Summertime means outdoor fun with our furry friends! But it’s important to keep their water clean and refreshing – especially when the temperature starts to soar. Here are 5 simple tips to help make sure your dog always has access to fresh water, no matter where you are. Enjoy!
Table of contents
5 tips on how to keep dog water clean outside
Rinse and refill your dog's water bowl daily
Just like we need to drink fresh water every day, so do our dogs. A good rule of thumb is to start with a clean bowl each morning, and then rinse it out and refill it before you go to bed at night.
When the water is constantly outside, we even recommended to rinse and refill it more than once a day – especially in hot weather.
Make sure you fill the bowl with enough water, a dog needs around 1 ounce of water per pound of bodyweight. So if your dog weighs 30 pounds, they need around 30 ounces of water a day.
Another important thing to keep in mind is to use clean water. Some countries do not have clean tap water, so it might be necessary to use other sources of water.
Make sure you use a correct bowl
Make sure you don’t use glass or plastic bowls for your dog’s water. In hot weather, the sun can heat these materials and make the water too hot for your pup to drink. The glass can even break and cause cuts on your dog’s face.
Instead, use stainless steel, ceramic, metal, or even disposable paper bowls. These materials won’t get as hot in the sun and are much safer for your dog.
Put the bowl in the shade
As any dog owner knows, it’s important to make sure that your pet has access to fresh water at all times. However, in hot weather, it’s especially important to keep the water bowl in a cool, shaded spot. Otherwise, the water will quickly become heated by the sun, making it less refreshing for your dog and more likely to encourage bacteria growth.
By placing the bowl in the shade, you can help keep the water cooler and fresher for longer.
Other animals cannot drink your dog's water
Make sure that other animals don’t drink from your dog’s water bowl. While it might seem harmless, this can transmit diseases and parasites that can make your pet very sick. In addition, other animals may not be as clean as your dog and could contaminate the water with bacteria or viruses.
If you suspect that another animal has been drinking from your dog’s bowl, be sure to wash it thoroughly with soap and water. By taking these simple precautions, you can help keep your pet healthy and safe.
Add ice cubes to their water to help keep it cool
On hot days (or really any day), adding a few ice cubes to your dog’s water can help keep it cool and refreshing. Just make sure the cubes are big enough that they won’t accidentally choke on them.
Hot water is more prone to bacteria growth, so adding ice is a good way to help keep the water clean and fresh. Plus, your dog will appreciate the extra effort to keep them cool!
Additionally, hot water can also evaporate quickly, so adding ice cubes can help keep the water level up and prevent your dog from becoming dehydrated.
2 Dog bowls we recommend for outside usage
Here are 2 of our favorite dog bowls that are perfect for use outside:
Coldest Dog Bowl - Stainless Steel Non Slip
This dog bowl is perfect for outside use because it is triple wall insulated and has a non-slip bottom grip. This means that your dog’s food will stay cold longer and they won’t be able to spill their food all over the floor. The smooth finish of the bowl also makes it easier to clean than other bowls.
- Stainless steel is food safe and easy to clean
- Non-slip bottom prevents spills
- Insulated to keep water cold
- May be more expensive than other dog bowls
Hydrapeak Dog Bowl - Non-Slip Stainless Steel
This bowl is perfect for outside use because it is made from stainless steel with a durable powder coating. It also has built-in rubber pads to ensure that it won’t slide when your pet is eating or drinking. Plus, the lifetime guarantee means that you can be confident in the quality of this product.
- Dishwashers safe
- Non-slip bottom prevents spills
- Insulated to keep water cold
- May be more expensive than other dog bowls
FAQ
I'm currently using a plastic bowl, is this bad?
While plastic bowls are perfectly safe for your dog to use, they can get very hot in the sun and may cause the water to become too warm for your pet to drink. In addition, plastic can also harbor bacteria and may be more difficult to clean than other materials. If you’re looking for a bowl that will keep your dog’s water cooler, we recommend the ones above.
Can I put my dog's bowl in the sun?
We do not recommend putting your dog’s bowl in the sun as it can cause the water to become too warm for your pet to drink. The bowl can also get very hot, which could burn your dog’s face or tongue. Instead, we recommend keeping the bowl in the shade to help keep the water cooler.
Is it okay to use a bucket instead of a bowl?
A bucket can work as a makeshift bowl, but it’s not the best option for your dog. A bucket can get very hot in the sun and may cause the water to become too warm for your pet to drink. In addition, buckets can be difficult to clean and may harbor bacteria.
Final thoughts on how to keep dog water clean outside
By following these simple tips, you can help keep your dog’s water clean and fresh even on the hottest days.
By using a bowl that is made from safe materials and keeping it in the shade, you can help prevent bacteria growth and keep your pet hydrated.
Additionally, adding ice cubes to their water can help keep it cooler for longer. Just be sure to use bowls that are durable and won’t slip when your pet is drinking or eating.
With a little effort, you can help ensure that your dog always has access to clean, fresh water – no matter how hot it is outside!
