Posted: July 8, 2009, 5 a.m. EDT
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A dog named Sweetie uses the
WaterDog at HSSV’s new dog park. |
The summer months bring high temperatures that can cause dogs to become
dehydrated. That’s why the Humane Society of Silicon Valley (HSSV) is using the WaterDog, an automated, outdoor pet drinking fountain, at its new
dog park in Milpitas, Calif.
HSSV has installed five of the sonar-activated units at its members-only Animal Community Center Dog Park, allowing dogs to help themselves to fresh drinking water.
“Just like people, dogs should be well-hydrated, especially when they are active in warm weather,” said Dr. Julia Lewis, director of animal welfare and staff veterinarian for HSSV. “It’s important to provide access to fresh water for them. Water that sits in a bowl can become contaminated from debris, evaporate, or the bowl can get flipped over.”
The WaterDog, made by Canadian-based Contech Enterprises Inc., activates when a pet comes within three feet of the unit and turns off automatically when the pet leaves. The fountain connects to an outdoor facet and operates up to one year on four C-cell batteries, according to the company.