Florida pet owners typically want to do everything they can to keep their pets healthy and happy. They might try to ensure their pets eat healthy diets and get plenty of exercise. While it might seem to be fairly simple to take good care of a pet, being a responsible pet owner can often lead people to question whether they are making the best choices to help their pets live long, happy, and healthy lives. You might wonder whether you should give your pet filtered water or if it might instead be better to just give it water straight from the tap. Here is some information about filtered water for pets from Fort Lauderdale animal hospital Family Pet Medical Center.
Is Filtered Water for Pets Safe?
The first concern you might have is whether filtered water is safe to give your dog or cat. Filtered water is water that is processed to remove impurities, including bacteria, heavy metals, chemicals, and pesticides. These contaminants are commonly found in tap water. While municipalities treat water to try to keep these substances below minimum levels, there are some areas in which tap water isn’t safe. If you’re concerned about the safety of tap water for your family, it makes sense to also give your dog or cat the same filtered water the rest of your family members drink. Your pet will still get the minerals it needs when you give it filtered water and won’t ingest potentially harmful contaminants.
Contaminants in Tap Water That Could Harm Your Pets
Unfiltered tap water can contain numerous contaminants that could sicken your pets and family members. Some of the types of contaminants that can be present in unfiltered water include the following:
- Bacteria
- Parasites
- Heavy metals
- Chemicals
- Pesticides
Health Problems and Symptoms from Drinking Contaminated Water
If you think your pet has consumed contaminated water, there are certain symptoms you should watch for.
Drinking water that is contaminated by parasites or bacteria, including Giardia or E. coli, can cause your pet to experience the following symptoms:
- Excessive fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
If your pet is showing these symptoms after drinking water you think might have been contaminated, you should talk to the veterinarians at Fort Lauderdale animal hospital Family Pet Medical Center immediately.
Both humans and dogs can be affected by fluoride in drinking water. Fluoride is often added to water to strengthen tooth enamel in humans. While humans can handle fair concentrations of fluoridated water, fluoride can have a more dramatic impact on dogs and cats. If your pet has consumed water with too much fluoride, it might have a higher risk of developing bone tumors and experiencing drooling and seizures.
Some water has concentrations of heavy metals that are too high, which can be dangerous for your pet. Lead and copper in water can cause dogs to develop serious health issues. If your pet drinks hard water, it might be more susceptible to developing urinary tract infections and other more serious health problems.
Benefits of Filtered Water for Pets
Now that you know some of the risks of giving your pet unfiltered water, you should consider the potential benefits of giving your pet the same filtered water the rest of your family enjoys. When your pets regularly drink filtered water, it can help to protect them from developing diseases. Filtered water can also help to protect your pet’s overall health.
Filtered water can help to protect your pet against exposure to harmful contaminants, which can help to maintain their health. It also includes important minerals that your pet needs for proper digestion. Purified water also helps to lubricate your pet’s joints, help to regulate temperature, and provide important cushioning for your pet’s brain and spinal cord.
As your pet ages, having access to clean water becomes even more important. This is because immune system functioning declines with age, making it more difficult for your pet to fight off infections. Making sure your pet drinks filtered water to avoid its potential exposure to bacteria and other pathogens can help to protect your pet’s health.
Talk to the Veterinarians at Family Pet Medical Center
If you’re like many pet owners, you likely want to do everything the right way to protect your pet’s health. If you are in search of an experienced, trusted veterinarian for your dog or cat, contact Family Pet Medical Center to learn more about our services today by calling us at (954) 567-2500.
