You fill the water bowl before you leave for work. By lunchtime it's been knocked over, pushed into the corner, gone dusty, or it's simply empty, and your dog is waiting at the door with a dry mouth. If you've been looking for an automatic dog water bowl in Australia to keep fresh water topped up while you're out, this guide is for you. It's especially handy for owners of small dogs, puppies and cats.
Why water matters so much for Aussie dogs
Dogs can't sweat the way we do. They cool down mostly by panting, and panting uses up water. On a warm Queensland afternoon, a humid Sydney day or a dry 35-degree day out west, a dog without water can go downhill fast. Water also helps with digestion, keeps joints moving and supports healthy kidneys.
Signs your dog might not be drinking enough include a dry or sticky nose and gums, tiredness, thick saliva and sunken-looking eyes. If you notice any of these, or your dog seems unwell in the heat, call your vet straight away.
Why the water bowl ends up empty (or knocked over)
Most of us don't forget to fill the bowl. The problem is what happens to it after we leave:
- It gets tipped over. Puppies and playful small dogs love to paw at, step in or push around a light bowl.
- It runs out. A small bowl that's fine in winter can be empty by midday in summer.
- It goes stale. Water left sitting all day collects dust, fur and bits of food, and some dogs simply won't drink it.
- Food and water end up everywhere. Two separate bowls get nudged apart, spilled and stepped in.
How a self-refilling dog water bowl works
A self-refilling (or "gravity") water bowl uses an upside-down bottle that sits above the bowl. As your pet drinks and the water level drops, more water flows down from the bottle to top the bowl back up. There are no batteries, cords or pumps to worry about, so it's simple and quiet.
It doesn't replace your daily check-in, but it does give your dog a much bigger supply of water than a single small bowl, without you having to be home to refill it.
Our pick: the Automatic Water & Food Double Bowl
Our Automatic Water & Food Double Bowl for Cats & Small Dogs ($17.59) puts food and water side by side in one tidy bowl, with an attached bottle that tops up the water side by itself as your pet drinks.
How to set it up:
- Fill the bottle with fresh water and screw it into the base.
- Flip it over and the water side fills up automatically.
- As your pet drinks, the bottle releases more water to keep the bowl topped up.
- Add food to the other side, and mealtime and hydration are sorted in one spot.
Why it helps:
- Fresh water all day, even when you're out
- Food and water together in one tidy, space-saving bowl
- Sturdy base that's harder to tip over
- Easy to take apart and clean
- Available in Grey, Blue and Pink
Is it right for your dog? This bowl is best suited to cats, puppies and small dogs. Larger dogs will usually need a bigger water bowl, so if you've got a Labrador or a Kelpie, pair a big bowl with plenty of shade instead.
Tips for keeping your dog hydrated while you're at work
- Put the bowl in the shade. Pick a spot that stays out of direct sun all day, not just in the morning. Remember the sun moves.
- Have more than one water source. A backup bowl in another shady spot is cheap insurance if one gets knocked or emptied.
- Wash the bowl and refill the bottle daily. Fresh water every day keeps it clean and more appealing, and stops slime building up.
- Keep it on a flat, stable surface. A level floor or tiles inside, or a paved area outside, helps the bowl sit steady.
- Watch the hot days. On really hot days, keep your dog indoors or somewhere cool if you can, and check the forecast before you leave.
- Get your puppy used to it. Let your puppy explore the new bowl while you're home so it feels familiar before you head out.
Make mealtimes calmer too
If your small dog wolfs down their food and then gets bored, a little enrichment goes a long way:
- Calm & Slow Feeding Kit: this double bowl, a snuffle mat and a lick mat together for less.
- 3D Snuffle Mat: hide kibble or treats so your dog sniffs and forages for them, which slows eating down and keeps them busy.
Fresh water, sorted
An empty or tipped-over water bowl is one of those small problems that can turn into a big one on a hot Aussie day. A self-refilling bowl, a shady spot and a daily refresh go a long way to making sure your small dog, puppy or cat always has water while you're out. Wagly offers free shipping Australia-wide (we ship within Australia only), and you can use code WAGLY10 at checkout for 10% off.