As summers become hotter each year, we’re constantly reminded to keep ourselves hydrated and drink enough water. However, there’s another important family member we may be forgetting to keep hydrated – our pets. Our cats, dogs, and other animal companions rely on us to keep them healthy, safe, and hydrated.

Like humans, animals can become dehydrated and require a certain amount of water each day. They need one ounce of water per pound of body weight every day, and even more when the weather is hot outside. Dehydration in pets can show similar symptoms as humans, such as weakness, dry nose and mouth, lethargy, and excessive panting. Therefore, it’s vital to ensure our furry friends have access to enough water, especially during the summer months when the temperature continues to rise.

However, it’s not just about the quantity of water our pets consume, but the quality of it as well. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, water pollution affects a significant percentage of rivers and lakes in the United States. This poses a significant threat to both humans and animals, both wild and domesticated. Water pollution can come from sources such as fertilizer runoff, erosion, pollution, and environmental disasters, and these contaminants can remain in water even after municipal cleaning processes.

If you’re someone who cares about the quality of your own water, it’s worth considering whether or not you should be giving your pets filtered water. The answer is a resounding yes.

Algal Blooms, Cyanobacteria and the Important of Filtered Water

As a result of climate change, algal blooms have become a more frequent occurrence in bodies of water. These blooms, caused by excess fertilizer and minerals, erosion, and other pollutants that enter waterways, increase turbidity or the amount of solids in the water, which blocks sunlight and encourages algal growth, particularly when there are excess nutrients present. When these blooms get out of hand, they can produce cyanobacteria that contain potent neurotoxins, which can cause fatal illnesses in both humans and pets. In 2019, for example, algal blooms in Austin, Texas resulted in several dog deaths.

While municipal water treatment processes attempt to remove these toxins and contaminants from our water supply, they often leave trace elements behind. Moreover, they cannot guarantee the quality of pipes transporting water to our homes or those delivering it into our homes. As the Flint, Michigan crisis revealed, even municipal water treatment processes can sometimes fail, with severe consequences.

The need for filtered water has therefore become more pressing than ever. As pet owners, we must ensure that our pets have access to clean, filtered water to keep them safe and healthy. By using a filtration system, we can help remove pollutants and contaminants from the water, reducing the risk of algal blooms and other waterborne illnesses. Investing in a reliable filtration system is a wise choice that can provide peace of mind and keep our pets healthy and hydrated.

Urinary Issues of Dogs and Cats Caused by Hard Water

Trupanion, a pet insurance company, recently conducted a study that found a correlation between cities with high hard water rankings from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and an increased incidence of larger claims for urinary issues in cats, particularly in male cats. The study revealed that owners of male cats are 1.5 times more likely to submit claims for urinary issues, while cat owners are 40% more likely to do so than dog owners.

However, dogs are not exempt from the negative effects of minerals in hard water. In communities identified by the EPA as having hard water, Trupanion claimed that dog owners commonly reported conditions such as urinary tract infections, incontinence, cystitis, and crystalluria in their canine companions. Additionally, Trupanion found that female dog owners were 2.5 times more likely to submit claims for urinary problems than those with male dogs.

The presence of calcium and magnesium in tap water, according to Ground Water Governance, can cause crystals in the urine, urinary tract infections, and incontinence. As pet owners, we don’t want our pets to suffer from these issues, and there is also a financial concern to consider. The claims being filed through Trupanion are expensive, ranging from $77 to over $1200 for diagnosis and treatment. This highlights the importance of filtering our pets’ water and investing in pet insurance.

Long-term Affects of Lead Contamination on Pets

Lead contamination has been in the news once again since the Flint crisis emerged in 2014. A study published in 2017 by “The Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association” (JAVMA) indicated that Flint’s lead contamination affected not only the human population but also household pets. The study found that the median blood lead concentration in Flint dogs was four times higher than the median concentration in control populations, and this persisted even after their owners began giving them clean water.

Animals are more susceptible to the effects of lead exposure than humans, even in small amounts. The researchers referred to a 1994 report from Illinois’ Hazardous Waste Research and Information Center, which revealed that dogs and cats were more likely to have high blood lead concentrations than their owners. In addition, lead can cause intermittent seizures in cats, as stated by the researchers.

Although you may not reside in Flint, it is essential to pay attention to lead issues in your water. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns that homes built before 1986 are likely to have pipes containing lead, if not lead pipes themselves. Even houses constructed between 1986 and 2014 may have pipes, fittings, and fixtures that contain up to 8 percent lead, which exposes household pets to lead.

Excess Iron Found in Water can be Poisonous to Dogs

Dogs may face various issues when consuming unfiltered water that contains excess iron. Veterinary service provider, Wag, warns that high levels of iron act as a poison in dogs, causing damage to their cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, liver, metabolic, and nervous systems as their bodies are unable to expel the excess iron. Iron toxicity can typically occur if dogs ingest something they shouldn’t, such as vitamins dropped on the floor. However, living in a city with hard water may expose pets to excess iron from sources that are not always apparent, such as their water bowls.

Exposure to Chlorine-Treated Water’s Chemical Byproducts

Typically, urban water treatments employ chlorine to decontaminate and sanitize water and eliminate harmful bacteria prior to distribution to homes. Although chlorine is eliminated before the treated water exits the municipal plant, there could be residual amounts left in the water supply.

Ordinarily, negligible quantities of chlorine are harmless in drinking water. But when combined with other naturally occurring trace elements, it can generate hazardous substances known as disinfection byproducts such as chloroform and bromoform.

Filtered Water for Pets

Filtered water is beneficial for the health of pets and humans alike, offering a solution to potential hazards in the water supply. Advanced filtration technology allows for various options to provide clean, nourishing water in any situation. East Coast Water Quality’s Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water System can ensure clean water straight from the tap. In addition the Protector Series Whole Home Water Conditioner offers a lifetime of clean water for pets and the family, while also addressing the issue of hard water. Whichever filter is chosen, peace of mind is assured knowing that clean, healthy water is being provided.