Water and Pets

　　Ensuring Adequate Hydration for Our Four-Legged Companions

　　A common scene, possibly one you’ve experienced personally—sipping chilled, bottled, or filtered water from the fridge, while Fido’s bowl is replenished with tap water. But should our pets, with their scaly or furry hides, make do with inferior hydration? It’s widely understood that tap water can contain bacteria, yet we often choose what we deem the "safer" alternative. Nonetheless, many pet owners continue to serve their animals tap water. Just like humans, animals are predominantly made up of water—approximately 80%—and most experts agree that our pets should enjoy the same quality hydration as their human counterparts: purified or bottled water. The contaminants in tap water, such as parasites, do not discriminate based on species. High concentrations of minerals like iron, magnesium, or nitrates can pose significant risks to both humans and pets alike.

　　Giardia, a microscopic organism living within the intestinal lining, is a parasite that can be spread through contaminated water, food, or surfaces, causing diarrhea in pets and people alike, with more severe effects on younger animals. Treatments with anti-protozoal drugs are available for pets with infections.

　　Waterborne carcinogens, similar to those that affect humans (with fluoride being a notable example), are also a worry. Filtered water can remove potentially harmful organisms or metals, protecting against illness.

　　Cats and dogs, the most beloved pets, need plenty of fresh water. Cats, for example, are very particular about the freshness of their water, and the longer it sits out, the less attractive it becomes. Furthermore, a pet’s bowl can become a breeding ground for bacteria from airborne mold, underscoring the importance of regular cleaning and refilling with filtered water. Increased hydration can also reduce the occurrence of urinary tract issues in these pets.

　　For pets that depend on moisture, such as amphibians, water is absorbed through the skin rather than ingested, highlighting the importance of high-quality water for their health and longevity. Tadpoles, for instance, are highly sensitive to water purity. Fish are also vulnerable to chlorine or ammonia present in tap water and require specific pH levels for a healthy environment, as poor water quality can encourage the growth of harmful algae.

　　Pet dehydration can be identified by examining the gums. If the gums return to their normal color within two seconds after pressing your finger against them, this is a sign of healthy hydration. Symptoms of dehydration also include dry gums, sunken eyes, and more. Keeping your pet well-hydrated is crucial to preventing dehydration.

　　Utilizing bottled water for pets can be expensive and environmentally detrimental, with only a small fraction of plastic bottles being recycled. Moreover, some bottled water is just filtered tap water, which may still contain certain contaminants.

　　Pet supply companies provide a variety of hydration options, ranging from fountains to specialized bowls. However, a simple bowl crafted from stainless steel or glass, regularly refilled with water from a home filtration system, is generally adequate. With a water filtration system, both you and your pet can enjoy numerous benefits.