Frequently Asked Questions

Q~ 1

WILL MY PET USE THE WATER BOTTLE?

Q~ 2

DO PET WATER BOTTLES HYDRATE OR PROVIDE SUFFICIENT WATER TO PETS?

Q~ 3

HOW DOES THE WATER BOTTLE WORK?

Q~ 4

HOW IS THE WATER BOTTLE INSTALLED?

Q~ 5

WHAT IS THE CORRECT DRINKING OR EATING LEVEL FOR MY PET?

Q~ 6

WHAT SIZE STAND DO I NEED?

Q~ 7

CAN LARGE PETS USE THE WATER BOTTLE?

Q~ 8

MY PET IS SCARED OFF BY THE SOUND OF THE STAINLESS STEEL BALLS

Q~ 9

WHY DOES MY WATER BOTTLE DRIP?

Q~ 10

WHY DO I NEED A DRIP BOWL?

Q~ 11

WHY DOES WATER RUN OUT OF THE DRINKING SPOUT or CAP JUST LIKE FROM A FAUCET?

Q~ 12

WHY DO THE STAINLESS STEEL BALLS SOMETIMES STICK UP INSIDE THE DRINKING TUBE?

Q~ 13

WHY DOES GREEN ALGAE GROW INSIDE MY BOTTLE?

Q~ 14

WHAT MAINTENANCE IS REQUIRED?

Q~ 15

CAN I USE ANY OF PAWS CREATIONS’ PRODUCTS OUTSIDE?

Q~ 16

ARE THE WATER BOTTLE STANDS TOP HEAVY?

Q~ 17

DO WATER BOTTLES HELP SHORT NOSED or FLAT FACED CATS AND DOGS?

Q~ 18

DO I NEED TO FILL THE BOTTLE FULL OF WATER EVEN IF MY PET WILL NOT DRINK THAT MUCH?

Q~ 19

DO THE WATER BOTTLES LEAK, DRIP CONTINUOUSLY?

Q~ 20

WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION ON PET WATER BOTTLES?

Q~ 21

HOW DO I TRAIN MY PET TO USE THE PET WATER BOTTLES?

Q~ 22

HOW CAN I TELL IF MY PET IS CONSUMING WATER?

Q~ 1

Answer

WILL MY PET USE THE WATER BOTTLE?

Various pets from dogs, cats and rabbits to the domesticated Exotics (such as Skunks or Fennec Foxes, etc) have been using the pet water bottles for years to drink from. 

Attend a CFA or TICA cat show or an AKC dog show and you will see what the breeders of our pets have long known, that water bottles are a great way to provide constant clean water to our pets, while keeping them and their environment dry.

According to the water bottle manufacturers (www.lixit.com, www.novalek.com, etc) many different types and sizes of pets (up to 80 pounds ~ see Pet Size & Personality), can and do use the water bottles.  See Training Your Pet for easy tips and tricks such as using a favorite food to train your pet.

IMPORTANT:  Before leaving your pet alone with the water bottle stand you must make sure your pet will use the water bottle and that the water bottle is working properly.

Q~ 2

Answer

DO PET WATER BOTTLES HYDRATE OR PROVIDE SUFFICIENT WATER TO PETS?

Yes ~ Pet water bottles have been in use for over 40 years by various associations, organizations, dog and cat clubs and pet breeders.

We use the water bottles manufactured by Lixit with the large diameter drinking tube.  We feel that with the large tube your pet (and ours) gets the same amount of water (or even more) than the pet would normally get from lapping up water from a water bowl.  The water goes directly into the pet’s mouth and is swallowed not lapped, splattered and splashed around or a water trail left behind as your pet walks off.

For this reason the use of pet water bottles is the fastest growing trend among today’s individual pet owners because they provide constant healthy clean water to the pet which will encourage the pet to drink even more.

Q~ 3

Answer

HOW DOES THE WATER BOTTLE WORK?

There is a drinking tube attached to the bottle cap.  Inside this tube are two stainless steel balls.  As your pet licks on the end of the drinking tube the stainless steel balls are pushed back releasing the clean water directly into your pet’s mouth.  When your pet stops drinking the stainless steel balls fall back into position at the end of the drinking tube shutting off the flow of water.  A few water drops may take place at this point as the vacuum pressure reestablishes itself and drip bowl will catch those.

Important Note:  Your pet does not suck or nurse on the drinking tube; it just licks on the end of the tube to obtain the water.  The pet uses the same drinking motions they would normally use if they were drinking from a bowl of water.

Q~ 4

Answer

HOW IS THE WATER BOTTLE INSTALLED?

After cleaning (see Q-14 answer); fill the bottle with fresh clean water making sure thecap is securely tightened (if not very tight it will leak).

Insert the water bottle into the bottle support unit with the drinking tube in the downward position.  You have no need of springs, cords or clamps to hold it in place. 

Once installed the stainless steel balls should move freely to the tip of the drinking tube.  Tap the stainless steel balls with your fingertip a couple of times to ensure free water flow and to remove any trapped air bubbles inside the drinking tube.  NEVER squeeze the bottle in an attempt to start the water flow or to remove air bubbles.  Squeezing the bottle may actually draw the balls up into the tube and prevent them from returning to their proper position.  If this happens your pet will not be able to get any water.  Check a couple of times a day to make sure the balls are in the tip of the tube or just listen as your pet drinks.  You will soon know by the sounds that are made as your pet drinks if the balls or in the correct position.

Provide fresh water daily.

Q~ 5

Answer

WHAT IS THE CORRECT DRINKING OR EATING LEVEL FOR MY PET?

Water Bottle:  Ideally you want your pet to be able to walk straight up to the water bottle with its head level and lick on the tube to drink.  The water is then transferred from the pet’s tongue down its throat when it swallows.

Food Bowl:  Your pet needs to be able to reach the bottom of the food bowl without its throat rubbing or touching against anything as this can lead to difficulty in swallowing and may irritate your pet’s throat.

Please see What You Need to Know and How to Measure to determine the correct height for your pet.

Q~ 6

Answer

WHAT SIZE STAND DO I NEED?

Each model stand has an adjustable height range but the size of the stand you will need will depend upon the mature height of your pet.

Please see Pedigree Buying Guide, What You Need to Know and How to Measure to determine the correct height for your pet.

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Q~ 7

Answer

CAN LARGE PETS USE THE WATER BOTTLE?

According to Lixit (the water bottle manufacturer), pets up to 80 lbs can use the water bottles but it is up to the consumer and their preference.  Please see Pet Size & Personality for more information.

Q~ 8

Answer

MY PET IS SCARED OFF BY THE SOUND OF THE STAINLESS STEEL BALLS

Some pets are at first, but that can be overcome with patience and positive encouragement on your part.  Using the tips and tricks (a favorite food) in Training Your Pet your pet will eventually not even notice the sounds the balls make.

Q~ 9

Answer

WHY DOES MY WATER BOTTLE DRIP?

A new vacuum seal is being created as the air space and water volume within your bottle is equalizing.  You may also need to tighten the cap more.  The *cap must be screwed on very, very tight.

*Do NOT grasp the drinking tube when screwing or unscrewing the water bottle cap.  Only grasp the cap.

Q~ 10

Answer

WHY DO I NEED A DRIP BOWL?

We provide a drip bowl with the water bottle products because of the how the water bottle works.  When you add the water to the bottle or when your pet drinks, a new vacuum seal is being created as the air space and water volume within your bottle is equalizing. A few drops may take place at this point, hence the drip bowl.  Our stands are designed so that the drip bowl sits directly under the drinking tube to catch any drops that may occur from the water bottle.

Q~ 11

Answer

WHY DOES WATER RUN OUT OF THE DRINKING SPOUT or CAP JUST LIKE FROM A FAUCET?

There could be several reasons for this to happen.

• Make sure the *cap is screwed on very, very tight.
• Make sure your bottle is not missing the rubber gasket inside the cap and that the rubber gasket is in good condition and lying flat.
• Make sure there is nothing inside the tube preventing the balls from settling down into place in the tip of the drinking tube.  Check for slime residue inside the tube due to lack of frequent or improper cleaning.
• Check for any damage to the bottle, even a small puncture or crack will allow air in and release the vacuum pressure allowing the water to leak out.

*Do NOT grasp the drinking tube when screwing or unscrewing the water bottle cap.  Only grasp the cap.

Q~ 12

Answer

WHY DO THE STAINLESS STEEL BALLS SOMETIMES STICK UP INSIDE THE DRINKING TUBE?

Sometimes improper handling of the bottle will cause this to happen.  After filling the bottle with water any squeezing of the bottle (even slight) may cause a suction that will draw the balls back up inside the tube.  Sometimes they will not drop back down into the correct position.  Every time you change and refill the bottle with water, check to make sure the balls are in the correct position by tapping the end of the tube with your fingertip several times.  NEVER  squeeze the bottle to see if water will come out.  Once you have installed the bottle back into the stand check again to make sure the balls are down in the correct position.  If the balls are not down in the correct position your pet will not be able to get ANY WATER.  These balls should always be in the tip of the drinking tube and should move freely to the touch.

Food particles may have become lodged inside preventing ball movement.  Run warm water or immerse in water and then agitate to dislodge the particles and the balls should become free.

Remember ~ if the balls are not down in the correct position your pet will not be able to get ANY WATER.

Q~ 13

Answer

WHY DOES GREEN ALGAE GROW INSIDE MY BOTTLE?

More frequent cleaning of your bottle is required.  Algae in the tube could block the tube and make the balls stick.  Per the bottle manufacturer; soak the bottle and cap in a bleach solution of 1-part household bleach to 10-parts water to destroy the algae.  Rinse the soaked parts thoroughly to remove the algae residue and all traces of the bleach.

Q~ 14

Answer

WHAT MAINTENANCE IS REQUIRED?

Products Made by PAWS Creations for Water and/or Food:  Place the drip bowl under the water bottle to catch any water drops that may occur.  Empty and wash the drip bowl as needed.  Regularly wipe the stand with a cloth to keep any water and/or food that may drop on the stands wiped off as over time it could damage your product (we use a cloth with Murphy’s Oil Soap diluted with water to wipe and clean our own personal stands).

Pet Water Bottle Hardware:
The water bottle manufacturer supplies and ships the bottle with hardware suitable for mounting on cages or fences.  This hardware can be discarded or stashed in a drawer, as it is not needed with our products. DO NOT leave this hardware in the bottle as it will rust.

Pet Water Bottle Maintenance:
Also see the instructions and warranty on the cardboard label supplied by the water bottle manufacturer that shipped with your bottle.  Per their instructions, do not place the water bottle in direct sunlight.

Cleaning and disinfecting:  It is important that the bottle and drinking tube/cap-gasket assembly be kept clean.

Wash bottle, rubber gasket, cap and tube assembly before using the first time and then routinely in warm, soapy water and rinse thoroughly (a residue of soap can cause intestinal upset such as diarrhea)…5 or more rinses may be needed.  I always use a small amount of white vinegar (about a teaspoon full) with my final rinse water as it will remove soap residue….(Google "white vinegar uses" for more useful tips).

Sterilizing or disinfecting the water bottle and tube assembly reduces the chances of bacteria or algae growth.  Separate bottle, cap and gasket and soak submerged.

• To sterilize:  Pour boiling water over bottle and tube assembly and immerse in the water for at least 15 minutes.
• To disinfect; Soak for one hour in solution using one-part household chlorine bleach to ten-parts water and rinse thoroughly….5 or more rinses may be needed.

Note:  For those who add the tuna water from a can of water packed tuna or use flavored water to entice your pet to drink more wash and rinse the bottle frequently to prevent bacteria growth.

As with any pet watering system, the pet owner should check the bottle daily to insure that there is an adequate water supply, that no leaks have developed in the bottle and that the cap/drinking tube assembly is working properly. The drinking tube can become contaminated with food causing the balls to stick, (if the balls are not down in the correct position your pet will not be able to get ANY WATER.  Seals can develop leaks or the bottle may be punctured by a chewing pet, all of which are easily corrected by a responsible pet owner.

Food Bowl

As with any food utensil, wash after each use.

Q~ 15

Answer

CAN I USE ANY OF PAWS CREATIONS’ PRODUCTS OUTSIDE?

No ~ ALL products made by PAWS Creations are for Indoor Use Only.

Per the water bottle manufacturer (see label attached to your bottle) ~ do not place your water bottle in direct sunlight.  Also see Pet Water Bottles and the Weather under the What You Need to Know page for more bottle and weather effects information.

Q~ 16

Answer

ARE THE WATER BOTTLE STANDS TOP HEAVY?

No ~ The stands will not fall or topple forward unless someone deliberately knocks them forward and even then it would take an unjustified amount of force.  If anything the stands would more easily fall backwards, hence the reason we designed them so they could sit flush against a wall or cabinet.

Q~ 17

Answer

DO WATER BOTTLES HELP THE SHORT NOSED or FLAT FACED CATS AND DOGS?

We feel the water bottles benefits all breeds otherwise I would not use or sell them (see Benefits).  But for *short nosed, flat-nosed breeds even more so, because they cannot accidentally inhale water through their noses. 

*Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome is the medical term related to various upper airway problems found in short-nosed, flat-faced dog breeds such as the Pekingese dogs or Persians cats.  (Google for more information on brachycephalic pets).

Q~ 18

Answer

DO I NEED TO FILL THE BOTTLE FULL OF WATER EVEN IF MY PET WILL NOT DRINK THAT MUCH?

YES, Always fill your bottle completely full of water even if your pet does not need that amount.  As the air space and water volume within your bottle equalizes a vacuum seal is created.  The less air in the bottle the quicker the seal will be created and the easier it will be to maintain the seal and prevent drips.

Q~ 19

Answer

DO THE WATER BOTTLES LEAK, DRIP CONTINUOUSLY?

No, the bottles do not leak, drip continuously… let me explain.

The nature of a pet water bottle using the vacuum-value system operates on the movement of the stainless steel balls that are located within the drinking tube.  These balls should always move freely when touched.  When you add water to the bottle you displace the air in the bottle and create a vacuum seal.  When you insert the bottle into the stand it will take a minute or two for the water to stabilize or when your pet drinks it will have to re-stabilize.  During that time some drops may occur, hence the drip bowl.

Q~ 20

Answer

WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION ON PET WATER BOTTLES?

For more information on pet water bottles please see the FAQ’s for Consumers on the Lixit website:   http://www.lixit.com/consumers or the articles written on the Novalek/Oasis website:  http://www.novalek.com/oasis/water_bottles/introduction_water_bottles.htm

Q~ 21

Answer

HOW DO I TRAIN MY PET TO USE THE PET WATER BOTTLES?

Please see Training Your Pet for easy tips and tricks to use to introduce your pet to the water bottle stands.

Q~ 22

Answer

HOW CAN I TELL IF MY PET IS CONSUMING WATER?

If you only have one pet it will be very easy to monitor your pets’ water intake.  You know how much water you put into the bottle, you can see how much is in the drip bowl (if any) and you can see what is left in the bottle and that will give you an idea of how much the pet drank.  You can also watch as your pet is drinking and you will see air bubbles float to the top inside the bottle.