I have noticed that Jasper loves fresh water. He will go to it immediately if I put down his dish. I also have my golden retriever who drinks a fair bit of water (I fill her dish frequently in the day). I have an inverted water bottle type water dispenser which is actually in the yard for the summer for my dog. Sadie also favours drinking from the hose over a dish. I was thinking of getting a water fountain type water dish for them to share and was wondering if anyone has one or recommendations? I don't mind the expense if it is worth the money.
All of the Drinkwells are good. For the first one, I would choose the Platinum.
How often do you need to change the filter? Do you need the cleaning brush kit or can you clean it well without?
We purchased a Drinkwell some time ago. It worked well. They are not silent. We live in a small apartment and found the hum of the pump too loud for us, so we took it back. That may not be a consideration depending on your household, but it is something to consider. A friend that has had both thinks the Petmate is quieter.
The Platinum is quieter than the original Drinkwell, although there is a motor hum and the splash of water - the latter seeming a plus to some cats. You also have to take into consideration that it has to be plugged in and that may not work well in the spot you now have the water dish.
The Platinum is dishwasher safe and we do not use brushes. (The first version was harder to clean and needed brushes.) We also do not use the filters, but, if you do, then you do want to change them close to the recommended schedule (every 2 to 4 weeks).
Hi Ruthann,
Finn loves her Petmate fountain in black/stainless steel (size medium). It's pretty high maintenance in my opinion, so wouldn't recommend it...(amazon link with reviews below)
http://www.amazon.com/Petmate-Deluxe-Fre...B000P7M1AU
Pros: Looks awesome, fairly quiet unless the water level is low, price under $30 at amazon, replacement filters reasonably priced and changed every 2 months, Finn loves drinking from it
Cons: fairly weak motor, clogs easily with hair (especially if your cat/dog likes to paw at the water, requires cleaning (not just refilling) every two days or "gunk" builds up in the motor. I sanitize every 5 days or so....
I've actually just ordered an inexpensive fountain from Dr. Foster & Smith & will let you know how Finn likes it... If it doesn't work out, I think I'll invest in the Drinkwell because I just never feel like the petmate is clean...
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/pr...atid=20543
I've heard great things about the drinkwell platinum since it can be cleaned in the dishwasher, but still was held back by the thought of buying filters. Hadn't thought of NOT using them - duh!! May have to look into this again.
I think I'm between the one I posted (Big Dog) and the Drinkwell Platinum. I think the Platinum is big enough for the golden retriever. I would rather have something smaller that would do both just so it doesn't take up too much room. I have a good place for it, actually where the water bowl is now is about 3 feet from me and has a power source. I think I will actually have to see them to decide but have seen the pictures on amazon and it should be large enough for Sadie. I wonder if the Big Dog can be cleaned in the dishwasher as well.