Tap Water vs. Filtered Water for Dogs

Providing your dog with clean water daily is a must, but some pet owners swear filtered water is better for their dogs. Should dogs drink filtered water? This is a tough question. Water supplies are strictly regulated per EPA standards, so it should be safe. However, the water crisis in Flint, MI, happened, which turned everything upside down. Personally, my dogs drink filtered water, but I know many healthy dogs that drink tap water, so it depends. I remember drinking from an outside hose as a child and I’m fine. 🙂

What’s So Bad About Tap Water?

Tap water has many additives, which keeps it safe from bacteria and chemicals. Now, I’m not worried about certain bacteria, such as E. coli, as dogs eat rotten animals and their own feces. But fluoride, which is added to all public water systems, and traces of heavy metals can cause health issues in the long run. Don’t forget, water systems contain chlorine too.

Fluoride is an extremely controversial subject pertaining to dogs. Many veterinarians feel it’s safe while others say it causes harm. We can all agree that consuming trace metals is not a good thing. So, if you’re concerned, I recommend offering your dog filtered water instead.

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When to Provide Filtered Water

As a general rule, if you’re concerned enough to filter your own drinking water, then your dog should drink filtered water too. Also, provide your dog with filtered water if/when:

• Traveling: You don’t know what’s in hotel water or the last time the faucet was cleaned. Besides, you should always bring plenty of water from home when traveling to prevent your dog from having loose stool due to a change in water.
• Well water is the only option: Before providing well water to your dog, make sure it’s been tested for bacteria and chemicals that find their way into water sources. Also, check your well water for pH too.
• Your dog is sick: If your dog is undergoing chemotherapy or fighting a serious infection or virus, provide filtered water.

Regardless of your decision, always choose what’s best for your dog.

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