Pet Water Fountains - Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why should my cats or dogs use a pet fountain?
A. Animals love running water. Using one of the pet fountains available from Puddle Pet Care means that your pets can have a constant supply of freshly filtered running water without the need to leave a tap running! All animals (humans included) need to ensure that they take in enough fluids to ensure good health. Failure to drink enough water can lead to urinary tract problems due to increased urine concentration. This is perhaps especially relevant for animals fed on dry food diets. Cats suffering with urinary tract or kidney disease have a critical need for water to help support kidney function and prevent crystals forming obstructions in the urinary tract.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q. What are the key differences between the Fresh Flow and Drinkwell
A. Aside from variations in price the main difference is the way in which the water is presented to the animal. With the Fresh Flow the water flows down a slope into the bowl; with the Drinkwell the water free falls from a spout and then lands on a slope which is above the level of the water in the bowl.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q. Should I use bottled water?
A. This is entirely a matter of personal preference and is not a requirement of any of the pet fountains.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q. The pump on my fountain has stopped working what can I do?
A. Experience tells us that it is very rare for the pump on any of the fountains to truly fail. However, it is quite common for the pumps to stop due to a build up of either debris or lime scale within the pump. As such we recommend that from time to time you remove the pump from the fountain, dismantle the pump to the point where you have removed the impeller from the body of the pump and then soak all of the components in a 50:50 vinegar water solution overnight. In the morning thoroughly flush all components with fresh water and then re-assemble. This should see the pump working again.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q. What if mine is one of the rare pumps that won't work even after being de-scaled. Can you supply a replacement?
A. We are generally able to supply replacement pumps for the Drinkwell and Fresh Flow fountain ranges. Please call us on 01243 601010.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q. How often should I change the filter?
A. The instructions supplied with the fountains suggests changing the filter every 4 - 6 weeks. We feel that this can depend upon the number of animals using the fountain and thus the amount of hair and debris that inevitably falls into the bowl and is then caught in the filter. So we suggest a maximum period between changes of 6 weeks but perhaps as frequently as every 3 weeks in a multi-pet household or when used by dogs that produce a lot of saliva.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q. Can I order just one pack of filters?
A. Yes, most certainly. Click on the following links that will take you directly to the relevant filters for your pet fountain.
Fresh Flow Filters
Drinkwell Filters - fit all Drinkwell models


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q. How often should I clean my pet fountain?
A. We recommend that you empty and clean your fountain every 1 - 3 weeks. This should include cleaning the motor housing having removed the impeller. Dismantle the pump enough to remove the impeller and flush out the housing with clean water. Also see details about de-scaling your pump above within the question about what to do if your pump stops working. A Cleaning Kit is available for the Drinkwell range of fountains. This consists of a set of different sized brushes designed to get intot he recesses within the fountains.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q. My pet fountain is making gurgling noises. Why is this?
A. This is generally as a result of low water levels and is caused by the pump sucking air as well as water. Top up the fountain and then stop/start the pump a couple of times. This helps expel any air trapped inside the pump.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Back to Pet Water Fountains .