You love your pup, and youd give the whole world to them if you could – which is why you need to consider the type of water you use to fill your dogs water bowl. Filtered water is the best option you can provide your dog, but is bottled water safe for your pooch?
Just because your dog can drink the toilet doesnt mean they should. Toilet water harbors microbes that are harmful to your pet, not to mention to you when Fido licks your face! Always provide your dog with filtered water as a safe choice for them to hydrate themselves. Heres what you should know about your dogs water sources:
Ever wondered if your furry friend should be sipping the same bottled water you enjoy? I’ve been there too! As a dog owner, I’m always concerned about what goes into my pup’s body – from the food they eat to the water they drink. Today, I’m diving into the bottled water debate for our canine companions.
The Quick Answer
Yes, you absolutely can give dogs bottled water, but it’s not necessarily better than clean tap water in most cases Studies have shown that in a like-for-like comparison against fresh, clean tap water, bottled water isn’t healthier or better for dogs. If your tap water is clean and safe for human consumption, it’s perfectly fine for your dog too!
Understanding Dog Hydration Needs
Before we dive deeper into water types, let’s talk about how dogs actually drink water. Unlike us humans who gulp down big glasses of water, dogs have a unique drinking style:
- Dogs typically lap water from their bowl
- Water usually sits in their bowl for hours
- This sitting time actually allows chemical concentrations to decrease
- Dogs don’t consume water in large amounts like humans do
This drinking behavior actually impacts how dogs process different types of water, which brings us to our main question.
Tap Water vs. Bottled Water for Dogs
Is Tap Water Safe?
According to research published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, tap water doesn’t cause bladder cancer in dogs, which has been a concern for some pet owners
Even though tap water contains disinfection by-products (from chemicals like chlorine), dogs have different exposure patterns compared to humans:
- Dogs don’t gulp large amounts at once
- Bowl water sits out, allowing chemicals to dissipate
- Dogs don’t take showers/baths (another major human exposure route)
The study examined 200 dogs (100 with bladder cancer, 100 without) and found no significant connection between tap water consumption and bladder cancer in dogs.
What About Bottled Water?
Bottled water is essentially filtered tap water in many cases. The main benefit is that chemicals and contaminants found in tap water are typically removed during bottling.
However, bottled water isn’t necessarily “better” for your dog than clean tap water. In fact, if you live in an area with safe drinking water, spending extra money on bottled water for your dog probably isn’t necessary.
Different Types of Water for Dogs
Let’s break down the various water options for your furry friend:
Tap Water
- Safety: Generally safe in developed countries with proper water treatment
- Cost: Most economical option
- Convenience: Highest convenience factor
- Environmental impact: Lowest impact
Bottled Water
- Safety: Generally safe, fewer chemicals than tap water
- Cost: More expensive than tap water
- Convenience: Requires purchase and storage
- Environmental impact: Higher due to plastic waste
Spring Water
- Safety: Generally fresh with fewer bacteria
- Cost: Can be expensive
- Convenience: Less convenient than tap water
- Benefit: Often recommended for dogs as it’s fresher and easier to drink
Filtered Water
- Safety: Removes many contaminants from tap water
- Cost: Initial investment in filter system, then ongoing filter replacement
- Convenience: Once set up, fairly convenient
- Benefit: Good compromise between tap and bottled water
When Bottled Water Might Be Better for Dogs
While tap water is generally fine, there are situations where bottled water might be preferred:
- Poor local water quality: If you live in an area with unsafe drinking water
- Travel: When traveling to areas with unknown water quality
- Dogs with specific health issues: Some vets recommend filtered water for dogs with kidney problems
- Temporary water issues: During boil water advisories or other water system problems
One vet I spoke with mentioned: “A big problem with unfiltered water is that it contains excessive amounts of aluminium and iron. An excess amount of these substances can cause kidney problems, especially in dogs with crystals of iron.”
How to Make the Best Water Choice for Your Dog
Consider these factors when deciding what water to give your pup:
Your Local Water Quality
- Check local water quality reports
- Consider having your tap water tested if concerned
Your Dog’s Health Needs
- Dogs with kidney issues may benefit from filtered water
- Consult your vet about specific water recommendations
Environmental Considerations
- Plastic bottles create waste
- Home filtering systems reduce plastic waste
Budget Factors
- Bottled water costs add up quickly
- Home filtering systems have upfront costs but may save money long-term
Home Water Filtering Options
If you’re concerned about tap water but don’t want to buy bottled water, consider these home filtering options:
- Pitcher filters: Affordable and easy to use
- Faucet attachments: Filter water directly from the tap
- Under-sink systems: More thorough filtration without counter clutter
- Whole-house systems: Filter all water entering your home
Products like ZeroWater use a 5-stage filtration system that’s more effective than most 2-stage filters. These systems can make your tap water as clean or cleaner than bottled water.
What Experts Say About Dog Water
Despite some concerns, most major veterinary organizations agree that unfiltered spring water is fine for dogs to drink:
- The American Kennel Club approves of unfiltered spring water
- The North American Veterinary Medical Association says it’s safe
- The University of Pennsylvania College of Veterinary Medicine confirms it’s acceptable
Tips for Keeping Your Dog’s Water Clean
Regardless of what type of water you choose, keeping it clean is important:
- Wash water bowls daily to prevent bacteria growth
- Change water at least twice daily for freshness
- Consider a water fountain to keep water moving and fresh
- Avoid plastic bowls that can harbor bacteria (ceramic or stainless steel are better)
- Monitor water consumption – changes can indicate health issues
FAQs About Dogs and Bottled Water
Is purified bottled water safe for dogs?
Yes! Purified bottled water is perfectly fine for dogs to drink. It has fewer chemicals and contaminants than regular tap water in most cases.
Can I give my dog boiled water that’s been cooled?
Absolutely! Boiling water kills most harmful bacteria and letting it cool before serving is a great way to provide clean water for your dog.
Do dogs prefer certain types of water?
Some dogs may show preferences! Some prefer room temperature water while others might prefer cold. Pay attention to your dog’s preferences.
How much water should my dog drink daily?
Dogs should drink about 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight each day. So a 50-pound dog needs about 50 ounces of water daily.
Is bottled water worth the extra cost for dogs?
In most cases, if your tap water is safe for human consumption, the extra cost of bottled water isn’t necessary for your dog.
Bottom Line on Bottled Water for Dogs
While you can certainly give your dog bottled water, it’s not a necessity in areas with clean, safe tap water. The most important thing is ensuring your dog has constant access to fresh, clean water regardless of the source.
If you’re concerned about your tap water quality or if your dog has specific health issues, consult with your vet about the best water options. And remember – the best water for your dog is the clean water they’ll actually drink!
I’ve found that my dog doesn’t seem to care whether her water comes from the tap or a fancy bottle – she just wants it fresh and available when she’s thirsty! What’s your experience been with your furry friend’s water preferences?
Have you noticed any differences in your dog’s drinking habits with different types of water? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments!
Benefits of Bottled Water for Dogs
Dogs raised on bottled water treated via reverse osmosis, and added minerals like calcium chloride and sodium bicarbonate are less likely to accept drinking water from the tap. Dogs have a very sensitive sense of smell – up to 100,000x more acute than human senses! They could sense traces of chlorine in water that we cant.
The main benefit of bottled water for dogs is safe drinking water. Dogs can sense additives that may not sit well with their digestive system, and they may turn away hard water from the tap as well. Purified water provides them a clear, clean, and crisp drink without the worry over industrial chemicals or dangerous strains of bacteria.
Is Bottled Water Better for Dogs?
Bottled water is generally perfectly safe for dogs. Bottled water companies often go through great lengths to ensure their products are safe for human consumption, so they are sanitized and filtered to remove any harmful microbes that could potentially make humans and pets sick.
Remember that your dog has a different bodily function from you, and the amount of chemical additives in tap water may be too much for your poochs smaller system. The taps may also be riddled with mold and mildew, which can cause stomach upset for Fido. If youre unsure of the water source, stick to bottled water instead.