a dog water bottle is simple. All you need to do is fill the bottle with water and seal the lid to prevent spillages. As most dog water bottles come with an attached leaf-like bowl, you can simply twist this around when you need to take a break. Squeeze the water out to dispense it into the bowl and let your dog lap it up.

If your dog’s water bottle uses a button for dispensing, then you may not have the leaf attachment. Instead, there will be a bowl-like lid that works the same way. Just press the button to activate the water and then switch it off once your dog is finished.

As for crate-designed water bottles, all you need to do is find a surface to attach the bottle to, or just hold it yourself. Allow your dog to lap their tongue against the ball bearing on the end of the spout, and the water will release. This works just like a hamster or rat water bottle for a cage would work and can lead to less water spilled, although this varies depending on how eager your dog is for a drink.

Q: Are dog water bottles only used for travel?

A: Portable dog water bottles are designed for you to use primarily for travel, that’s why they are considered portable. The convenience, lightweight design, and leak-proof lid make them an excellent option for long walks or even your daily walk around the block to the park.

Even so, they are just as suitable for home as they are for travel, even if your dog has a water bowl at the ready. If you are playing in the garden, you can take the bottle out with you so they have easy access to water if they need it, and it’s also useful to keep one spare by the door after you get back from a long walk, especially in the heat. In fact, the more you offer the dog a drink from his or her water bottle, the more used to it they will become, and this will help prevent any risk of dehydration wherever you are.

Likewise, crate water bottles are something you can use both at home and on the road. If your dog sleeps in a crate, it gives them easy access to water during the night if they are thirsty, and you can also fit them to your dog’s crate when you are taking a long road trip. This is a great alternative to risking filling a bowl with water for the trip, and also means you won’t need to stop too often to give them a quick refreshment.

Q: Can I use a dog water bottle on a crate?

A: Absolutely. Dog water bottles for crates are very useful for both home and travel. However, the success of this will depend on the size and shape of the bottle and crate, as well as the water bottle. Crate water bottles are a preferred option for owners whose dogs sleep in crates, as they provide more floor space for them to stretch out and they also prevent spilling water after your dog kicks the bowl over while dreaming about chasing rabbits.

Of course, as the bottle leads into the crate, there could be an issue with your dog going to the bathroom inside the crate, especially if they are still in training. To overcome this, you can consider giving them an area for an absorbent pad, or be close enough so they can alert you if they need to go to the bathroom during the night. You should be able to catch them in time to take them outside.

Sources:

1. Dehydration In Dogs | What Are The Signs & How Is It Treated? - Vets Now