Just like us humans, dogs require a certain amount of water to maintain a healthy body and lively disposition. When dehydration happens to our pup, symptoms include loss of appetite, reduced energy, panting, dry eyes, dry nose, dry gums, and in more severe cases, dizziness and vomiting. We love our dogs and want to ensure their top health. That's why we're highlighting ten facts about the best water choices for dogs so we can all walk a better PATH together.
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How much water should my dog have daily?
In general, dogs should drink approximately 1 ounce of water (1/8 of a cup) per pound of body weight each day, according to Advance Care Veterinary Hospital. If your dog weighs 50 pounds, that's 50 ounces and 6 ¼ cups of water. However, various factors can influence your dog's water intake, so it's essential not to restrict their water consumption. Always ensure that your dog has access to fresh, clean water every day. Studies show that the healthiest dogs have constant access to fresh drinking water. Having a perpetual water bowl hooked up to a water line is great for making sure your pup is never thirsty.
2. How much water should I take for my dog on a long hike?
The American Hiking Society recommends taking about 8 ounces of water per dog per hour of hiking. The amount of water a dog needs during a hike can vary based on the temperature, the dog's activity level, and the hike's duration. So if you were heading on a 3-hour hike with two dogs, you could take two 25 oz. PATH bottles for the pups and one for each human on the hike.
3. Can my dog drink too much water?
Typically, a dog won't overhydrate. Excessive water consumption can be a sign of underlying health issues. PetMD recommends that if you notice your dog drinking or urinating more than usual, it's essential to consult with your veterinarian.
4. Can dogs drink from any source of water?
While dogs often drink from various water sources, not all of them are safe. It's best to provide your dog with clean, fresh water to avoid potential contaminants that can harm their health. Water from lakes or rainwater puddles might contain dirt, toxic substances, and germs that could cause diarrhea and other health issues. The same caution applies to stagnant water in streets or at home. Some of the contaminants that can be accidentally consumed in contaminated water include Giardia, Leptospira, Cryptosporidium, Escherichia coli (E. coli), Pythium insidiosum, Cyanobacteria (Blue-Green Algae), and antifreeze.
To ensure your dog's safety, it's best to provide them with bottled or filtered water from home when you're on the go.
5. What is the best water for dogs to drink?
What's safe for humans is usually safe for dogs. In places that have good quality tap water, you can safely give this to your dog. However, if you live in an area with questionable tap or old pipes, the EPA recommends using an NSF-certified filter. Getting the right filter for your home's tap is the best water you can give your dog; it's plentiful, clean, and doesn't contribute to our plastic crisis.
If you want to amp up your dog's water experience, a study from the University of New England discovered that dogs prefer drinking cold water versus neutral or warm water.
6. Is it healthy for my dog to drink tap water?
Tap water that is safe for human consumption is also safe for dogs. However, suppose there are concerns about the water quality in your area. In that case, you can implement a whole home filtration system, or if you suspect that your pipes are old, an NSF-Certified filter will help filter out any lead or pipe-related contaminants. You can also consult with your local veterinarian about the best water options for your dog in your area.
7. Is it dangerous for my dog to drink saltwater?
Yes, it's not safe for dogs to drink salt water. While a few mouthfuls might only cause diarrhea, consuming large amounts can be fatal. Drinking salt water can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration and disrupt the fluid balance in dogs. Excessive salt can cause serious health issues like seizures, brain cell loss, kidney injury, and severe dehydration. If untreated, saltwater poisoning can lead to death. If you suspect your dog has consumed a lot of salt water, it's crucial to get them to a veterinarian immediately. According to the AKC, to prevent saltwater poisoning, always ensure your dog has access to fresh water at the beach and monitor them to prevent them from drinking ocean water.
8. What's the best filter to use for my dog's water?
The best filter for your dog's water will depend on the specific contaminants you're concerned about. It's essential to choose a filter that effectively removes those contaminants. The same filters you would consider for your own drinking water are the same filters to consider for your dog, with the exception of the dog bowl filter:
- PATH pure offers a faucet gravity filter
- A Pet filtered water bowl connected to a water source
- Gravity filter countertop water filter
- Carbon filter pitcher
- Reverse osmosis whole home system
- Fridge-based water filter/dispenser
9. Should dogs drink distilled water?
Distilled water is purified through distillation, removing most impurities. While it's safe for dogs to drink, it lacks the natural minerals found in regular water. It's best to consult with your veterinarian if you are considering giving distilled water to your dog regularly since this may, over time, lead to some mineral deficiencies.
10. What is the best bottled water for dogs?
When it comes to hydrating your dog, the most recommended option is filtered tap water that you've bottled yourself for convenience during travels or outings. However, if you find yourself away from home and need a quick hydration solution for your pup, several commercial bottled water brands are perfectly safe for dogs. However, making choices that don't contribute to the plastic crisis is important. Opting for sustainable alternatives, such as refillable aluminum bottled water brands like PATH, ensures your dog's hydration and promotes better choices for the planet.
The PATH team has sniffed out the best hydration solutions for our four-legged besties! As we "paws" to think about the best water choices for ourselves and the planet, ensuring our pups are getting the water they need and contributing to a cleaner planet is essential. Remember, whenever you refill for yourself or your pup, the planet sits a little lighter. Let's hydrate wisely together.