Did you know that dogs need more water per day than any other kind of nutrient? In fact, your pooch’s body is composed of around 70% water. While giving your dog distilled water might seem like you’re giving them a premium beverage, it’s actually depriving them of vital minerals. So while drinking distilled water from time to time is perfectly safe, making it a long-term habit can actually be dangerous.
Water is essential for a happy and healthy pup, but the type of water you’re giving your canine companion is also important. Here, we’ll discuss if distilled water is safe for your dog to consume and which types of water are best for your furry friend.
What is Distilled Water?
Distilled water is created by boiling water into steam (vapor), which is then condensed into a pure H2O liquid, free from impurities, contaminants, and most of the minerals found in tap water. This form of water is ideal for use in medical, automotive, laboratory, or cleaning situations where minerals can cause build up or chemical reactions. Although distilled water still contains some minerals, the amount is significantly depleted.
Some pet owners may look to options like distilled water if they live in areas with ‘hard’ water (higher in calcium and magnesium) that cause the telltale build up of limescale in appliances and taps. The high mineral levels in hard water can be unpleasant tasting, but may also increase risks of urolithiasis (bladder stones). Although distilled water will minimize these risks, it can also have some worrying downsides.
Distilled Water Potential Downsides for Doggies
Drinking distilled water isn’t harmful in itself, but making a habit out of it will lead to long term nutritional problems as the body is deprived of essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium that are normally obtained from drinking water.
Although most dog food is the main source of these nutrients, the ways in which these minerals are processed and metabolized can differ, so habitually drinking distilled water can lead to health problems and electrolyte imbalances. Additionally, most pet foods will be formulated based on the assumption that water, and the minerals contained within, will be consumed as part of their diet, so your dog may not be getting everything they need from their food alone.
If you believe you need to be giving your dog distilled water regularly, particularly if your dog has a history of bladder stones or urine crystals, be sure to discuss it with your vet first. You can even do this from the comfort of your home. Just go to PangoVet.com. It’s our online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the advice you need for your dog — all at an affordable price!
If you want to speak with a vet but don't want to leave home, you can head to PangoVet.com. It's our online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the advice you need for your dog — all at an affordable price!
Are Distilled Water and De-Ionized Water The Same?
Definitely not. While distilled water is safe for dogs (and humans) to drink occasionally, de-ionized water is not. The process of de-ionization results in a form of water that is not just missing essential minerals, it can actually leach minerals and have corrosive effects on the body, and may still contain bacteria and viruses.
Is Unfiltered Tap Water Safe for My Dog?
One of the United States’ greatest privileges is affordable, potable tap water. However, this type of water can contain trace amounts of chemicals and contaminants and is regularly monitored and tested. The Environmental Working Group (EWG), a Washington, DC-based nonprofit environmental research group, found more than 300 compounds in tap water across the country, present at extremely low levels, often below federal safety limits.
Some different types of tap water contaminants can include metals, industrial chemicals and pesticides, rarely bacteria, as they get eliminated by treatment. These compounds usually present as trace contamination in rare instances or in untreated water sources.
What About Bottled Water?
In 2019, America consumed over 14.4 billion gallons of bottled water. But considering the lower cost of regular tap water, is bottled water a better alternative for your pet?
It depends on your budget. Bottled water is regulated by the FDA and generally has low contamination. It is far more expensive than tap water. Furthermore, plastic water bottles may contain BPA, a chemical associated with many types of health complications. However, this is more of an issue with older bottles, certain reusable plastics, or when they are exposed to heat over time, while modern bottled water bottles are BPA-free. Then there are the numerous environmental factors to consider, with more than three million plastic water bottles being used every hour in the U.S.
How About Filtered Water?
As its name suggests, filtered water is tap water that has been run through a filtration system to remove many of its impurities, depending on the filters. There are many types of water filters, including countertops, faucet-mounted, under-the-sink, reverse-osmosis, and whole-house filtering systems. Since it’s filtered, it’s likely to contain less contaminants than pure tap water, but this will vary greatly based on the filters used.
Filtered water is generally considered an affordable and safe source of hydration for your pet.
Final Thoughts
If you don’t feel comfortable giving your pet unfiltered water from the tap, invest in a water filtration system to do away with many of the pollutants found in regular faucet water. When it comes to giving your dog distilled water long term, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian.
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What is Distilled Water?
