Adequate hydration is key to keeping your dog happy and healthy. Dogs rely on water to regulate their body temperature and stay comfortable.
It’s important to give your dog access to clean and refreshing water at all times, especially after those intense play sessions and long walks in the hot sun.
Despite the importance of having a water bowl around, many dog owners have to deal with one unfortunate problem; spills and splashes!
There’s nothing worse than walking onto a wet carpet or slipping on tile flooring.
Depending on your dog’s habits, you might even have little drops of water throughout your entire home.
Dealing with a sloppy canine drinker is a bit tricky. You don’t want to yell at your dog or limit their access to the water bowl. If anything, you should be coaxing your dog to drink more.
So, what are you supposed to do about the mess?
Well, you could get a spill-proof dog bowl.
These unique devices tackle a very specific behavioral issue in a way that doesn’t affect their access to drinking water. The bowls can keep water contained while also teaching your dog better drinking habits.
Here’s a selection of some great bowls you should try out if your canine companion is a messy drinker.
7 of the Best No-Spill Dog Water Bowls
1. Vitalumos Dog No-Spill Pet Water Bowl
This sleek water bowl from Vitalumos has a very clever design. It looks like a traditional bowl and features a triangular base for stability. There’s even non-slip feet on the bottom to keep the bowl put.
Inside, you’ll find a floating disk.
The disk automatically moves with the changing water level. A small paw-shaped hole in the middle allows a small amount of water to get through. This creates a shallow drinking surface that your dog can’t splash around in.
A stationary border on top keeps the disk in place and prevents accidental spills. The bowl is made out of durable EPA and is relatively simple to clean.
2. Road Refresher No Slobber, No Spill Dog Water Bowl
Next up, we have this travel-friendly bowl from Road Refresher.
It also features a large floating disk and a fixed perimeter. The ring on top of the bowl is quite thick. While it’s not bulky enough to prevent your dog from getting a sip, it can help to prevent face and ear dunking.
Beneath the floating disk is a large water reservoir. The bowl comes in three different sizes to accommodate any pup’s needs.
It’s made out of polypropylene and is safe to toss in the dishwasher whenever you need to clean it.
3. Slopper Stopper Dripless Water Bowl
This no-drip dog bowl is great for pups of all sizes. It’s specifically made to help dogs that have floppy ears and lots of hair.
It features a large clear lid that limits contact with the water. To take a sip, your dog will have to guide their tongue through a crater in the middle.
The drip-proof bowl is made out of metal for lasting durability. The lid is made out of molded plastic.
It also comes with a plunger, which helps to create adequate pressure when you’re filling it up.
4. Pet Supply Imports Anti-Splash Waterhole Dog Bowl
Simple by design, this anti-splash bowl is a great option for those who are looking for an affordable solution. The bowl is made out of high-impact plastic and comes with two separate components.
The first is the bowl itself. It holds approximately 48 ounces of water.
Then, there’s the lid. The lid securely snaps onto the bowl. In the middle, there’s a small opening with deep sides. The hole allows your dog to take a drink without the added mess.
5. No Spill Bowl Dog Puppy Water Dish No Mess for Crate Road & Travel
This no-frills dog bowl is great for puppies and adult dogs alike. It features a large plastic bowl with an accompanying lid.
The bowl is relatively simple. There aren’t any rubber grips on the bottom, so we recommend using it with a mat.
The lid pops onto the top and efficiently prevents splashing. It has a spacious access hole in the middle. The opening is a bit larger than some other models, so it may work well with dogs that have bulkier snouts.
6. Indipets Stainless Steel Spill Proof
Check out this tough non-spill bowl from Indipets. It’s constructed out of stainless steel. The material is robust enough to last for many years. It’s also scratch-resistant.
On the bottom, you’ll find a thick rubber mat for stability. Pair that with the bowl’s conical shape and you have a very solid dish.
Around the rim of the bowl is a removable steel ring. It provides some protection against splashes. It’s on the thinner side, which makes it more accessible to dogs that wouldn’t otherwise be able to use these kinds of bowls.
7. Dog Food and Water Bowl Stainless Steel with No-Spill Anti-Slip Silicone Mat
Here is a bowl and mat set that could change the way your dog drinks. It’s made out of silicone and features two molded cavities.
The silicone grips onto the tile or hardwood floor to keep the bowls stable.
This kit comes with two stainless steel bowls. The cool thing about the molded cavities is that they’re quite rigid. They have a conical shape for added stability.
Despite the support they offer, the mat is flexible enough to fold up. This makes it easy to wash and transport.
Does Your Dog Need a Non-Spill Water Bowl?
While these unique bowls can be used by any dog, they’re specifically designed for chronically messy drinkers.
They’re not made for dogs that produce a few splashes of water here and there. You can easily solve that problem with a mat.
Mess-proof bowls are ideal for dogs that end up putting more water on the floor than they actually drink.
Here are just a few examples of dogs who can benefit from a spill-proof bowl the most.
Over-Excited Gulpers
If your dog races to their bowl after playtime and gulps down water as if it were the most valuable resource on the planet, a no-mess device is essential.
These dogs like to take in massive amounts of water with each sip. It looks more like they’re chomping at the water rather than lapping it up with their tongue.
The issue with gulping is that it often leads to vomiting, hiccups, and excessive gas. Not only that, but the gulping action can force water to go over the edges of your bowl and onto the floor.
Many bowls control the amount of water your dog has access to. This forces your dog to take things slow and use their tongue like they’re supposed to.
Paw Splashers
Like gulpers, paw splashers are notorious for making a bit mess in the home. Rather than using their water bowl for drinking only, they like to treat it as their own personal play spa!
It’s not uncommon to see younger pups laying in the bowls or using their paws to splash around.
While it’s cute at first, you’ll quickly learn that this behavior is not ideal. Unfortunately, not all dogs grow out of it.
There are a ton of reasons why dogs splash in their waterbowl. They may be bored, hot, or simply distracted by their reflection in the water.
Whatever the case may be, you can put a stop to it with a splash-proof bowl.
The Face Dunkers
Finally, we have the face dunkers. These are those precious pups that get their entire faces wet when they take a drink.
Sometimes, this is done because the dog doesn’t know how to lap the water up like normal. It’s similar behavior to what you’ll see in dogs that like to gulp.
Other times, it’s simply a matter of things getting in the way!
Pups with long chin hair and droopy ears can’t help but get their faces wet. Every time they take a sip, they’re dunking their fur or ears into the water, only to shake it off moments later.
Thanks to the unique design of splash-proof water bowls, that issue will be a thing of the past.
Types of Mess-Free Water Bowls Available
Before you purchase a no-mess dog bowl, it’s important to think about your dog’s unique issues. Understanding why they are making a mess can help you choose the model that’s right for you.
There are two basic types of spill-proof dog water bowls.
These include splash-proof models and no-spill models. Are you confused? Well, don’t be. You can easily distinguish between the two based on the overall design.
Spill-proof Dog Bowls
A spill-proof dog bowl is purpose-built to prevent your dog from flipping the bowl over and making a mess. They’re best for dogs that splash around in their bowls or move the dish around when they’re taking a drink.
Typically, spill-proof models will feature multiple compartments to keep the water contained.
Water is stored in a reservoir and travels to a drinking area in the center.
The reservoir controls the amount of water your dog can drink, which can also benefit gulpers.
The sides of the bowl are engineered to keep the unit stable while also stopping spills. So, your dog can move the bowl around as much as they want without causing making a mess.
Splash-proof Dog Bowls
Splash-proof dog bowls work a bit differently. They, too, work to contain messes and prevent accidental spills. However, these units are focused on limiting your dog’s chances of splashing around.
The bowls typically feature a cover with a small opening.
The opening is large enough for your dog to stick their tongue in for a drink but not big enough for them to dunk their entire heads in.
They’re great for gulpers and can prevent dogs with long fur or ears from getting their faces wet.
Mats
Also available are specially designed mats. While you could use a traditional mat with a splash-proof bowl, you can easily find mats that are designed to keep water bowls in one place.
They have molded compartments to hold onto standard bowls and prevent tipping.
Key Considerations
Beyond the core design of your bowl, there are a few things to consider. All dogs are different, so you need to match the bowl’s features to your dog’s behavior and needs.
Material
As always, it’s good to get a bowl made out of materials that won’t harm your dog.
Many splash-proof bowls are made out of high-quality plastics that are free of BPA, PVC, and Phthalates. This is crucial, as cheaper plastic can degrade over time and start leaching chemicals into the water.
If you have a destructive dog, consider going with something a bit sturdier. Metal no-mess bowls hold up well to chewers. The same goes for thick ceramic.
Capacity
Dogs need a lot of water every day to stay healthy. Their water bowls should be able to hold onto plenty of water to keep them hydrated. This is especially important when you’re away at work.
The last thing you want to worry about is having to constantly refill the bowl.
Dogs can drink anywhere between 20 and 40 milliliters of water per pound of weight each day. Keep this in mind and choose an appropriately sized bowl.
Maintenance Requirements
Standing water can quickly turn into a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. Any type of water bowl should be cleaned regularly to ensure that your dog doesn’t get sick.
This can be a bit tricky with no-drip and splash-free dog bowls. They often have numerous components that you have to take apart.
Consider how the design of the bowl will affect your regular maintenance tasks. Simpler is always better. But, don’t sacrifice efficiency just to make your job easier. It’s all about finding the right balance between the dog’s needs and your own.
Dog Breed
Last, but not least, think about how the bowl will work with your dog’s face and breed. Short-nosed dogs, such as Pugs and
Bulldogs, aren’t going to have the best time trying to use a splash-proof bowl with a tiny opening. They don’t have the luxury of a long snout for drinking.
In most cases, you’ll find that short-nosed dogs can’t access the water at all.
Even if they can, it will require them to smash their faces against the top of the bowl. Because these breeds often have breathing difficulties, it’s best to avoid those types of bowls altogether.
Tips and Tricks
In addition to investing in a no-mess dog bowl, there are a few things you can do to minimize water spills and splashes.
Elevation is Key
One of the oldest tricks in the book is to elevate the dog bowl. By raising the bowl a few inches off the ground, you’re limiting your dog’s physical access to it. This reduces the chances of splashing and head dunking.
Controlling Water Level
Many mess-free bowls work by limiting the depth of the water. Keeping the water level relatively shallow is a great way to prevent most messy behaviors.
Your dog will be forced to use their tongue to lap the water up, eliminating any temptation to splash around.
Using Mats
Mats can do a lot to keep your floors in good condition. Large feeding mats act as a protective cover for your floors, catching any splashes. They can be used in conjunction with a mess-proof bowl for even more peace of mind.
Conclusion
Dealing with the mess your dog leaves behind after taking a drink can be incredibly frustrating. It can ruin your floors and pose a safety risk for everyone in the home.
With that said, your dog’s excitement over drinking water is something that should be praised.
The best spill-proof dog water bowl will help you keep things under control without taking away your dog’s love for hydration.
Also Read: Homemade Dog Food for the Sensitive Stomach