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We talk a lot about how important food is to a dogs overall health and the benefits of eating a species specific diet for optimal health.
But we hardly ever have the discussion about the most important thing every living being on earth needs to stay alive.
Do we know how canines drink in the wild?
Do you know what’s in your tap?
This critical need is very often overlooked.
we TEND TO take water for granted
Water is essential for life as we know it because it plays a critical role in numerous biological processes and is a universal solvent that allows for the chemical reactions necessary for living organisms.
It can dissolve a wide range of substances, including salts, sugars, amino acids, and other biological molecules.
These dissolved substances can interact and participate in chemical reactions that are vital for cellular processes.
Water serves as the primary mode of transportation within living organisms.
It moves nutrients, minerals, and other essential substances throughout cells and tissues, ensuring proper functioning and maintenance of the body.
H2O has a high specific heat capacity, which means it can absorb and release heat without experiencing significant temperature changes.
This property helps regulate the internal temperature of organisms, allowing them to survive in various environmental conditions.
It acts as a lubricant in many biological processes. For example, it reduces friction between joints, allowing smooth movement, and also aids in digestion by facilitating the movement of food through the digestive system.
Water is a significant component of cells, providing structure and support to cellular organelles.
It helps maintain the shape of cells and enables the transport of various substances in and out of cells.
Organisms require water to maintain proper hydration levels.
It is crucial for the functioning of organs, tissues, and cells and is essential for overall health and well-being.
And it helps in the removal of waste products from the body through processes like urination and sweating.
It plays a vital role in maintaining the balance of various substances within the body.
Given these crucial roles, water is considered one of the most important substances for supporting life on Earth.
Its abundance and unique properties have been instrumental in the development and sustenance of life as we know it.
Yet we mindlessly turn on a tap or grab a water bottle without ever really considering the implications of our choices when it comes to hydration for ourselves or our dogs.
What type of pollutants are found in your tap
Drinking water that is polluted can have various adverse effects on our health and the health of our pets.
The specific consequences depend on the type and concentration of pollutants present, as well as the duration and frequency of exposure.
Drinking water contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or parasites can lead to gastrointestinal infections and diseases, causing symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramps.
Pollutants such as E. coli, cholera, giardia, and cryptosporidium can cause serious waterborne diseases.
Pollutants like heavy metals (e.g., lead, mercury, arsenic), pesticides, industrial chemicals, and pharmaceuticals can contaminate drinking sources.
Long-term exposure to these substances can have severe health effects, including organ damage, neurological issues, and cancer.
Excessive fluoride can lead to skeletal and joint problems in canines.
Radioactive contaminants like radon can occur naturally in some drinking sources and can pose a risk of cancer and other health problems when ingested over time.
The main pollutants found in drinking water today can vary depending on the source and local environmental factors.
Common pollutants include:
- Microorganisms: Bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause waterborne diseases.
- Chemicals: Industrial pollutants, pesticides, herbicides, pharmaceuticals, heavy metals, and other toxic substances.
- Disinfection byproducts: Chemical compounds formed when disinfectants like chlorine react with organic matter in water.
- Radionuclides: Radioactive elements present in certain geological formations.
- Nitrates and nitrites: Fertilizer and agricultural runoff can contaminate water sources with elevated levels of nitrates and nitrites.
- Lead and other plumbing-related contaminants: Outdated plumbing systems and lead pipes can leach lead and other harmful substances into tap water.
- Arsenic
The activist group, Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a watchdog group that has discovered more than 300 pollutants in US tap water. Half of these pollutants are not subject to any health regulations and the other half are under outdated regulations. There are also no basic safety standards for bottled water.
A good tool to use to look up the quality where you reside is the EPA website How’s My Waterway. You can also find out the quality of your tap water by looking up your local town water supply online.
How do wolves drink in the wild
In the wild, wolves primarily drink water from natural sources such as rivers, streams and lakes.
Wolves have evolved to rely on natural sources, which are typically free from pollutants and contaminants.
Unlike human-controlled water sources, such as tap water, wild drinking sources are generally more pristine and less likely to be affected by human activities.
In addition to the cleansing factor of the moving water, the wild wolf is also gaining the benefits of trace minerals in their drinking water.
Would using Distilled water or water cleaned by Osmosis be a safer choice for domesticated dogs?
Distilled is water that has been purified through the process of distillation, where water is boiled, and the steam is condensed back into liquid form, leaving behind impurities and contaminants.
But by its very definition, distilled water is dead water for the following reasons.
Distillation removes almost all minerals and trace elements present.
When you consume distilled, it has an extremely pure composition compared to the fluids in your body.
Drinking distilled water can create a temporary osmotic imbalance, which may cause your body to pull essential minerals from tissues to restore balance.
When distilled water comes into contact with certain materials, such as metals or plastics, it can leach from these materials, affecting the water’s purity.
Distilled can also be slightly acidic due to the absorption of carbon dioxide from the air, which may affect the pH balance in the body.
Distilled or Osmosis water is generally not recommended as the primary source of H2O for regular consumption.
Instead, it is highly recommend consuming filtered water or mineral-rich spring water bottled at the source, which provides the necessary hydration while still containing beneficial minerals and elements.
Please note, when choosing the correct filtration for your water, you will first need to know which contaminants are present in your tap as not all filters can filter out certain contaminants.
As a bonus health tip, any time you can purchase water in a glass bottle or use a glass bowl for your pet, you are yet again cutting down the chances of plastic or stainless-steel residue leeching into your pets drinking water.
Caution when taking your dog swimming or allowing your dog to drink from a stagnant water source
We talked a lot about the importance of drinking water for your dog.
We just wanted to touch on another related topic really quick because of the tragic death of some dogs last summer from swimming in stagnant water.
It is highly unsafe for dogs to swim or drink from water bodies affected by algae blooms.
Harmful algal blooms are rapid and excessive growths of certain types of algae that produce toxins harmful to both animals and humans.
These blooms can occur in bodies of freshwater, such as lakes, ponds, and rivers.
When dogs come into contact with or ingest water contaminated with harmful algae blooms, they are at risk of exposure to toxic substances, which can lead to serious health issues and even death.
The toxins produced by harmful algae can vary, but some of the common ones include:
- Microcystins: These toxins can cause severe liver damage and failure in dogs when ingested or absorbed through the skin.
- Anatoxins: Anatoxins affect the nervous system and can cause neurological symptoms, including muscle tremors and convulsions in dogs.
- Saxitoxins: Saxitoxins are neurotoxins that can lead to paralysis and respiratory failure in dogs if ingested in significant amounts.
Symptoms of algae bloom poisoning in dogs can appear quickly and may include:
- Excessive drooling and foaming at the mouth
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Weakness and lethargy
- Difficulty breathing
- Seizures and tremors
- Disorientation or confusion
If you suspect your dog has been exposed to algae blooms, it is crucial to seek immediate veterinary attention.
Algae bloom poisoning can progress rapidly and become life-threatening.
To keep your dog safe, avoid letting them swim or drink from bodies of water that show signs of algae blooms, such as green or blue-green scum on the surface or a foul odor.
Pay attention to any warnings or advisories issued by local authorities regarding water quality and the presence of harmful algae blooms in your area.
It’s better to be cautious and avoid potentially contaminated sources than to risk your pet’s health and well-being.
We hope that you have found this article helpful when considering one of the most crucial elements of all life on Earth.
