Water and Pets
Interviewer: Welcome, everyone, to today’s edition of our pet-centric dialogue. We’re diving into a topic that stirs the hearts of many pet aficionados: the intriguing relationship between our pets and the world of water. What typically characterizes the interaction between our furry friends and aquatic settings? What benefits and challenges do these watery encounters bring? Join me as we explore the confluence where the aquatic realm meets our cherished pets.
You’ve all witnessed it, perhaps even participated in it—opting for bottled or refrigerated filtered water while our pets’ bowls are refilled with water from the less appealing tap. But why should our scaled or furry companions settle for subpar hydration? We’re well aware of the bacteria present in public water systems, which is precisely why we choose the ‘safe’ option. Yet, many persist in using tap water for their pets’ bowls. It’s a fact that, much like humans, animals require water to live and are composed of roughly 80% water. Most experts in animal care concur that pets deserve the same quality of water as we do—bottled or filtered. As previously mentioned, tap and well water can harbor numerous harmful substances, including parasites. These aren’t discerning between pets and humans! Water high in iron, magnesium, or nitrates can be particularly risky, posing health threats to both your family and your pet.
Consider Giardia, a single-celled organism that resides within the intestinal mucous lining, spread through the contamination of water, food, soil, and surfaces with fecal matter. This parasite can induce diarrhea in both animals and humans, with more severe effects on younger animals. Treatments like anti-protozoal drugs can be given to infected pets. Moreover, some water contaminants can cause cancer, similar to the risks in humans—fluoride being one example. Providing filtered water can eliminate potentially harmful organisms or metals.
Our most common pets, cats and dogs, require ample fresh water. Cats, in particular, are very particular about their water, preferring it fresh. Over time, water loses oxygen and becomes less appealing to them. It’s also worth noting that the type of water in a pet’s bowl is less critical than the frequency of cleaning the bowl itself, as bacteria can thrive in the mold found in the bowl’s environment. Keeping the bowl clean and filled with filtered water is key. Increased water intake can also help reduce urinary tract issues in these animals.
For more aquatic pets like amphibians, water is absorbed rather than ingested. Creatures such as frogs and salamanders depend on high-quality water for their skin to absorb, which directly affects their longevity. If you’re taking in a tadpole, for instance, it’s best to avoid tap water, as they are highly sensitive to water quality. Fish, too, are sensitive to chlorine or ammonia levels in their environment, which can be present in tap water treated at some plants. The pH balance of tank water is also crucial for their health, and poor water quality can foster harmful algae growth.
Detecting dehydration in cats and dogs is essential. One method is to check the pet’s gums: press your finger onto the gum and observe the speed at which the color returns when you release it—a delay may indicate dehydration. The moisture of the gums is also a factor. Furthermore, a 5% decrease in normal water ratios can signal dehydration, with other symptoms including sunken eyes, dry mouth, poor skin elasticity, lethargy, an increased heart rate, and constipation. Ensuring your pet stays hydrated is vital.
While some opt for bottled water for their pets, this can create more issues, including the exorbitant cost and environmental waste. Only a small percentage of plastic bottles are recycled, and some bottled water is merely filtered tap water, still posing risks to pets.
With water being so integral to a pet’s health, it’s no surprise that pet supply manufacturers have responded with various products like water fountains and special bowls. Nonetheless, a simple bowl made of stainless steel or glass, filled with water from a home filtration system, often does the trick. I hope you can appreciate that investing in a water filtration system can enhance the health of not only you but also your beloved pet.