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Can Your Pet Drink Tap Water?

Tap water can be safe for your pets, but you need to take some precautions to make sure they are healthy and happy when they drink tap water.

While some situations may allow for water straight from the tap, other pets may be more particular and fare better with filtered water.

Knowing what type of water to give your pet will prevent your furry friend from getting sick in the future.

Follow these guidelines, and you’ll have a happy and hydrated pet:

Can Your Pet Drink Tap Water?

Is tap water safe?

The short answer to “is tap water pet-safe?” is yes.

Tap water is almost always safe to drink, even in areas with a known history of pollution.

In fact, public water treatment facilities are subject to some of our country’s strictest environmental regulations and must undergo regular inspections by government organizations to be sure they are doing everything possible to keep our tap water clean and safe for us to drink.

However, while tap water is generally considered safe it’s also true that many people—most often infants and young children—develop stomach bugs after drinking tap water that was not properly filtered or treated.

For that reason, you should be aware of how tap water may negatively affect your pet.

Black and white cat drinking water from a water faucet

Benefits of Filtered Water for Pets

In some circumstances, animals can drink from their owner’s faucet.

However, some experts agree that doing so without water filtration is not a good idea.

According to certain studies, drinking water from a tap is likely fine for most pets and won’t cause any immediate problems, but could result in long-term health issues if the water isn’t treated properly.

Take the safe route in serving your pet filtered water, especially if your pet has a particularly sensitive digestive system.

Dog drinking water from a bright orange bowl

Other Best Practices for Pets

One of the most important things you can do for your pet is to ensure that they are drinking enough water.

Fresh, clean, safe water should be available at all times, but it’s also important to keep in mind that pets can get just as dehydrated as humans.

Dogs and cats consume more than 90 percent of their daily fluid intake through their food or water, so make sure to refill your pet’s water bowl throughout the day.

Dog drinking water from a water faucet

You want what’s best for your pets, so you give them the best food, the best treats, and the most comfortable place to rest in your home.

Make sure you’re giving your pet the right type of water by keeping this guide in mind.

Jan Roberts

Monday 22nd of November 2021

When I foster white dogs, I provide distilled water as tap water cause those unsightly "tear stains"

Jolyne

Wednesday 17th of November 2021

I am trying to feed my pets more healthy food so tap water will remain in their bowl. Sorry.

Rita Wray

Tuesday 16th of November 2021

Cute pictures.

@Tyson#1fan

Friday 12th of November 2021

People been using tap water for years and unless it's something rare then I'll continue to give my animals tap water. Everyone is gonna have options about this but for me nothing changes.

rochelle haynes

Tuesday 9th of November 2021

Thanks for the info

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