Everyone knows pets need water, just like people do. As pet parents, we make sure the water bowl is filled up every day. We make sure our pet sitters know that too.
But we often don’t think about how the bowl or the water in it are affecting our pets. I didn’t think about it either till my cat ended up with a kidney infection.
A Water Wake-Up Call
Many years ago, I had a cat that got really sick. The vet diagnosed her with a kidney infection. I was worried I would lose her, but thankfully she got a medical intervention in time, and it worked.
As she started healing, my vet recommended changes to her diet and her drinking water. I had never thought about how her water could affect her health.
The vet said the tap water in our community had too many chemicals. She needed filtered water so her kidneys would have an easier time.
As I established new water habits for my cat, she regained her health. She lived to be 21 and was in good health till the very end of her life. No more kidney problems.
That experience helped me realize how important the water bowl is to a pet’s health.
How the Water Bowl Gets Overlooked
A pet’s daily care includes checking to be sure they have water available, something we pet parents do by habit. But it’s easy for us to overlook the details. This is not about feeling guilty. We all do the best we can. But gaining awareness can really help—ideally before a health crisis like what happened to my cat.
Tap Water v. Filtered Water
As my vet showed me, not every source of water is healthy for pets. Tap water might contain chemicals. Even well water might have too many minerals.
Filtered water can help minimize these elements. Check with your vet to discover the best solution.
The Water Bowl
Plastic water bowls can seem very convenient. But when plastic gets scuffed up, it traps bacteria that can affect your pet’s health.
Ceramic or stainless steel bowls are usually safer, as long as they don’t have painted surfaces that might leach into the water.
Cleanliness
As pet parents, we often focus on whether the water bowl is full without thinking about cleanliness. It’s easy to put fresh water into old water and feel like the bowl is ready for our pet.
The problem is that residue can build up on the bowl. The residue can affect the quality and even the taste of the water. You don’t want your pet to avoid drinking water because the taste is off.
Daily cleaning of the water bowl and filling up with fresh water helps with your pet’s health.
Access to Water
It’s easy to think your pet gets enough water from the bowl near their food. But that may not be enough. If your pet spends time outside or in another part of the house, it’ll help to put out extra water bowls in those areas.
Simple Steps to Help Your Pet Stay Hydrated
These are some simple steps you can take to help your pet stay hydrated:
- Talk with your vet about your water quality. Get their recommendations for the best water for your pet. This is especially important for pets with health issues, but the right water can also prevent or delay such issues.
- Switch to stainless steel or ceramic water bowls. When in doubt, check with your vet.
- Place water bowls where your pet spends a lot of time: near the food dish, but also outdoors and in other parts of the house where your pet hangs out. This is especially important for senior dogs who may need more water and may tire of going back and forth to the kitchen.
- Be sure to clean the water bowl daily and keep it filled with fresh water. Check with your vet for the best and safest way to clean the bowl.
Small Changes with Big Impact
Your pet’s water bowl is a daily reminder of how important hydration is to their health.
After that scare with my cat, I now pay attention to my pet’s daily water access.
Small changes can have a big impact. You don’t need to feel overwhelmed or do a huge overhaul. Just be mindful of the water your pet drinks. Ask questions of your trusted pet care provider. And make simple changes toward your pet’s well-being.
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Janet Eriksson 