Pet food is important and water is also not an exception. If you feed your cat or dog a special veterinary food, you will know that this diet cannot be stopped. When your cat or dog has problems with its digestive system, liver or kidneys, it is not only important to make sure that your pet gets the right food - the quality of the water is also very important.
Drinking water for dogs and cats
If the pet has certain health problems, any water will not be suitable. Pets do not refuse to drink water from puddles, watering cans or other water containers, but they have no way of knowing whether such water is healthy. When my dog was diagnosed with kidney problems, the vet immediately asked what kind of water I was giving my pet. Until now, it had been obvious to me that the animal did not care at all what water it drank, so I gave it tap water. It turned out that this is not really the best choice, because tap water contains a lot of salts which can eventually lead to kidney stones. That is why the vet recommended only filtered water at room temperature (he also recommended a porcelain or ceramic water bowl).
Importance of water
Water is vital for the proper functioning of all organs and systems. It is worth remembering that even a short-term lack of water can lead to irreversible changes in the brain, so it is important to ensure that pets always have access to clean drinking water. Of course, we cannot control how much water our pet drinks, but if we observe that the animal drinks very little or does not want to drink at all, this may be a symptom of a serious illness, so it is worth visiting a vet as soon as possible.
A bowl with water should always be available to four-legged friends - fresh and at room temperature. Check the water regularly and change it every day, even if your pet has not drunk it all. Remember that water is just as important for pets as food.
Why is tap water not the best choice for pets?
Tap water may contain harmful chemicals and contaminants that can be detrimental to your pet's health. While most municipal water sources undergo regular testing and treatment, there may still be impurities present that can cause problems for your pet.
Chlorine is often used to disinfect tap water, and while it is safe for humans, it can be harmful to pets. When consumed in large amounts, chlorine can cause gastrointestinal upset and even liver damage in pets.
Additionally, some metals such as lead and copper can leach into tap water from the pipes that deliver it to your home. These metals can be toxic to both humans and animals, causing a variety of health problems including vomiting, diarrhea, and organ damage.
If you are concerned about the quality of your tap water, consider using filtered or distilled water for your pet instead. This will help to ensure that your pet is getting the cleanest, safest water possible.
What if the pet drinks too little water?
Dehydration is a serious problem, which can lead to kidney failure. If you notice that your animal is drinking less water than usual, take it to the vet immediately. Excessive urination or lack of appetite may also indicate dehydration and these are also symptoms that require urgent medical attention.
Is boiled water good for pets?
Boiled water is not necessarily good for pets. It all depends on how long ago the water was boiled and what was added to it afterwards. Water that has been standing for some time loses oxygen and becomes stale. In addition, when boiling water, we usually add salt, which is not good for animals with certain health problems (for example, with kidney disease).
The best water for pets
The best water for pets is filtered and freshly drawn. If you are not sure whether the water you are giving your pet is of good quality, it is always best to consult a vet. They will be able to recommend the best type of water for your animal's needs.