Dogs don’t sweat the way we do. They shed heat mainly by panting, with a little help from the pads of their feet. On a warm afternoon of chasing and wrestling, that system gets a workout, and fresh water is the simplest way to support it. (It’s part of why dogs love water so much.)
Drink little and often
Dogs at play rarely stop for a long drink. A fountain that’s always ready lets them grab a few laps between games. A push-button fountain such as the Cool Dog Water Fountain delivers fresh water on demand into a fast-draining stainless steel bowl, so every dog gets a clean drink rather than a shared bowl that has sat warming in the sun.
A rinse helps too
Wetting a dog’s belly, chest and paws with cool (not icy) water helps them shed heat. A fountain with a hose bib or a Rinse Water Station gives owners a hose right where they need it, and the same hose rinses mud off before the ride home.
Plan for shade and breaks
- Visit early in the morning or in the evening on hot days.
- Check pavement with the back of your hand. If it’s too hot to hold for a few seconds, it’s too hot for paws.
- Watch short-nosed breeds, seniors and heavy-coated dogs closely; they overheat sooner.
- Call it a day if a dog is panting hard and won’t settle in the shade.
This article is general information, not veterinary advice. If you are worried about a dog’s health, call a veterinarian.
Planning a project? Contact us for a quote or call 800.931.1562, and we’ll help you choose the right fountain for your site.