July is National Pet Hydration Month, and with the increase of extreme temperatures comes the need for easily accessible water for you and your pet.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Does your dog or cat have easy access to water?
- Is it clean water?
It is essential to keep water readily accessible, especially during the summer months. However, giving contaminated water to your pet will do more harm than good.
Studies indicate good-quality water benefits pets, especially by strengthening their immune systems. Hydrating internal organs will also keep pets’ organs functioning correctly and efficiently.
What contaminants are commonly found in tap water that can harm pets?
Unfortunately, hundreds of dangerous things could be lurking in your tap water. Bacteria, viruses, lead, other heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, microplastics, pesticides, PFAS, and other toxic chemicals can be found in tap water in the United States. These dangerous contaminants can threaten your health and the health of your pet. They can contribute to serious pet health issues such as urinary tract infections and kidney problems.
Filtering your furry friend’s water is a simple way to minimize their exposure to harmful substances, support their immune system, and ensure their organs function properly.
Do you need more proof that water quality is significant for your pet? Our COO, Heather Quinn, a proud cat owner, learned how important water quality is. Here’s her shocking story:
“My cat was very sick…and I ended up taking him to the vet. $700 later, we learned that he had a UTI and crystals built up in his bladder. He had to undergo surgery to remove them. The vet asked if we had changed his food type or water source recently and I had originally said no. He immediately suspected that the water caused it. The vet recommends filtering your pets’ water because the minerals and chemicals found in well/tap water can create imbalance in the pet and cause these crystals to form in the bladder. The crystals block urine passage and cause kidney failure.”
As unsettling as that story may be, there are ways you can provide clean, safe drinking water for your pet.
What are the differences between cats’ and dogs’ drinking habits regarding water quality?
It’s no secret that cats and dogs can greatly benefit from drinking clean, fresh water, but their habits and preferences can differ.
If you’re a cat owner, it may come as no surprise that cats are more particular about the water they drink. Cats often have more refined palettes and may prefer to drink from running water rather than a stagnant water bowl.
Dogs, however, are less particular about water. Most dogs will happily lap up water from whatever vessel you provide; freshness usually doesn’t matter to them.
Why are cats picky about water?
If the water you offer your cat has a strange odor or taste, especially if it tastes or smells like chlorine, your cat may avoid it altogether.
Cats have an incredible sense of smell, meaning they can detect the faintest scents, such as contaminants like chlorine in tap water. Their taste buds can detect tiny changes in freshness and purity, so if the water tastes off, they may refuse to drink it. Most cats may even prefer flowing, fresh water over a bowl sitting out because your cat’s instincts perceive moving water as safer and cleaner.
How can I encourage my cat to drink more water?
If you are having trouble getting your cat to drink water, offering filtered water is a start. Tap water, especially from a municipal water supply, may have enough chlorine to turn up your feline friend’s nose. Also, making sure you’re freshening their bowl often can help.
If that doesn’t work, try switching from a water bowl to a drinking fountain, which may be the encouragement it needs. Your cat may prefer drinking from a moving water source, so it’s worth a shot. If all else fails, consult your vet to ensure your cat gets enough hydration.
What are the risks of dehydration in cats?
Domesticated cats are more vulnerable to dehydration because, out in the wild, felines usually get their hydration from the prey they eat. Especially, if you feed your cat dry kibble, they cannot get the hydration they need from eating if they aren’t prompted to drink enough water.
When a cat is dehydrated, it can put extra strain on their kidneys and make them more prone to developing urinary tract issues.
Aside from a change in drinking habits, signs of dehydration in cats may include lethargy, loss of appetite, or changes in urination.
Doing everything you can to ensure your cat drinks enough water and avoids dehydration is paramount.
Should I give my pet cold or room temperature water?
Most pet experts and vets will tell you that pets prefer room-temperature water. If the water is too cold, your pet may be sensitive to it, especially older pets or ones with sensitive teeth.
Room-temperature water is more natural and comfortable. Occasionally, refill your pet’s bowl with fresh filtered water and let nature do the rest.
You should only serve clean, filtered water at room temperature to support your pet’s hydration and health.
Is giving your pet filtered water better than bottled water?
Giving your pet filtered water is the most economical and environmentally friendly solution. Bottled water may be more convenient, but it can become costly and contribute to landfill waste and pollution. Our blog, Ditch Bottled Water: Filters Can Save You Thousands, explains how filters can benefit the environment and your budget.
Bottled water companies are not required to use certified labs for testing and reporting results, so it’s best to choose an accredited filter to reduce specific contaminants for peace of mind that your pet is getting the best water quality possible.
Can water contaminants cause health issues in dogs?
Bacteria and chemicals aren’t the only things you have to worry about. Heavy metals and pharmaceutical residues can become troublesome for your pet.
The Dangers of Heavy Metals
Heavy metals lurking in your water can threaten your pet’s health. You usually hear about the dangers of lead, but copper is also a cause for concern.
Over time, copper can build up in your dog’s system, leading to storage hepatopathy, seriously affecting its liver. Storage hepatopathy can result in liver damage, poor organ function, and long-term complications if left unchecked.
How Pharmecuticals Can Affect Your Pet
Pharmaceutical residue from antibiotics, pain relievers (NSAIDs), steroids, and even treatments for parasites or fungal infections has been found in water supplies. Although they may be in trace amounts, repetitive exposure can damage your pet’s health.
Liver problems are among the most common health issues in pets who have consumed water contaminated with pharmaceuticals. Exposure to pharmaceutical residue can stress the liver and can lead to even more serious problems, including liver damage or cirrhosis.
These contaminants are often invisible and tasteless, so you do not want to disregard filtering your pet’s water. However, not all water filters are created the same. You’ll need to ensure that the water filtration system you use is certified to reduce the contaminants you are concerned about.
First, you’ll want to understand what contaminants are in your water and how to filter them best. You can contact your local water supply and ask for the most recent water quality report. The next best step is to test your water. You can purchase a water test kit or have your water tested by a professional company or lab.
Once you know what contaminants are in your tap water, you can find the right water filtration option that meets your unique needs.
Best Pet Drinking Fountains
The ZEUS Fresh & Clear Elevated Dog and Cat Water Dispenser provides your dog or cat with a steady supply of fresh and clean drinking water by recirculating water flow.
This drinking fountain has multi-stage filtration that eliminates stale water by trapping impurities. Its elevated large surface area makes it worthwhile for larger people, the elderly, or those suffering from physical ailments.
ZEUS Fresh & Clear Elevated Dog and Cat Water Dispenser
The correct replacement filter is the ZEUS Triple Action Fountain Filter 2-pack.
The Catit Design Fresh and Clear Stainless Steel Top Drinking Fountain is designed to encourage your cat to drink more water. This pet drinking fountain provides your cat with clean, oxygenated water. It features a bubbler that creates a calm movement of water and a stainless steel top that’s dishwasher safe for easy maintenance.
The included triple-action fountain filter will remove magnesium and calcium from tap water, odors, and impurities, and retain stray cat hair, sediment, and debris. Its unique design will create the perfect drinking environment for your feline friend.
Catit Design Drinking Fountain
The Catit Triple Action Fountain Filter is the correct replacement filter.
Remember, your pet can share the same health benefits you and I enjoy from drinking filtered water. Don’t deprive your pet of this essential resource!
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