Product Notes and Reviews - portable dog water containers

After our day out and about in 90-degree weather yesterday, I'm inspired to talk about "on-the-go" hydration for us non-hiking crowd.   Just like humans (moreso!) we all know our dogs need hydration when they're out and about, especially when the temperature and humidity climbs.  But HOW?  When you have a service dog, this becomes truly more challenging since you do not want them to get the idea that they are fed/watered while you're sitting down in a restaurant, etc.  Feeding before you leave, or, if your dog prefers (like Ranger), after you get home, is certainly a standard for us.  I usually carry a small 'emergency ziploc' of food a collapsible bowl in the car for times when its just going to be too late to NOT feed him.   This is *never ever ever* done in a restaurant or any place where he might associate getting food and it is HIGHLY uncommon for me to do it while I'm out unless I'm hanging at a friend's house, etc. but I've got the back-up in case I absolutely need it.

In situations like yesterday, though, when I *know* we're going to be out for an extended period of time, in the heat and humidity, and being active (UIUC is a LARGE campus!!!), its vital that I have a hydration source on us at all times.

If you're a hiker, Ruffwear's "Single Trak Pack" is the ultimate in mobile hydration.  Its got the platypus bladder in the pocket and allows you to fill up for a day trip.  Very nice.  I love Ruffwear's line of packs and harnesses and they're more than worth their price.  However, for me, its not exactly practical for a day trip in Urban-land. 

A few years back, during the ASPCA's awareness month, Walmart carried an ASPCA line and in it was a collapsible bowl.  What's special about this collapsible bowl from all other ones?  Not a darn thing!  I like that part of the proceeds went to help animal shelters. I got 2. -  Here's one available from Amazon.com by Kurgo  - or, for a truly small and portable solution Fold-n-Go  --  As I said earlier - I keep one of my collapsible bowls with the emergency food stash and if I'm going to be some place that I dont know the water quality or the availability of water, I snag the other one on my way out the door.  They're light and very easy to just stow-n-go.  Downside... the water *does* eventually make the material 'damp' on my versions - but, I havent tried the Kurgo or Fold-n-Go yet - so, as always, your mileage may vary! 

Ok, so round two... how do you carry water with you - from home - when going out of town for the day?   I have a couple of suggestions!  (I bet you knew I would!!!)

Option 1:  You can carry your collapsible bowl and buy bottles of water for your dog.  Not the most economically (or ecologically!) sound option - but your dog will likely have fresh cool/cold water at any location that's not going to upset their system.   Ok... that's important, but...

Option 2:  Handi-Drink 2 - This is a water bottle, nested inside a drinking tray, with its own (albeit plastic) clip to attach to your bag/purse/etc.  Take water from home that your dog is used to or refill it while out.  The one we have holds 17 ounces, so its a pretty good size and a great, affordable price!

Option 3:  If you're like me and dont want to buy designer water for your dog while on the go (or hate the though of adding MORE plastic bottles to the landfills) let's look at option 3 - the doggy eco-canteen.  No, I'm not kidding.  You had to know it would happen sooner or later! - Actually there are two!

H2O4K9 Stainless Steel Dog Water Bottle - From our friends at Pawmark.com.  This is an interesting design in that the cap is your drinking tray.  Stainless steel and refillable (of course) this is a sturdy option for on the go.  Downside?   Take the lid off your own Nalgene bottle and hold it at your side, and your canine companion might think they're supposed to hydrate themselves!  *YUCK!*



Good Life Gear Stainless Steel BPA-Free Dog Water Bottle -  Now, this one is really cool!  It has one of those 'rollerball' things in the top - so instead of the water just pouring out - or the dog having to drink out of the lid - they lick/lap at the ball and they get the water.  Just like the little hamster cage bottles.  Cool, right?!  For the supremely messy dog - or for dogs who need discrete options for watering (ie: not pouring into a bowl) I could see this being very beneficial.  -- Downside?  Well, I dont think I want my dog to get in the habit of licking the cap of every bottle I have in my hand upside down!  But, to me, that's probably preferable to the thinking he's going to lick the lid of my nalgene/eco-canteen because it looks just like his!

Whatever your choice, as we head into the blistering hot days of summer - a water source of some kind for your canine companion is something you should never be without!  Pick a mode of transport, get your dog used to it, and make sure you always have it available.  You never know when a 'quick trip' could turn into an overheated car or a lengthy series of errands!!