World Water Day, celebrated on March 22, reinforces that potable water is an indispensable resource for all living beings, including pets.
Ensuring that pets are properly hydrated guarantees the correct functioning of all physiological functions, metabolic processes, and chemical reactions in the body. It is important to understand that the same quality of water suitable for human consumption should also be provided to companion animals: clean and potable, free from pathogenic microorganisms or bacteria indicative of fecal contamination, and in properly sanitized containers.
Lívea Maria Gomes, an animal scientist at Adimax, a company specializing in canine and feline nutrition, explains that if pet water bowls are not cleaned frequently and properly, microorganisms can proliferate, and when ingested, they may harm the pet’s health.
“Ideally, the water should be changed at least once a day, and the water bowl should always be kept clean, sanitized only with water and mild detergent, as some animals may be sensitive to certain cleaning products and develop allergic reactions. It is also important to prevent pets from accessing unsuitable water sources, such as aquariums, puddles, rivers, and lakes,” she advises.
The animal scientist explains that there are several diseases caused by microorganisms that can be transmitted through the consumption or contact with contaminated water: “Some diseases are particularly concerning because they are zoonotic, meaning they can infect both animals and humans. One example is giardiasis, caused by a parasite, and leptospirosis, caused by a bacterium (in which the urine of an infected animal contaminates the water that a pet or human consumes).”
“Another example is Salmonella, also a bacterium. When an animal becomes infected, it often exhibits gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea (with or without blood), vomiting, weight loss, dehydration, lethargy, among others.”
A pet not drinking water can be a sign that something is wrong. However, it is worth noting that dehydration is not the only indicator of a potential health issue: excessive thirst and drinking too much water can also signal other conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease, and others.
To help pet owners, Lívea Maria Gomes has selected some simple tips on how to care for your pet’s water supply, which will contribute to their overall health:
1. Always keep water bowls in a cool, quiet place, away from direct sunlight;
2. Water should be changed at least once a day, and the bowl should be properly cleaned. In specific situations, such as during hot weather, it is recommended to change the water more frequently to keep it fresh and appealing;
3. Have multiple water bowls placed around the house for both dogs and cats, as this encourages them to drink more water;
4. Use water fountains (especially for cats), as they prefer fresh, running water. On hot days, add ice cubes to the water bowl;
5. Include wet food in their diet, such as pouches, which help increase water intake;
6. Whenever taking your pet on long walks or outings, carry a portable water bowl and a bottle of water to offer them, preventing them from drinking from unsuitable sources.
Photo and video: Unsplash. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
