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Our canine friends are not known for being discerning about what they eat and drink! There are times when they may eat or drink something and be just fine. Then other times, they could become sick! But what about non-potable water? Can non-potable make a dog sick?
Has your dog drunk non-potable water? Are you worried the non-potable water will make him sick? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when your dog drinks something like this.
We’ve put together some information about non-potable water and whether it can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!
What is Non-Potable Water?
Non-potable water is water that is not appropriate for human or pet consumption. In other words, non-potable water is not safe for humans or their fur babies to drink. Examples of non-potable water include grey water, freshwater (in streams, rivers, ponds, and more), groundwater, stagnant bodies of water. This water has not been filtered or treated to ensure it’s safe to drink.
On the other hand, potable water is safe for humans and their canine companions (and other pets) to drink and consume. The main example of potable water is our public water systems supply. This is the water used in your home for washing, drinking, cooking, and more.
Non-potable water may still be used for other purposes beyond consumption. It depends on the quality of the water and how it will be used. For instance, non-potable water may be used to do laundry, flush the toilet, used in the garden (depending on the quality of the water), and more. But what happens if a dog drinks non-potable water?
Non-Potable Water & Dogs
Dogs may gain easy access to water found in stagnant ponds and puddles or other types of standing water. So when a dog is thirsty and out for a walk with you, he may decide to have a quick drink from a puddle! But how could that make your dog sick?
Many types of standing water may be contaminated with various pollutants and/or microorganisms. For instance, leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can enter the dog’s bloodstream. In addition, the water may be contaminated from another animal that urinated into the puddle, thus passing the infection on to the dog.
In addition to leptospirosis, many other microbes can infect a dog and make him very sick. Another problem is the water could contain chemicals, such as gas, oil, fertilizer, pesticides, and more. These chemicals can also make a dog very sick.
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Ask a Vet Live NowWhat to Do If Your Dog Has Drunk Non-Potable Water
If your dog has drunk non-potable water, then it’s a good idea to call the vet. Just let the vet know about when this happened and where. Let the vet know if the water was in a puddle or a pond, etc. This information can help the vet provide the advice you need.
And if your dog shows any sign of illness after drinking non-potable water, then call the vet immediately. This could be an emergency.
When you’re out on a hike or even a walk in the neighborhood, never allow your fur baby to drink any type of standing water. And if you’re out for a longer period, be sure to take along enough water for your dog, too. That way, you’ll keep him safe, healthy, happy, and safely hydrated!
Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Kim
Kim is a talented author, who loves animals especially dogs. She engaged in writing books and articles relating to animals a decade ago. Kim resides in Chicago with her husband and son. The family is the proud owner of a dog and a parrot (Jack and Lily). Kim wanted more than these two pets, but her husband put his foot down... She often visits elementary schools to talk to the kids about what she learned about pets and how they could learn from them.
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