Drinking water is an essential part of life for humans and animals alike. When it comes to our four-legged friends, ensuring that their drinking water is safe and healthy is an important part of being a responsible pet owner. With this in mind, the question of whether or not filtered water is a safe and healthy option for our furry companions is an important one. This blog post will explore the potential risks and benefits of providing our dogs with filtered water, so that we can be sure that we are providing our canine companions with the best care possible. By understanding the pros and cons of giving our beloved dogs filtered water, we can make an informed decision about the best way to give them the hydration they need.
How to Keep Your Drinking Water Safe
Consider these suggestions from Pauli Undesser, executive director of the Water Quality Association (WQA), to determine whether your tap water is safe for you and your pet:
1. Obtain a consumer confidence report from your water treatment plant.
According to Undesser, the majority of consumers use municipal water systems. A treatment plant treats the water before it leaves the tap. To inform you of what’s in your water, that plant is required to publish an annual consumer confidence report. (If you didn’t receive one, contact your water company. ).
You might want to go about and do something separately because there might be things there that the water treatment plant is aware of and working on, according to Undesser.
Federal law regulates water treatment facilities, but individual states may have more stringent rules. For instance, laws in California control the amount of chromium-6 in the water. (If that sounds familiar, it’s because Erin Brockovich warned against this contaminant in her movie ).
2. Test your home water supply.
Hard contaminants cannot be felt or smelled, so Undesser advises that people test their tap water once a year. Consumers should continue to test their water at the faucet to be aware of potential contaminants, according to Undesser. “You just never know until you test. ”.
If consumers notice any abrupt changes in flavor, color, or smell, they should have their water tested.
While you can buy a water testing kit from a store and mail it off somewhere, Undesser recommends sending your water to a list of EPA-approved laboratories that test consumer water. Some city governments and departments of health will test water for free, she adds.
According to Undesser, “there are over 100 contaminants that [the EPA] is regulating that have to be within a certain amount or below a certain amount for it to not be an impact negatively on health.” “You don’t have to wait for the regulation to catch up with it if you test for it and you find it.” ”.
Basic testing costs anywhere from $20 to $50. According to Undesser, a more thorough test can cost anywhere between $200 and $300.
3. Consider buying certified products that can help treat your water.
If the test comes back and confirms the presence of contaminants in the water, you can buy certified products that can help treat the water. You could purchase water pitchers, faucet mounts, or even hire a professional to install a reverse osmosis filter under the sink or a filter that treats all the water in your home, Undesser says.
She recommends finding a water treatment professional, as opposed to a plumber, to ensure proper installation. Those individuals can also recommend products that would be the best fit for you. For example, if your water test shows levels of arsenic, you’ll want a filter designed to remove traces of arsenic from the water.
According to Undesser, your actions “all depend on what your water quality tests show you.” “Your test may reveal that the water coming from the faucet is fine and equal to bottled water in quality.” ”.
Additionally, you might choose to treat your water before even seeing test results. The advantage of filtered water, according to her, is that it will help you add an extra layer of security for your family and yourself.
What About Bottled Water for Dogs?
Undesser advises pet parents to look for certified products if they choose to give their dog bottled water. Whether it be a pitcher, faucet mount, or reverse osmosis, “that bottled water has used the same membrane that is in all these other products, in most cases,” she claims. They employ the same technologies to provide you with bottled water of high quality. It’s just a different way of getting it. ”.
Undesser advises customers to look for the WQA gold seal or the NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) seal on the label. “You should look for a seal of approval, whether it’s bottled water or a product,” she advises.
Keep in mind that you shouldn’t give your dog any water that you wouldn’t drink yourself. Additionally, if the city administration advises you not to drink the water, your dog also shouldn’t.
“I think it’s logical that they would apply that same thought process to their pets,” Undesser says. “If someone tests their water or if they smell a change and they’re concerned over it and they’re not going to drink it themselves.” However, “tap water is still excellent, and we should have some faith in what is there ”.
Read about the significance of water for dog nutrition to determine how much water your dog should consume.
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Just like humans, dogs need clean water to live long, healthy lives. It’s crucial to give your dog access to clean drinking water and water that contains enough of the necessary minerals.
Most Americans filter their water, and about half of all families in America have dogs. As a result, you might be uncertain about the safety of and suitability of filtered water for your dog.
Yes, it is recommended to give your dog filtered water rather than tap water because it is better for their health. However, you can also let your dog drink tap water as long as it doesn’t have any contaminants or pathogens that could be harmful to the dog’s health.
Bottled water is a wise substitute to consider when drinking tap water or filtered water is not an option. It is best not to give your dog distilled water. Everything you need to know about your dog drinking water is covered in this article.
FAQ
Is Brita filtered water good for dogs?
In fact, by installing a Brita PRO® whole home water filtration system, you can easily give your pets access to fresh, clean water. With a large-capacity under-sink reverse osmosis system, Brita PRO’s whole-home filtration system enhances the taste and quality of drinking water.
Can dogs drink filtered well water?
When well water is filtered or treated, dogs can drink it without harm. Dogs’ sweat doesn’t function as effectively as humans’ does because they don’t perspire as much. Hence, consuming untreated well water can result in extremely bad diarrhea and vomiting. Even worse, it might cause seizures, which can be fatal to animals.
Is filtered water better for pets?
Drinking filtered water improves the overall health of your pets. Their bodies can get rid of the toxins they have by drinking healthy water. For animals with more delicate digestive systems or weakened immune systems, filtered water is a great option.
Why can’t dogs drink tap water?
Chlorine, salts, and other chemicals used in the filtration process can be found in small amounts in tap water. Although these additives are barely noticeable to humans, they could be problematic for your dog. While drinking tap water in moderation is generally safe, there are other options that will better hydrate your dog.