Blog:
Pet Health: Why Water Quality Matters for Your Pets
When I founded Tapure after my journey as an ex-Royal Marine, I was driven by one simple belief: every family member deserves access to pure, clean water. That includes our beloved pets, who are just as vulnerable to water contaminants as we are, yet often receive less consideration when it comes to water quality.
Your furry companions depend on you for everything, including the water they drink daily. Just as you wouldn't serve yourself a glass of questionable water, your pets deserve the same standard of care. The water flowing from your taps might look clear, but it can harbour over 1,000 different contaminants that affect both human and animal health.
Understanding Water Contaminants That Affect Pet Health
We've spent years researching UK water quality, and what we've found is concerning. Municipal water treatment removes many harmful bacteria and pathogens, but it doesn't eliminate everything. Chlorine, heavy metals, pesticide residues, and pharmaceutical traces still make their way into your home's water supply.
Your pets are particularly sensitive to these contaminants because of their smaller body size and different metabolisms. Chlorine, whilst safe in small quantities for humans, can cause stomach upset in sensitive pets. Heavy metals like lead and copper can accumulate in their systems over time, potentially leading to serious health issues.
I've witnessed firsthand how poor water quality affects pets through conversations with our customers. Dogs refusing to drink from their bowls, cats developing urinary issues, and pets showing signs of digestive discomfort. These problems often trace back to water quality, yet many pet owners never make the connection.
The Hidden Dangers in Your Pet's Water Bowl
Think about your pet's daily water consumption. Dogs typically need about 30ml per kilogram of body weight daily, whilst cats require approximately 50ml per kilogram. That's a significant amount of potentially contaminated water entering their systems every day.
Tap water often contains fluoride levels that, whilst considered safe for human consumption, can be excessive for pets. Long-term exposure to high fluoride levels may contribute to dental and bone issues in animals. Additionally, the pH levels in unfiltered water can be too acidic or alkaline for optimal pet health.
We've also identified that many pet owners unknowingly worsen the situation by using plastic water bowls. These containers can leach chemicals into the water, especially when exposed to sunlight or heat. Even stainless steel bowls can develop bacterial films if not cleaned properly with filtered water.
Signs Your Pet May Be Affected by Poor Water Quality
Through our research and customer feedback, we've identified several warning signs that your pet might be suffering from poor water quality. Watch for changes in drinking habits, such as reluctance to drink from their usual bowl or seeking alternative water sources like puddles or plant saucers.
Digestive issues often manifest first. Recurring stomach upsets, changes in stool consistency, or frequent vomiting after drinking can indicate water quality problems. Urinary tract infections, particularly in cats, sometimes correlate with mineral imbalances in unfiltered water.
Skin and coat problems shouldn't be overlooked either. Just as chlorinated water can dry human skin, it affects your pet's coat and skin health. We've had customers report improvements in their pets' coat shine and skin condition after installing our filtration systems.
Creating a Healthier Hydration Environment
At Tapure, we believe the solution starts with understanding that your pets deserve the same quality water you provide for your family. Our whole house filtration systems address water quality at its source, ensuring every tap in your home delivers pure, clean water.
Our Purahouse® system removes up to 97% of water contaminants through a comprehensive nine-stage filtration process. This means the water filling your pet's bowl is free from chlorine, heavy metals, and other harmful substances that could impact their health.
The three-filter system works continuously, so you don't need to remember to change individual bowl filters or worry about inconsistent water quality. Your pets receive the same high-standard water whether they're drinking from their bowl, you're preparing their food, or they're having a bath.
Practical Steps for Better Pet Hydration
Beyond installing a comprehensive filtration system, there are immediate steps you can take to improve your pet's water quality. Start by replacing plastic bowls with stainless steel or ceramic alternatives. These materials don't harbour bacteria as readily and won't leach chemicals into the water.
Clean your pet's water bowl daily with filtered water. Bacteria and biofilm build up quickly, even in clean-looking bowls. A thorough daily wash eliminates these hidden health hazards and encourages your pet to drink more.
Consider the placement of water bowls too. Keep them away from direct sunlight and heat sources, which can promote bacterial growth and affect water temperature. Multiple water stations throughout your home encourage proper hydration, especially important for older pets or those with mobility issues.
The Long-term Benefits of Quality Water for Pets
We've observed remarkable improvements in pet health when families switch to filtered water systems. Better hydration supports kidney function, crucial for both cats and dogs as they age. Proper hydration also aids digestion and helps maintain healthy body temperature regulation.
The mineral balance in our filtered water supports optimal pet health without the excessive levels found in some tap water supplies. Our re-mineralisation process ensures water maintains beneficial minerals whilst removing harmful contaminants.
From an environmental perspective, providing filtered water for your pets eliminates the need for bottled water, reducing plastic waste whilst ensuring consistent quality. This aligns with our core values of environmental consciousness and sustainable living.
Making the Right Choice for Your Pet Family
Your pets trust you completely to make decisions about their health and wellbeing. Water quality represents one of the most fundamental aspects of pet care, yet it's often overlooked until problems arise.
We've designed our filtration systems with the entire household in mind, recognising that pets are integral family members. Our expert installation team, backed by over 15 years of construction experience, ensures your system works flawlessly from day one.
The two-year warranty and free delivery we provide demonstrate our confidence in these systems and our commitment to your family's health, including your beloved pets.
Your furry family members deserve nothing less than the pure, clean water that supports their health and happiness. We're here to help you provide exactly that, with systems designed to deliver exceptional water quality for every member of your household.