We all agree that water is essential for life, but have you ever stopped to think about just how important it is for your pet? Whether you have a playful pup, a curious cat, or a small furry companion, water plays a crucial role in keeping them healthy, happy, and full of energy.

Importance of hydration for pets

Just like humans, pets need water to survive and thrive. Water makes up a significant portion of their body weight and is involved in nearly every bodily function. From regulating body temperature to aiding digestion, water is the unsung hero of your pet’s health.

Overview of water’s role in pet health

Water is a vital component in your pet’s overall wellbeing. Apart from quenching their thirst, it helps transport nutrients throughout the body, removes waste products, supports organ function, and even affects your pet’s mood and energy levels. In short, water is the foundation of good health for your furry friend.

Physiological Benefits of Water for Pets

Let’s take a closer look at how water works its magic in your pet’s body.

1. Maintaining body temperature

Unlike humans, most pets can’t sweat all over their bodies to cool down. Dogs pant and cats groom themselves to regulate their temperature, but these methods rely on water to be effective. Proper hydration helps your pet maintain a stable body temperature, whether they’re lounging in the sun or chasing a ball in the park.

2. Aiding digestion and nutrient absorption

Water is essential for breaking down food and moving it through your pet’s digestive system. It helps dissolve nutrients, making them easier for your pet’s body to absorb. Without enough water, your pet might struggle to get all the goodness from their food, potentially leading to nutritional deficiencies.

3. Supporting kidney function and waste removal

Your pet’s kidneys work hard to filter waste products from the blood and produce urine. Adequate water intake helps flush out these waste products, reducing the workload on the kidneys and helping to prevent urinary tract issues. Think of water as your pet’s internal cleaning system!

4. Lubricating joints and cushioning organs

Water is a key component of the fluid that lubricates your pet’s joints, helping them move smoothly and comfortably. It also forms part of the protective padding around organs, cushioning them from everyday bumps and movements. For active pets or those with joint issues, proper hydration can make a world of difference in their comfort and mobility.

Hydration and Pet Energy Levels

Ever noticed how a well-hydrated pet seems to have an extra spring in their step? There’s a good reason for that.

● Impact on physical activity and endurance

Water plays a crucial role in energy production at the cellular level. When your pet is well-hydrated, their cells can function more efficiently, leading to better overall energy levels. This means your pet can play longer, run faster, and enjoy their favourite activities without tiring as quickly.

● Effects on mental alertness and mood

Hydration not only affects your pet’s body, it impacts their mind too. Proper hydration helps maintain good blood flow to the brain, supporting mental alertness and cognitive function. A well-hydrated pet is often more responsive, alert, and ready to engage in training or playtime. On the flip side, even mild dehydration can lead to lethargy and irritability in pets.

Water’s Role in Pet Skin and Coat Health

Your pet’s skin and coat are often a reflection of their overall health, and water plays a big part in keeping them looking and feeling great.

● Promoting skin elasticity

Well-hydrated skin is more elastic and resilient. This means it’s better able to bounce back from stretching and less prone to injuries. For pets with skin conditions, proper hydration can help manage symptoms and promote healing.

● Supporting a healthy, shiny coat

Have you ever admired your pet’s glossy coat after a good grooming session? Water helps transport nutrients to the hair follicles, promoting healthy growth and giving your pet’s coat that enviable shine. Dehydration, on the other hand, can lead to a dull, brittle coat that’s more prone to shedding and breakage.

Proper Hydration and Pet Urinary Health

When it comes to your pet’s urinary system, water is a powerful preventive tool. It’s usefulness is more than just a drink.

● Preventing urinary tract infections

A well-hydrated pet produces more urine, which helps flush out the urinary tract regularly. This constant flushing action can help prevent the buildup of bacteria that could lead to urinary tract infections. For pets prone to these infections, encouraging water intake can be a simple yet effective preventive measure.

● Reducing the risk of bladder stones

Bladder stones form when certain minerals in your pet’s urine become too concentrated. By drinking plenty of water, your pet can help dilute these minerals, making it less likely for stones to form. This is especially important for breeds or species that are prone to bladder stones.

Signs of Dehydration in Pets

Recognizing dehydration in pets is crucial for their health and well-being. Unlike humans, pets can’t tell us when they’re thirsty, so it’s up to us to spot the signs.

1. Physical symptoms

• Sunken eyes: If your pet’s eyes appear sunken or dull, it could be a sign of dehydration.
• Dry nose and gums: A healthy pet should have a moist nose and gums. If they feel dry or sticky, it’s time to worry.
• Skin elasticity test: Gently pinch and pull up the skin between your pet’s shoulder blades. If it doesn’t spring back quickly, your pet might be dehydrated.
• Thick saliva: Dehydration can cause saliva to become thick and stringy.
• Panting: While normal for dogs, excessive panting can indicate dehydration.

2. Behavioural changes

• Lethargy: A pet who is usually active becoming sluggish could be a sign of dehydration.
• Loss of appetite: Dehydrated pets often lose interest in food.
• Increased water consumption: If your pet suddenly starts drinking much more than usual, it could be trying to combat dehydration.
• Changes in urination: Less frequent urination or darker urine can indicate dehydration.

Remember, these signs can also indicate other health issues. If you suspect your pet is dehydrated, especially if symptoms persist after offering water, it’s best to consult your veterinarian.

Encouraging Pet Water Consumption

1. Providing fresh, clean water

• Change water daily: Pets prefer fresh water, just like we do.
• Clean bowls regularly: Bacteria can build up in water bowls, deterring pets from drinking.

2. Types of water bowls and fountains

• Wide bowls: Some pets prefer wide, shallow bowls that don’t touch their whiskers.
• Fountains: Moving water can entice pets to drink more.
• Multiple locations: Place water sources throughout your home to encourage drinking.

3. Adding moisture to pet food

• Wet food: Consider mixing wet food with dry kibble to increase moisture intake.
• Broth: Low-sodium broth can make water more appealing to pets.

Special Hydration Considerations

Different pets have different hydration needs, and various factors can affect these needs.

1. For different pet species

• Dogs: Generally need about an ounce of water per pound of body weight daily.
• Cats: Often prefer running water and may drink less if fed wet food.
• Small animals: Rodents and rabbits often get much of their water from fresh vegetables.

2. Based on age, size, and activity level

• Puppies and kittens: Need more water relative to their size due to higher activity levels.
• Senior pets: May need encouragement to drink due to decreased thirst sensation.
• Active pets: Dogs who exercise a lot or working dogs need more water to replace what’s lost through panting.
• Overweight pets: May need more water to support their body mass.

3. In various climates and seasons

• Hot weather: Increases water needs dramatically. Always provide extra water in summer.
• Cold weather: Pets may drink less, but still need adequate hydration.
• Humid climates: Can increase water needs as pets may pant more to cool down.
• Dry climates: May increase water loss through respiration.

By the way, these are general guidelines. Always observe your pet’s individual needs and consult with your vet for personalised advice.

Water Safety for Pets

1. Ensuring water quality

• Use clean, fresh water: Tap water is usually fine, but if you wouldn’t drink it, neither should your pet.
• Consider filters: If your tap water has a strong odour or taste, a filter might help.

2. Avoiding contaminated water sources

• Outdoor water: Discourage drinking from puddles, ponds, or streams which may contain harmful bacteria or parasites.
• Toilet water: Keep toilet lids closed to prevent pets from drinking potentially contaminated water.

Conclusion

Water is truly a cornerstone of your pet’s health, affecting everything from their energy levels to their urinary health. By ensuring your pet stays well-hydrated, you’re setting them up for a healthier, happier life.

Providing clean, fresh water is one of the simplest yet most important things you can do for your pet’s health. Pay attention to your pet’s drinking habits, look out for signs of dehydration, and don’t hesitate to contact your vet if you have concerns.

While water might seem simple, its benefits for your pet are anything but basic. By ensuring your furry friend stays well-hydrated, you’re ensuring that they are healthier, and happier. So the next time you fill up your pet’s water bowl, give yourself a pat on the back because you’re doing more for their health than you might realise.

To a lot of people out there, clean water is a luxury. At AquaMaya, we are putting in a lot of work to make clean water accessible to 10 million people in West Africa. Your support in any capacity, will go a long way in bringing clean water to those who need it most.

Stay hydrated, keep your pet hydrated and help others stay hydrated.

Sources:

1. https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/is-tap-water-safe-for-dogs

2. https://www.truecareveterinaryhospital.com/blog/the-importance-of-water-for-pets-and-avoiding-pet-dehydration/

Water is life. Every day, we rely on it for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. But just because it’s clear, doesn’t mean it’s clean. Now that’s where we at Aqua Maya come in. We are committed to bringing clean, safe and sustainable water solutions to communities in West Africa. 

Contaminated water can sneak into our homes without us even noticing, leading to serious health problems. Safe drinking water is something we often take for granted, but it’s crucial to stay aware of any changes in your water’s taste, appearance, or smell. 

If you’ve ever wondered whether the water you’re drinking is safe, you’re not alone. Let’s explore the common signs that tell your drinking water might be contaminated and what you can do to protect yourself.

Signs to watch for

1. Odd Taste or Smell

One of the first red flags of contaminated water is a change in taste or smell. If your water has a metallic, salty, or chemical-like taste, there’s a chance it’s been contaminated by harmful substances like lead, chlorine, or industrial chemicals. Sometimes, a rotten egg smell might point to sulphur, which though unpleasant, isn’t necessarily dangerous but still needs attention.

2. Discolouration

While clean water should be clear, discoloured water is a strong sign that something is wrong. If your water appears yellow, brown or has a rusty tint, it might be a sign of contaminants like iron, manganese, or even bacteria. A green or blue hue could indicate copper contamination, which can come from corroded pipes.

3. Cloudiness

Cloudy water, also known as “turbidity,” means there are particles floating in your water. This can be due to soil runoff, sediment, or even microscopic organisms. While not all cloudy water is harmful, it’s always best to avoid drinking it until it’s been tested.

4. Slippery Feel

Water should feel refreshing and clean. If your tap water feels slippery or slimy, it could indicate an excess of minerals like calcium or magnesium, which might point to hard water. While hard water isn’t a health hazard, it can be tough on your skin, hair, and appliances.

5. Sediment in the Water

If you notice bits of dirt or particles at the bottom of your glass or in your sink, your water may be carrying sediment or rust from old pipes. Sediment can also come from underground sources, like eroded soil, which might be a sign of poor filtration or pipe damage.

6. Frequent Illness

If you and your family are constantly battling gastrointestinal issues like diarrhoea, vomiting, or stomach cramps, your water might be the culprit. Microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites can find their way into your water supply, causing frequent bouts of illness.

7. Lead Exposure

Lead is a sneaky contaminant because it’s invisible, odourless, and tasteless. It often enters drinking water through the corrosion of old pipes. Long-term exposure to lead can cause serious health problems, especially in children and pregnant women, leading to developmental delays, learning disabilities, and other health issues.

8. Stains on Fixtures, Appliances or Clothing

If you start noticing strange stains on your dishes, laundry, or fixtures, your water might contain an excess of minerals or chemicals. Orange or brown stains usually point to iron, while blue-green stains might indicate copper.

9. Changes in Water Pressure

A sudden drop in water pressure might be more than just a plumbing problem. It could mean that something’s wrong with your water supply, like a blockage in the pipes caused by rust or mineral buildup, or worse—damage to the local water system.

10. Unexplained Odour in the House

Sometimes, contaminated water isn’t obvious in taste or colour, but it can still release an odour in your home, especially around sinks, faucets, or toilets. The smell might not even come directly from the water but from what’s building up in your plumbing as a result of contamination.

What Can You Do If Your Water Is Contaminated?

So, what should you do if you notice any of the signs mentioned above? First, don’t panic. Here are some steps you can take:

• Get your water tested: This is the most reliable way to know if your water is contaminated and to what extent.
• Install a water filter: Depending on the type of contamination, a simple home filter could solve your problem.
• Consider bottled or boiled water: If contamination is severe, avoid using tap water for drinking or cooking until it’s declared safe.

How to Test Your Drinking Water

Testing your water is the best way to know for sure if it’s safe to drink. While water contamination can sometimes be obvious (discolouration, bad smell, etc.), other times it’s invisible and undetectable without proper testing. Here’s a simple guide on how to test your drinking water and make sure it’s safe for you and your family.

1. Use Your Senses for a Quick Check

Before deciding on using testing kits and labs, use your basic senses:

● Smell: Does your water smell like chlorine, sulphur (like rotten eggs), or anything unusual?

● Taste: Does your water taste metallic, bitter, or otherwise strange?

● Look: Is the water cloudy, discoloured, or has particles floating in it?

These are early warning signs that something might be off, but for a more accurate assessment, you’ll need to test the water properly.

2. Buy a Home Water Testing Kit

Home water testing kits are widely available and easy to use. These kits can test for common contaminants like bacteria, lead, chlorine, nitrates, pH levels, and more. Here’s how to use one:

● Step 1: Buy a kit from a reputable store or online retailer.

● Step 2: Follow the instructions. Typically, you’ll fill a small container with a sample of your tap water.

● Step 3: Use the included strips or testing solutions. These might change colour based on the presence of specific contaminants.

● Step 4: Compare the results to the colour chart provided in the kit.

These kits can provide a good baseline but may not detect all possible contaminants, especially at very low levels.

3. Send a Sample to a Certified Lab

For a more thorough and accurate test, you can send your water to a certified lab. This is a great option if you’re worried about serious contamination, like lead or harmful bacteria, or if you live in an older home with outdated pipes. 

● Step 1: Contact a local water testing lab. Many labs will send you a sample collection kit.

● Step 2: Collect a water sample according to the lab’s instructions. This usually involves filling a sterile bottle or container with tap water.

● Step 3: Send the sample back to the lab and wait for your results. These tests can take a few days to a couple of weeks, but they are much more detailed than home kits.

Some labs can test for hundreds of potential contaminants, from heavy metals like arsenic and mercury to pesticides and industrial chemicals.

4. Visit Your Local Water Board

If you’re connected to a public water supply, you can visit your local water board to find out what’s in your water. For instance, if you’re in FCT Nigeria, you can visit the FCT Water Board. 

5. Test Well Water / Borehole Water Regularly

If your home relies on well water or borehole water, it’s crucial to test it regularly because it’s not treated or monitored by the city. Well water can be contaminated by runoff, industrial waste, or even naturally occurring substances like radon or arsenic.

● Step 1: Test your well water at least once a year. You can use a home kit for a basic test, but sending it to a lab will give you the most accurate results.

● Step 2: If you notice any sudden changes in taste, colour, or odour, test your well or borehole water immediately.

6. Hire a Professional

If you’re unsure about using a home kit or need a comprehensive test, consider hiring a professional water testing service. A technician can come to your home, collect samples, and perform on-site testing or send the samples to a lab for you. This is especially helpful if you’re facing ongoing issues with your water supply.

Common Contaminants to Test For:

● Lead: Particularly common in older homes with lead pipes or fixtures.

● Bacteria: Such as E. coli, which can cause severe illness.

● Nitrates: Come from fertilisers or septic systems and can be harmful to infants.

● Chlorine: Often added to public water supplies to disinfect, but too much can be harmful.

● Heavy Metals: Like mercury, arsenic, and cadmium, often from industrial runoff.

● Pesticides: Found in water near agricultural areas.

Conclusion

Whether you use a simple home testing kit or send samples to a professional lab, understanding the quality of your drinking water is essential for protecting yourself and your family from potential health risks. Regular testing, especially if you notice anything unusual, ensures your water is safe for daily use. The water you drink every day is as important as life itself. Pay attention to the signs of contamination and take quick action. Be informed, stay safe, and always make sure the water you drink every day is truly clean.

References: 

1. Kinetico. 2024. Common Water Problems. https://www.kineticonorthernmichigan.com/what-we-do/common-water-problems/

2. Copper Development Association Inc. 2024. Why Do I Have Blue/Green Staining of My Bathroom Fixtures?https://copper.org/applications/plumbing/techcorner/staining_bathroom_fixtures.php

3. WHO. 2023. Radon. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/radon-and-health

4. WHO. 2022. Arsenic. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/arsenic

5. WHO. 2017. Chemical Safety and Health – Mercury. https://www.who.int/teams/environment-climate-change-and-health/chemical-safety-and-health/health-impacts/chemicals/mercury

6. WHO. 2017. Chemical Safety and Health – Cadmium. https://www.who.int/teams/environment-climate-change-and-health/chemical-safety-and-health/health-impacts/chemicals/cadmium