Water Filtration

In an era of increasing water quality issues, more and more people are turning to bottled or filtered water for their drinking needs. But what about our pets? Cats and dogs have the same water needs as humans, and yet pet owners often neglect to consider giving their beloved animals filtered water as well.

The reasons for giving pets filtered water are numerous. Parasites, such as Giardia, can infect dogs and cats and cause severe cramping and diarrhea. Worse yet, your pets can transmit these infections to you as well. Giardia infections require an expensive trip to the vet and antibiotics to treat.

At the same time, giving filtered water to pets can be difficult to remember. Many consumer filters designed for humans take a long time to filter water, meaning that people often fill the filtration devices and leave them sitting for days or weeks. As the water ages, it loses oxygen content, making it less palatable, which is of special importance to cats. It is absolutely crucial that cats get enough water. Those that don’t are susceptible to urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and other expensive maladies.

Dogs also appreciate clean, healthy water. So, get a water filtration system for your home, even if you only get a faucet filter to start. They can be attached to just about any kitchen faucet with nothing more than a pair of pliers which makes them perfect for renters as well as homeowners. And,  no matter how young or old your pet is, they will appreciate the switch to a filtered water system. Filtered water will keep your pet healthier, happier, and well-hydrated for years to come.

An Ezine article

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4509490

Man’s best friend can share more than the good things in life. Dogs can also share a pesky parasite. The parasite Giardia is contracted by dogs that drink contaminated water, such as that found in puddles or lakes or even on wet kennel floors. Symptoms include diarrhea, weight loss, and hair loss, and puppies are at highest risk. Keep your dog away from water sources that may be contaminated and from wildlife fecal matter, and make sure to wash your hands after playing with pets. To be sure that the water your dog drinks at home is as healthy as possible, there are a number of quality water filters on the market today that remove not only the Giardia parasite, but also many other contaminants that can harm pets as well as other family members. It is advisable of course that even after taking every forseeable safeguard including fitering your home’s drinking water, should you suspect that your dog has been infected with Giardia be sure to see your vet immediately .Excerpted from a Dogage.com article ( 3-26-09 )