Q&A: Is it safe for my pets to drink out of my water fountain?

Pets will seek out flowing water, whether it's coming from the garden hose or a decorative fountain in your home. Despite your best efforts, your curious cat or dog may very well end up nosing his or her way into the flow of water at every available opportunity. Don't worry - drinking from a fountain won't harm your furry friends. To keep your fountain from getting slimy and hairy, though, take a moment to pet-proof it so everyone in your home is happy and your fountain keeps running efficiently.

Protect your pump from potential clogs by cutting a length of sheer pantyhose and slipping it over the pump. Tie off both ends tightly. This will prevent dander and other debris from being pulled inside the rotors or blocking the pump cover. If you see pet hair floating in the water, it's time for a water change.

Fountains that pets frequently drink from should be cleaned often. Completely empty the water, wipe out the fountain and re-fill. You should periodically give it a full cleaning as directed in your instruction manual, being sure to rinse it out completely.

If your pet only drinks from the fountain occasionally, it's safe to use fountain water treatments to keep your fountain clear of algae, bacteria and mineral deposits. These water treatments are non-toxic and won't harm your pet as long as they are used as directed, diluted by plenty of water. We recommend that you only use anti-algae and anti-mineral scale water treatments that have been specially formulated for water fountains. Since water treatment formulas vary, read the label before use. If your pet drinks out of the fountain several times a day, it may be safer to skip the water treatments and clean the fountain more often instead.

Of course, decorative fountains are not pet fountains and should not be used as the sole source of water for your pets. Have plenty of fresh, clean water available at all times to keep your pets properly hydrated.

For a wide selection of decorative indoor fountains, check out KineticFountains.com.