Cat & Dog Drinking Water: Which Water Sources Are Safe for Pets?

Warm summer days are upon us! This means more outdoor adventures with our dogs and more lounging in that sunny window spot for our cats. Higher temperatures also mean thirsty pets. And when your pet is thirsty, you let them drink. But does it matter where the water comes from? Are dogs drinking water from ponds going to get sick? Will cats drinking water from the fishbowl end up with a bellyache?

As a pet parent, you want your furry friend to stay hydrated — and healthy. Here's what you need to know about your canine and feline friends' daily water needs and the various sources they might sniff out to quench that thirst.

How Much Water Do Pets Need?

For proper bodily function and to avoid dehydration, cats and dogs must consume water daily, according to Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. A pet can go a day without food but not water.

Dogs generally need one ounce of water per pound of weight per day. So, if your pet weighs 45 pounds, they should be offered at least 45 ounces of fresh water daily.

You'll find cats drinking water at the rate of five to 10 ounces per day, depending on their size, age, activity level and the type of food they eat.

Pets living in warmer climates or who are very active may ask for more water. Let them have it! Pets who eat moist foods, are older, or are sedentary will likely consume a bit below the average.

10 Common Water Sources: Are They Safe?

Whether they're inside the home or spending time outside in nature, your pet has a nose for water. If they sniff out one of these water sources and go in for a drink, here's what you need to know.

1. Bottled Water

Bottled water is safe to share with cats and dogs. Opt for spring water or bottled tap water varieties. Some veterinarians, including those at the Locust Valley Veterinary Clinic, are skeptical of the quality of distilled water for pets and its effects on urinary and cardiac health.

2. Creek, Pond or River Water

Whether you're wandering the trails at the local park or enjoying a camping trip together, it's not uncommon for your tired dog to start lapping at local bodies of water. The American Kennel Club warns pet parents that you never know when a pond or river might be contaminated. The water may carry substances that can make your pet sick, such as Leptospirosis, algae, or bacteria that lingers in standing water and mud. It's best to avoid this type of water for pet drinks.

3. Fish Tank Water

Do you have an ornamental pond in your backyard that you fill during the warm weather months? Or maybe you have an indoor aquarium? If you discover your cats or dogs drinking water from this bubbling source, redirect them to their own water bowls. Why? These water sources are treated with chemicals to keep the water balanced for fish, reduce algae and maintain proper pH levels. They're not meant for your furry friends to drink from.

4. Ocean Water

When you head to the beach, your pup might love to frolic in the gentle waves. But what about dogs drinking water from the ocean? Ocean water is naturally salty. If your pet drinks this water, they can get salt poisoning, also known as hypernatremia, which negatively affects the neurological system, according to the Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. Instead of relying on the ocean as a water source, pack plenty of bottled spring water or water from your home tap for your pet.