Read Up on the Best Dog Sprinklers

Keep your pooch cool during the dog days of summer with a bit of water play. Most dogs love splashing about in a pool. Who can blame them? We also love lounging in the water to beat the summer heat. However, there are some dogs who prefer playing with water from a sprinkler or dog sprinkler pad. Of course, it’s not just your dog who’ll benefit from having a sprinkler in the yard. It’s a good way for you to keep cool without swimming in the same water as your pooch. Your kids (if you have any) would love to have some water fun with a sprinkler as well. Plus, you don’t end up wasting any water because your lawn gets a “drink” too. 

Now, when it comes to dog sprinklers and dog sprinkler pads, there are several types that you can choose from. There’s the regular type of sprinkler that you’d find in most lawns. You can get a sprinkler mat or a paw-activated water fountain. And then there are the water toy sprinklers specifically made for the enjoyment of kids and dogs alike. The question you need to ask is, which dog sprinkler is best for you and your pet?

Top Picks: The Best Dog Sprinklers Today

#1 Best Overall: Peteast Dog Pool Anti-Slip Splash Pad Dog Sprinkler

Our pick for the best overall dog sprinkler is the Peteast Dog Pool Anti-Slip Splash Pad Dog Sprinkler. This splash pad is, in our opinion, the best of both worlds. It features a wading pool and sprinklers. The Peteast sprinkler mat is made of non-toxic, BPA-free, phthalate-free, high-quality PVC material. It’s 100% safe for your dogs to use. The bottom of the mat is 0.5mm thick which prevents it from getting easily scratched and causing a leak. An inflatable ring surrounds the pad, allowing the center to fill up with water. The same outer ring features holes that act as sprinklers. 

You’ll definitely love hanging out in this mini-pool. Your pooch will have a grand time catching the water from the sprinklers, and you can cool off in the pool of water. You could easily increase or decrease the height of the water by adjusting the water pressure. 

This dog splash pad is available in three sizes: small, medium, and large. It can easily accommodate breeds of all sizes, even those as big as a Leonberger and a Rottweiler. The only drawback to this toy sprinkler is that it’s a bit pricey compared to others we’ve come across. But for durability, ease of use, and level of entertainment, we think it’s well worth the price. 

Pros and Cons of the Peteast Dog Pool Anti-Slip Splash Pad Dog Sprinkler

Best Splash Pad

Peteast Dog Pool Anti-Slip Splash Pad Dog Sprinkler

• Combines a mini-pool with a sprinkler
• 100% high-quality PVC material
• Non-toxic and environmentally friendly
• Available in three sizes
• Please note: The inflatable ring is not puncture-proof

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2. Best Paw-Activated Sprinkler: Trio Gato Happy Dog Pet Water Fountain

If splashing around is not your pet’s favorite water activity, then they might be more interested in this interactive “water toy” — the Trio Gato Happy Dog Pet Water Fountain.

Now, the main purpose of this step-on sprinkler is to provide your pooch with fresh and flowing water whenever he’s outside. Dogs don’t sweat like we do and they need access to plenty of clean water to keep themselves cool and hydrated. But this water fountain can also provide some decent water play for your pet. It’s much safer too.

What do we mean? Sprinklers are great and all, but they can cause dogs to drink too much water while they’re playing. This can lead to water intoxication where the balance of electrolytes in your pup’s body gets disrupted. Water intoxication can lead to loss of consciousness, seizures, brain damage, and even death.

With a step-on sprinkler, your dog won’t be able to access too much water. Anytime they step off the device, the water stops. While there’s less splashing with a water fountain, it’s also much safer and conserves more water.

So, why do we love this particular paw-activated water toy? Obviously, there are health and environmental benefits to using such a device. But we also love how easy this is to use. You just need to attach it to the hose, adjust the water pressure accordingly, and let the dog play. 

The device itself is quite hefty in hand. It features a copper valve that prevents water from leaking. The fountain is made of heavy gauge steel for extra durability. The rubber friction pads underneath the device prevent it from moving while your dog is pressing down on it.

While many dogs love this water toy, you should introduce it to your dog carefully, as some dogs may instead be scared of it. In addition, some customers reported that the spring is not super strong, and in some cases, it popped out or got stuck in the on position.

Pros and Cons of the Trio Gato Happy Dog Pet Water Fountain

Best for Outdoors

Trio Gato Dog Outdoor Dog Step-On Water Fountain

•Easy use step-on fountain

•No clean up required

•Outdoor water fountain

•Y connector for hose usage

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3. Best Budget Sprinkler: Kids Sprinkler Fire Hydrant

A great way to introduce your dog to playing with water is the Kids Sprinkler Fire Hydrant, our best budget pick.

Some pet parents are unsure about how their dog will feel about a sprinkler. Not all dogs love water, after all. Of course, your pup still deserves a fun way to cool down during summer. And what better way to entice them to play with water than with the Kids Sprinkler Fire Hydrant?

Yes, this is a water toy for kids, but it can be used by dogs too. The fire hydrant design is cute. At full water pressure, the water shoots up really high — around 8 to 9 feet. We were quite surprised at how powerful it was considering this sprinkler is awfully small (less than 9 inches tall) and made of light plastic.

When it is on, the top of the hydrant spins, splashing water all around. Sometimes fall down, but it is easy to stand it upright again — and you can get a bit of a cool-off while doing so. However, as it is made of light plastic, it is not the most durable water toy available.

As we’ve mentioned before, not all dogs will like to play with a sprinkler. But with this toy, we felt the risk was worth it. The fire hydrant is budget-friendly at under 20 dollars. More importantly, you can always lower the water pressure to slowly introduce your pup to the sprinkler. And given time, we’re pretty sure he’s going to love it.

Pros and Cons of the Kids Sprinkler Fire Hydrant

Best Budget Sprinkler

Kids Sprinkler Fire Hydrant for Kids and Dogs

• The sprinkler is less than 9" tall and made of light-weight plastic
• At full pressure, water shoots up to 8 - 9 feet
• The hydrant will spin and fall down
• This is a great way to get your water-shy dog to enjoy playing under a sprinkler
• Low-cost

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4. Best Toy Sprinkler: Tidal Storm Hydro Swirl Spinning Sprinkler

If you want to transform your backyard into a dog water park, there’s no other sprinkler better than the Tidal Storm Hydro Swirl Spinning Sprinkler. This is a spinning water sprinkler that features six wiggle tubes that spray and twirl, creating swirls of water that shoot out into the air. 

This hydro-powered spinning dome is easy to hook up to your standard hose. The radius and height of the water can reach up to around 15 feet at full water pressure. It can easily be used to water your lawn while keeping your dog entertained.

The toy is lightweight, which is great for transport and storage, but it may not be as durable as the aforementioned sprinklers. Now, if you have a dog that loves to nibble, be prepared to lose the wiggly tubes. But even without the tubes, the sprinkler is still effective in providing your dogs with lots of playtime. And while this is not an interactive toy, it can still keep your dog active day after day. And at around 15 dollars, it is well worth the price.

Pros and Cons of the Tidal Storm Hydro Swirl Spinning Sprinkler

Best Toy Sprinkler

Tidal Storm Hydro Swirl Spinning Sprinkler with Wiggle Tubes

• Features 6 wiggle tubes that twirl as they spray water into the air
• Easy to connect to a standard hose
• The water's radius and height can reach 15 feet
• Can water your lawn while your dog plays
• Budget-friendly

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What to Look For in a Dog Sprinkler

There are five main factors when considering the right sprinkler for your dog:

• Features
• Ease of use
• Durability
• Portability
• Fun factor

Let’s take a closer look at these in more detail.

Features

Obviously, you plan to use the dog sprinkler to provide your pooch with some water fun. But you might want to consider what other features you want your sprinkler to have. A dog splash pad, for example, provides your dog with a pool to wade in. A step-on water fountain is more interactive, teaching your dog a new trick while keeping him hydrated. A toy sprinkler is typically not as strong as a regular sprinkler but can have special features like splashy strands or a fire hydrant design. 

Ease of Use

Look for a dog sprinkler that’s easy to set up and put away once your pooch is done playing. There are dog sprinklers such as the paw-activated water fountain that just need to be attached to a hose before it’s ready for use. The sprinkler mat and similar models will need to be unfolded and attached to the hose. You’ll also need to let the water inflate the outer ring before it’s ready. Once your dog is done playing, you’ll need to drain the water and dry it out before it can be stored away. 

Durability

Dogs can get quite excited when they’re playing with water. It’s not uncommon for them to start biting or chewing on a sprinkler. You need to look for a dog sprinkler that will be able to withstand your pet’s enthusiasm. If you’re getting a dog splash pad, it’s important that you find one that’s puncture-proof. All that splashing around can scratch the bottom of the pool or even the inflatable outer ring. You need to look for one that’s made of thick, industrial-strength PVC. 

Portability

If you want to be able to take the dog sprinkler with you when you’re on vacation or even just visiting a friend’s house, you need to think about portability. Some water toys come with their own carry bags, while others won’t take up much space in the trunk of your car. 

Fun Factor

Let’s face it. Plenty of dogs will have pretty much maximum fun with a regular lawn sprinkler or hose. And it’s fun for you to engage in interactive play using the garden hose to keep them guessing. So if you’re going out of your way to get a sprinkler, you don’t want to buy it and set it up only to find you and your doggo disappointed with a product that’s kind of lame. It’s got to be worth it and provide hours of entertainment!

Up Next:

• Best Dog Pools — A cool and relaxing lounge in the water may be more your dog’s pace.
• The Best Pet Nail Trimmer — Definitely trim your doggie’s nails before he or she hits a pool or splash pad!
• Best Waterproof Dog Bed — Once your dog is done playing in the water, she’ll need a moisture-resistant place to rest up.