You share your home with your dogs and cats. You share your sofa. Maybe your bed. But do pets share your drinking water?

I am guessing you take precautions to drink water that is safe, but where does your pet’s water come from? Of course, there are plenty of options to choose from. They include tap water, purified water, spring water, de-ionized water, reverse osmosis water, high pH alkaline water, and hydrogenated water. Oh, did I leave any out? Oops! Distilled water.

A Double Standard

A number of people I know, including clients of mine, will only drink H20 if it’s packaged in a bottle. They use tap water for cooking purposes but they would never dream of quenching their thirst with it. However, they seem to think that tap water is good enough for dogs and cats.  They must say to themselves, “Fido and Fluffy don’t know the difference, do they?”

Lots Of Choices

There are plenty of choices when it comes to safe drinking water for both humans and pets. Here are some of them.

More likely than not, water straight from the tap is not the best option but that depends on where you live and where your water supply comes from.  It may also depend on whether your water has been tested, and by whom, and if you can depend on the accuracy of the results you are given.

Many people have a filter installed on their kitchen sink. Some get their water and ice from the refrigerator dispenser. Others use a refillable jug that has a replaceable filter to remove any impurities. 

Then there are those who prefer to buy one-gallon containers of “drinking” water, purified water or spring water from the local store. And, a number of us choose to avoid the bother of shopping for water altogether and would rather have it delivered to the doorstep.

Another option to consider is distilled water. And a growing number of consumers are making this switch because its purity is practically guaranteed.

Impurities To Avoid

Although the Safe Water Drinking Act sets safety standards for 126 contaminants, there are many, many more that are present in municipal water.

The contaminants that all living beings need to avoid include chlorine, fluoride, lead, aluminum, arsenic, radiological and pharmaceuticals. These are few of the potentially harmful substances that can cause cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

The Cost Factor

Now, if you’re concerned about the cost of sharing your drinking water with your companion animals, please check this out. 

I am fortunate enough to have an Earth Fare store in my neighborhood. They are known for their pledge of offering food that is free of added hormones and antibiotics as well as artificial ingredients such as fats, preservatives, sweeteners, colors and flavors. Now to their innovative water section.

They have set aside a section where customers bring their own containers and use a dispenser to fill up with the type of Fresh Pure (freshpure.com) water of their choice. The added benefit is that it’s very economical because you are not paying for the plastic…just the water.

To Sum Up

Finally, all I ask is that whatever is best for you, taste-wise and expense-wise, you provide exactly the same for your pets. You certainly can share your drinking water with your pets. They don’t deserve anything less.   

Together, let’s keep our precious pets healthy, happy and safe!  

For more must-read articles on drinking water, check these out.

The importance of water: https://petpeevesunmasked.com/well-hydrated-pets-stay-healthier

The best water bowls: https://petpeevesunmasked.com/best-pet-food-water-bowls/