Are you thinking of giving your dog distilled water? Is hydrating in this way a good idea?
Here’s the deal:
If your water source contains impurities or other harmful contamination, using distilled water makes sense — at least in the short term.
The removal of trace elements does not render water unsafe.
Dogs can have distilled water.
With that being said, relying on it to hydrate is not recommended. Keep reading to learn more…
Your Dog Can Occasionally Drink Distilled Water
But you should not provide it regularly.
H2O loses numerous beneficial properties, including valuable ions as well as key minerals, once vaporized and condensed back to liquid.
Two such examples are calcium and magnesium; both have a net positive effect on health.
The point is this:
Why give your dog distilled water if your faucet water is safe, basically free of cost and also healthier in the long run?
The Water Dogs Need And Want
While not conclusively proven, some canines may develop potassium deficiencies and even heart problems after years of consuming of distilled water.
That sounds like a contradiction, but not really.
Once again, it’s not that distilled water is dangerous. It’s that regular water is so nutritious!
For example, tap water contains electrolytes that will support your dog’s kidney function.
Besides, animals usually do not prefer distilled water as it tends to taste flat or dry.
In fact, it is been said that vaporized H2O is not as thirst quenching.
You may even notice your dog drinking more distilled water compared to the regular stuff for this very reason!
Spring, Purified and Tap Water
The truth is that hydrating your dog from the tap is not much different from spring water.
That’s right!
Your faucet draws mostly from a local reservoir which is likely sourced from a nearby river which, in turn, is probably fed from a spring.
But, the thing is, even fresh spring water has impurities which is why it undergoes a chlorination process. And even after carbon filtration, spring typically contains metals and nitrates just like from the tap.
Get a quality purification system if you really want to provide your dog with clean and healthy H2O. Distilled water won’t cut it.
It cannot be stressed enough:
Avoid frequently providing water that’s had its trace mineral content destroyed.
While it’d be fine to give your dog occasionally, distilled is not how you should achieve healthy hydration.
Concerned About Your Tap Water?
In most areas in the US, the tap water is totally fine for drinking.
You can leave it out for your dog without concern.
If you are worried about your tap water, simply buy a sufficient supply of a good bottled brand until you can get the proper testing done.
The Bottom Line
Distilled water won’t harm your dog.
Nevertheless, you should be giving regular tap water on the regular. Go this simple and easy route and your dog will benefit in terms of receiving the most minerals and ions.
As a rule, you should not hydrate with distilled water each and every day.