Water Bowls for Dogs: The Best Way to Keep Your Dog Hydrated
It's no secret that dogs need water to survive. Water makes up about 60% of a dog's body weight. That's why it's important to ensure your dog always has access to clean, fresh water. Every dog owner must know that the need for water is significant for dogs, especially in summer and especially for medium and above breed dogs. So drinking water not only matters to humans but to dogs.
One of the easiest ways to do this is to invest in a good quality water bowl. But with so many different types and styles of water bowls on the market, how do you know which one is right for your dog?
Here's a quick rundown of the different types of water bowls available and some things to keep in mind when choosing the right one for your pup.
Types of Water Bowls
There are three main types of water bowls: plastic, stainless steel and ceramic.
Plastic water bowls are the most affordable option and can be found at any pet store. They're also lightweight and easy to transport, making them a great choice for taking on trips or to the dog park.
However, plastic bowls can be prone to cracking and breaking, and some dogs may not be able to use them if they have allergies to certain types of plastic. In addition, there is still this case of a highly thirsty dog rushing to his water bowl. If the water bowl is made of plastic, its rushing force may destroy the water bowl. Finally, if the dogs are in the teeth grinding period, the plastic water bowl may be bitten severely. Therefore, a plastic water bowl is more suitable for those dogs who do not often bite things.
Stainless steel water bowls are the most expensive option, but they are also the least likely to be damaged. Stainless steel bowls don't absorb bacteria like plastic water bowls, and they're also easy to clean. In addition, stainless steel water bowls are lighter than ceramic water bowls, which makes them relatively easy to carry.
However, stainless steel water bowls get cold in the winter, their insulation is poor, and dogs can only drink warm water for a short period of time, so they may not be the best choice for dogs and puppies who are sensitive to temperature changes when drinking in the winter.
Ceramic water bowls are a bit more expensive than plastic but also more durable. They're also dishwasher safe, which makes them easy to clean. Ceramic water bowls are resistant to natural damage and dogs' teeth.
However, ceramic water bowls can be heavy and difficult to transport, and they may not be the best option for dogs who are water lovers or tend to drool when they drink.
Things to Consider when Choosing a Water Bowl
Now that you know a little about the different types of water bowls available, here are some things to keep in mind when choosing the right one for your dog.
Size: The size of the water bowl you choose should be based on the size of your dog. A small bowl for a large dog is likely to result in spillage, while a large bowl for a small dog may be too difficult for them to use. Dogs' noses matter to the size of the water bowl as well, if your dog's nose is long, you may need a slightly deep bowl, and if your dog's nose is relatively short, you may need a flatter bowl, so that our dogs can fully drink water.
Material: As mentioned above, water bowls are typically made from plastic, stainless steel or ceramic. Consider your dog's needs when choosing a material. For example, if your dog is a heavy drinker, you may want to choose a stainless steel bowl to prevent rusting.
Dishwasher Safe: If you want a bowl that's easy to clean, make sure to choose one that's dishwasher safe. Ceramic bowls are easy to clean and are not easy to be pushed down by the dog and spill a lot of water due to their self-weight.
Portability: If you are taking your water bowl on trips or to the dog park, choose one that's lightweight and easy to transport. At this time, the plastic water bowl performs best; it's super light and portable. Portability can be a crucial factor; more and more people go on a trip and carry a lot of things; usually, they will take their pet dogs to enjoy the scenery; if the water bowl is heavy, it will increase a great burden on the owners.
With so many different types and styles of water bowls available, it's easy to find one that's perfect for your dog. Just keep these things in mind when shopping, and you'll be sure to find the perfect bowl to keep your pup hydrated.
