How do you keep your dog from slurping his water all over the place?

[-Art]

Besides placing the dogs bowls outside, any suggestions as to how to keep the area around the bowl somewhat clean. Currently we have a rug under his bowls.

Any products or recommendations would be appreciated.

[katiem]

I use a boot mat (like for winter boots that carry lots of snow in the cleats) for under the bowls. However I do have to clean it up daily, because otherwise the mat would overflow.

[Evey]

Shadow has a "doggie diner". Her bowls are at mid shoulder height. Something like this, but home made out of wood http://www.thedoggiediner.com/ There is never a drop of water of a piece of food on the floor.

[_Lisa_]

I just bought a wide placemat to go under the bowls, so it keeps the mess off the floor. I got mine from PetSmart, so check your local pet store. Its got a ridge around it so the mess is contained, and its super easy to clean since I can just pick it up & wash it in the sink.

[Julia423]

I have a small, non-skid carpet under the bowl. But what really helped was buying a very, very, heavy bowl!

[lindsayanng]

it depends on what kind of dog you have too. Hound dogs are NOTORIOUS slurpers. My beagle will slurp and make a mess not only around his water bowl, but you will see a little trail of water drips walking away from the bowl.

We have wood floors in the room where he drinks, so its really no big deal> We also have one of those little mats you put under the food and water dish there.

[Hobbes1]

I have a follow-up question in this same vein:
does anyone have a dog who digs at the water in the bowl?

Hobbes has decided that it is now great fun to start digging at his half full water bowl. As you might imagine this causes a rediculous mess. Doesn't matter if the bowl is near empty or just recently filled, Hobbes will just decide on a whim to go at it.

Any ideas on how to rectify this? Currently I just yell at him to stop, which causes Misha to realize he's in trouble, which in turn leads her to believe that he needs some discipline as she will instantly run over and bodycheck him. It's actually quite comical as she does the same thing whenever Hobbes starts digging at the carpet, which they both know they are not allowed to do.

[lindsayanng]

I have a cat who does that, but i just let her do it. With a big dog, i can see how it can get a little messy :)

What about taking the food away and saying NO every time it happens, and when she calms down and sit's nicely, you can give it back to him.

[_Lisa_]

You could put an upside down bowl in your dog's water bowl, so he can drink water around it, but can't fit his paws in.

[katiem]

Levon used to do that too, he liked the loud clanging sound of the metal bowl being thrown around. I have one of those little double bowl holders, so now at home he can't dig up his water bowl. He still does it in the kennel though, luckily the people there think its hilarious.

Its something like this one:

Sorry, I had to delete the link because it kept going to some picture of some dude in a vest!?! Weird!

[phillydogs]

You need to elevate the water bowls so no digging or slurping will happen. Ikea sells the bowl holders for like, $9.99. I also have a rug to catch spillovers and crumbs.

[Lyka_01]

You need to elevate the water bowls so no digging or slurping will happen. Ikea sells the bowl holders for like, $9.99. I also have a rug to catch spillovers and crumbs.

I think I like this idea...I will try this one to avoid mess...:D

[PandaBear]

All of the ideas that are out there are good ones. I especially like the one about taking it away from the dog when he starts doing it. You need to let him know that you do not approve and you're top dog in the house so it's your way or the highway. I also like the elevating the bowl idea, it makes it much harder to dig in mid air. But if you have a truly determined dog you could also try filling his bowl and freezing it. When you do this the ice melts slowly throughout the day and he can lick it for water but not dig it out. You can also use this idea when you are taking your dog on a plane trip. When they are put down in cargo the water won't spill all over and they will have something to lap on when they need it. Good Luck!!!:)

[Gerry]

When my dogs have a drink, the water is just running off their muzzles. Water everywhere and they are not happy with just that, they will insist on drying themselves on me. To answer your question hobbes, Milly loves to bury her head in the water bowl and have a good swish around and when she gets warm after a game of football/pawball, she will put her paws in it to splash the water on herself to cool down. I have now put an old bathtub at the end of the garden for this purpose. Saves me a bit of work. :D

[xpalaboyx]

does anyone have a dog who digs at the water in the bowl?

- mikki only did this for couple of times and we say No to her whenever we caught her doing that...

[love4horses]

just elevate the water that is what i do with my dogs water and food hope u find something

[wishbone]

You could put an upside down bowl in your dog's water bowl, so he can drink water around it, but can't fit his paws in.

This is good one, my friend did it too, her dog first don't feel comfortable that she can't dig with her paw.

[ferJenna]

she will instantly run over and bodycheck him.
LMBO!!! I would love to see that! :D