Access to Potable Water for Dogs Water is essential for life. Without it, many essential bodily functions slow down or stop. Some of the first to go are accessory functions like reproduction and lactation. Pregnant or nursing mothers need more water than normal to support the puppies’ growth and development.
What is Potable Water?
DID YOU KNOW? Eating snow or ice lowers the body’s core temperature, requires more energy to melt the frozen water, and may even cause frostbite or other injuries to the teeth, mouth, and face. It is not an effective way to replenish or maintain your dogs’ hydration needs. Prevent freezing to ensure liquid water is always available. Otherwise, check frequently and replace or break up frozen or snowy water bowls during a cold snap.
Potable water is water that is safe to drink. If water appears cloudy, discolored, visibly contaminated, or otherwise unappetizing, it may not be potable and should be replaced with clean water. If the water quality is unknown, such as from a natural spring or pond, consider testing the water to determine its safety. Regularly clean drinking vessels such as bowls, buckets, troughs, or barrels to make sure the water they hold stays clean.
Ways to Ensure Continuous Access to Potable Water
● Prevent spilling by using spill-proof containers, anchoring the container to prevent tipping, or by placing the container into a larger, stable structure such as a large barrel that has a cutout/depression to hold a bowl. ● Use a large volume container, like a trough, to provide plenty of water.
Use spill-proof containers
● Provide water in protected areas such as heated buildings or sheds or use insulating, electric heating, or continuous-flow systems.
Trough containers hold a large volume of water
● Consider automatic water sources, such as water nozzles, self-filling bowls, and pet fountains. Be sure to check these regularly to make sure they are delivering water properly.
Remove ice and snow so liquid water is always available
Questions? Email us at CenterforAnimalWelfare@usda.gov The U.S. Department of Agriculture is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
Animal Care APHIS-23-025 • Issued August 2023
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