Pets are integral parts of many families in Delmarva and beyond. Homeowners should be aware of what they feed their furry friends, including the quality of their drinking water. You wouldn’t give your human family members hard water to drink, so why would you offer it to your animals?

Some people have reservations about serving their pets treated water for health reasons. You might be wondering, “Is it safe for pets to drink softened water?” The answer is yes, with a few caveats. Let’s take a closer look into the subject so you can make the best decisions for your four-legged pals.

Is Hard Water Bad for Pets?

Making the switch from hard to soft water usually boils down to health and convenience. There is plenty of evidence to suggest that soft water is better for human bodies and household systems. However, is the same true for your pets?

Some studies suggest that animals drinking hard water have higher rates of kidney and urinary tract issues. However, others say that mineral levels in hard water aren’t usually high enough to cause problems in healthy pets. Still, offering your pets soft water may be a better alternative if you’re concerned about the presence of substances like magnesium and iron in your tap.

Mineral-Free Drinking

Most veterinarians agree that untreated tap water is bad for your animals. Untreated tap water may contain excessive amounts of fluoride, chlorine, and other chemicals that could seriously harm your pets in large quantities. Since water softeners work through processes like reverse osmosis, you don’t need to worry about adding dangerous substances to improve your household’s water quality.

Fresh Bath Water

Pets get stinky after running around and playing all day. Regularly bathing them is essential to keeping them looking and smelling fresh and clean. Just as bathing in hard water can negatively affect people’s skin, it can have some less than ideal consequences on your animal’s coat. Soft water doesn’t leave unpleasant mineral residue behind, so your furry friends will always have smooth and shiny fur. Animals also tend to lap up water while receiving a bath, making it a safe option to use during their spa treatments.

A Note About Sodium

One thing to note about water softeners is that they can raise sodium levels in your water. While this isn’t harmful to healthy humans or pets, it may cause problems in animals with sodium sensitivities. If you’re planning on switching your pets over to soft water, it’s best to introduce it gradually and consult with your veterinarian.

Ultimately, it is safe for your pets to drink softened water under the right circumstances. At Delmarva Water Solutions, we have several water softener systems for well water. Contact us today to explore choices and improve your and your furry pal’s drinking water!