{"id":11033,"date":"2026-07-09T16:35:54","date_gmt":"2026-07-09T16:35:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/drmhasghari.com\/?p=11033"},"modified":"2026-07-17T16:45:29","modified_gmt":"2026-07-17T16:45:29","slug":"best-water-for-dogs-and-cats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/drmhasghari.com\/en\/best-water-for-dogs-and-cats\/","title":{"rendered":"What kind of water is better for my dog \u200b\u200bor cat to drink?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_85 ez-toc-wrap-center counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter-rtl ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #62c0e0;color:#62c0e0\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #62c0e0;color:#62c0e0\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/drmhasghari.com\/en\/best-water-for-dogs-and-cats\/#Introduction\" >Introduction<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/drmhasghari.com\/en\/best-water-for-dogs-and-cats\/#What_exactly_is_good_water_for_dogs_and_cats\" >What exactly is good water for dogs and cats?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/drmhasghari.com\/en\/best-water-for-dogs-and-cats\/#Tap_water_is_it_good_or_not\" >Tap water; is it good or not?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/drmhasghari.com\/en\/best-water-for-dogs-and-cats\/#Purified_Water_Does_It_Really_Make_a_Difference\" >Purified Water; Does It Really Make a Difference?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/drmhasghari.com\/en\/best-water-for-dogs-and-cats\/#Mineral_water_a_choice_that_doesnt_always_make_sense\" >Mineral water; a choice that doesn\u2019t always make sense<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/drmhasghari.com\/en\/best-water-for-dogs-and-cats\/#Boiled_cooled_water_the_simplest_option_that_is_often_overlooked\" >Boiled, cooled water; the simplest option that is often overlooked<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/drmhasghari.com\/en\/best-water-for-dogs-and-cats\/#Cold_or_lukewarm_water_Its_not_what_you_think\" >Cold or lukewarm water? It&#8217;s not what you think<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/drmhasghari.com\/en\/best-water-for-dogs-and-cats\/#A_major_misconception_Should_water_be_%E2%80%9Csterile%E2%80%9D_or_just_%E2%80%9Cclean%E2%80%9D\" >A major misconception Should water be \u201csterile\u201d or just \u201cclean\u201d?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/drmhasghari.com\/en\/best-water-for-dogs-and-cats\/#Water_Hardness_Something_We_Worry_About_More_Than_We_Really_Need\" >Water Hardness; Something We Worry About More Than We Really Need<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/drmhasghari.com\/en\/best-water-for-dogs-and-cats\/#Practical_Veterinary_Perspective_The_Same_Water_You_Drink\" >Practical Veterinary Perspective The Same Water You Drink<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/drmhasghari.com\/en\/best-water-for-dogs-and-cats\/#How_to_get_your_cat_to_drink_more_water\" >How to get your cat to drink more water?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/drmhasghari.com\/en\/best-water-for-dogs-and-cats\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/drmhasghari.com\/en\/best-water-for-dogs-and-cats\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" >Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/drmhasghari.com\/en\/best-water-for-dogs-and-cats\/#Resources\" >Resources<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Introduction\"><\/span>Introduction<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">Some questions seem simple.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">Like, \u201cWhat water is best for my dog \u200b\u200bor cat?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The answer should seem pretty straightforward. Water. That\u2019s it.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">But if you talk to a few pet owners, the story isn\u2019t quite so clean and simple.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">One says her cat only drinks from the tap.<\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">Another worries that tap water can cause kidney disease.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">And one obsessively changes the water bowl every day, as if she\u2019s preparing a drink for an ICU patient.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The truth is, the issue of \u201cgood water for dogs and cats\u201d isn\u2019t just about a glass of water.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">It\u2019s more about how these animals\u2019 bodies understand water, how they consume it, and how they can quietly and silently become dehydrated.<\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">And here\u2019s an even bigger point\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">Sometimes the problem isn\u2019t the water at all. It\u2019s our perception of water.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_exactly_is_good_water_for_dogs_and_cats\"><\/span>What exactly is good water for dogs and cats?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">To put it simply, a dog\u2019s or cat\u2019s body isn\u2019t looking for anything fancy or complicated. It\u2019s not looking for \u201cluxury\u201d water, or special water with fancy names on the bottle. It\u2019s looking for something much more down-to-earth: clean, consistent, and predictable water.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">But that\u2019s exactly the problem. The \u201csimplicity of the definition\u201d doesn\u2019t work so well in the real world of pets.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">An animal\u2019s body treats water like an intelligent system. It doesn\u2019t just ask if it\u2019s water or not, it\u2019s constantly evaluating: Is this water familiar? Is this smell normal? Has this taste ever been there before?<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">And it\u2019s these little evaluations that make the final decision.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">A dog might sit by a water bowl, drink from it several times a day, and have no problem. Its body just recognizes it as \u201cacceptable,\u201d and that\u2019s it.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">But the same water, in the next house or even in the same house, may be experienced completely differently by a cat. The cat approaches the container, sniffs, pauses\u2026 and then prefers to go to the sink or even a glass of water on the table. Not out of stubbornness, but because its sensory system has received a different message.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">This is where many people make the mistake of thinking that the issue is only the chemical quality of the water. That is, if the water is healthy, then everything is solved. But in fact, the animal&#8217;s body makes its decision long before the laboratory.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Smell is one of the most important factors. What is almost unimportant to humans can be decisive for a cat. A very small amount of chlorine, the smell of a plastic container, or even the smell of water left a few hours ago, is enough for the animal to prefer not to drink at all.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Temperature also plays its role. Very cold water may be attractive to us, but for some animals it feels \u201cunnatural\u201d. In contrast, water at the same temperature as the environment is usually accepted without resistance, as if it has always been that way.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The right water bowl for dogs and cats is also a different story. Metal, ceramic, plastic\u2026 each creates a different experience for the animal. Some cats clearly avoid plastic, even if the water inside is perfectly healthy. The reason is simple: the smell and feel of the surface of the bowl.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">And perhaps the strangest part of the story is the location of the right water for dogs and cats. A bowl next to dry food does not always have the same appeal. The same goes for a bowl on a busy route or in a crowded place. Animals prefer to experience water in a \u201ccalm and reliable\u201d place, not where something changes around them at any moment.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">That is why two homes can have exactly the same water, but the result can be completely different. In one, the animal drinks well, in the other, dehydration slowly builds up, without anyone noticing.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">So when we say water is good for dogs and cats, we&#8217;re not just talking about the chemical composition of the water. We&#8217;re talking about the whole experience: the taste, the smell, the temperature, the container, and even the sense of security that that part of the house gives the animal.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">And perhaps it&#8217;s this simple but precise look that can tell the difference between a hydrated animal and one on the verge of dehydration.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tap_water_is_it_good_or_not\"><\/span>Tap water; is it good or not?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11002\" style=\"direction: ltr;\" src=\"http:\/\/drmhasghari.com\/cms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/25.2.jpg\" alt=\"\u062a\u0636\u0627\u062f \u0628\u06cc\u0646 \u0622\u0628 \u0634\u0647\u0631\u06cc \u0648 \u062d\u0633\u0627\u0633\u06cc\u062a \u062d\u06cc\u0648\u0627\u0646\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drmhasghari.com\/cms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/25.2.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/drmhasghari.com\/cms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/25.2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/drmhasghari.com\/cms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/25.2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/drmhasghari.com\/cms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/25.2-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">The truth is that most pets in the world grow up with exactly this water. City water. Something we use every day without thinking.<\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">Tap water is usually disinfected before it reaches our homes, and one of the main methods is the use of chlorine. It is this chlorine that makes the sanitary system feel comfortable, but for a cat&#8217;s sensitive nose, the story is a little different.<\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">On the other hand, depending on the city you live in, the hardness of the water can vary. In some places the water is lighter, in others it has more salts. Something that we may not even notice, but animals perceive in the form of &#8220;taste and smell&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">For dogs, the story is usually much simpler. They often drink water without any particular sensitivity and their bodies are adapted to these conditions. But cats&#8230; cats are always one step more complicated.<\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">Some cats react to the very faint smell of chlorine or even a faint metallic taste. This reaction is usually not dramatic. They don&#8217;t throw the bowl or register a formal protest. They just drink less. That&#8217;s it.<\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">And that&#8217;s exactly the problem. Low water intake in cats isn&#8217;t always obvious. It&#8217;s quiet, it&#8217;s silent, and when we notice it, it&#8217;s when the body enters a state of dehydration.<\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">Not that tap water is &#8220;bad.&#8221; The problem is that it&#8217;s not always equally appealing to all animals.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"direction: ltr;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Purified_Water_Does_It_Really_Make_a_Difference\"><\/span>Purified Water; Does It Really Make a Difference?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">This is usually the first place pet owners see a real change, not a theory.<\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">Purified or filtered water makes a few simple but important changes: the chlorine smell is reduced, the taste is smoother, and the \u201cunnatural\u201d feeling that some pets have about city water is somewhat reduced.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11004\" style=\"direction: ltr;\" src=\"http:\/\/drmhasghari.com\/cms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/25.3.jpg\" alt=\"\u062d\u0633 \u062a\u0645\u06cc\u0632\u06cc\u060c \u0622\u0631\u0627\u0645\u0634 \u0648 \u067e\u0630\u06cc\u0631\u0634 \u0628\u06cc\u0634\u062a\u0631 \u062d\u06cc\u0648\u0627\u0646\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drmhasghari.com\/cms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/25.3.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/drmhasghari.com\/cms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/25.3-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/drmhasghari.com\/cms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/25.3-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/drmhasghari.com\/cms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/25.3-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">These may seem like small details. But in the animal world, these same details decide whether the water bowl is ignored or visited every few hours.<\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">Many pet owners will repeat a phrase after switching to purified water:<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">\u201cIt\u2019s like my pet drinks more water without me forcing him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">This is not an exaggeration, but rather a behavioral observation. Because when the smell and taste are less bothersome, the choice becomes easier: drink.<\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">This is also scientifically confirmed. The more sensory neutral the water is, the more likely it is to be accepted by more sensitive animals like cats.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"direction: ltr;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mineral_water_a_choice_that_doesnt_always_make_sense\"><\/span>Mineral water; a choice that doesn\u2019t always make sense<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">Mineral water usually enters the home with a good feeling. Stylish packaging, reliable names, and the idea that \u201cthe more natural, the better.\u201d<\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">But the pet\u2019s body doesn\u2019t work exactly according to the same human logic.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11006\" style=\"direction: ltr;\" src=\"http:\/\/drmhasghari.com\/cms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/25.4.jpg\" alt=\"\u062a\u0636\u0627\u062f \u0628\u06cc\u0646 \u0638\u0627\u0647\u0631 \u0644\u0648\u06a9\u0633 \u0648 \u0648\u0627\u0642\u0639\u06cc\u062a \u063a\u06cc\u0631\u0636\u0631\u0648\u0631\u06cc \u0628\u0648\u062f\u0646\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drmhasghari.com\/cms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/25.4.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/drmhasghari.com\/cms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/25.4-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/drmhasghari.com\/cms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/25.4-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/drmhasghari.com\/cms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/25.4-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">The main problem with mineral water is the amount and type of salts it contains. Some brands are higher in sodium, calcium, or magnesium. This is not a problem for humans, as our bodies are designed to regulate these. But for animals, especially cats, who have sensitive kidneys, it\u2019s a different story.<\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">This doesn\u2019t mean there\u2019s an immediate danger. No one is going to have a crisis from a bottle of mineral water. But when this choice becomes a daily, long-term habit, the extra strain on the kidneys can become significant in the long run.<\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">Interestingly, \u201clooking better\u201d doesn\u2019t always mean \u201cbeing better.\u201d Mineral water sometimes falls into this exact category.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"direction: ltr;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Boiled_cooled_water_the_simplest_option_that_is_often_overlooked\"><\/span>Boiled, cooled water; the simplest option that is often overlooked<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">If we were to name a simple, accessible and logical choice among all the options, boiled, cooled water is one of them.<\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">Boiling water is not a complicated task, but it does an important job: it reduces the risk of microbial contamination. After cooling, a stable and reliable water is obtained that is acceptable to most animals.<\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">The important point here is that in many cases, we get too involved in the \u201cbest water in the world\u201d, while the animal only wants one thing: water that it does not make it avoid.<\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">Many veterinarians also have a simpler view. If the water is drinkable and clean for the human in the house, it is usually suitable for the animal as well. This simple view works better in practice than many complex and obsessive decisions.<\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">And perhaps more importantly: The problem for many animals is not the \u201ctype of water\u201d but the \u201cconsistency of water.\u201d That is, having something predictable available all the time, not a new change every day that their bodies have to get used to again.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"direction: ltr;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cold_or_lukewarm_water_Its_not_what_you_think\"><\/span>Cold or lukewarm water? It&#8217;s not what you think<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">On hot days, some people think that very cold water is the best choice.<\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">But animals&#8217; bodies don&#8217;t always agree with this logic.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\">Very cold water: may reduce drinking<\/li>\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\">Water at room temperature: usually better accepted<\/li>\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\">Cool, mild water: best in summer<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">Here&#8217;s the funny thing:<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">Sometimes the problem with dehydration is not the quality of the water that&#8217;s right for your dog or cat&#8230; it&#8217;s the wrong temperature in the water bowl.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"direction: ltr;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_major_misconception_Should_water_be_%E2%80%9Csterile%E2%80%9D_or_just_%E2%80%9Cclean%E2%80%9D\"><\/span>A major misconception: Should water be \u201csterile\u201d or just \u201cclean\u201d?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">Many people, when it comes to water for their pets, subconsciously think of extreme sensitivity:<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">\u201cCan\u2019t it have bacteria? Can\u2019t it be dangerous? Can\u2019t we make a completely special water for it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">The reality is that the dog and cat\u2019s body is not a super-sterile laboratory system that only works with perfect water.<\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">What is important is that the water is not contaminated or stale, not that it is completely free of microorganisms.<\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">Water that is consumed under normal conditions at home (healthy city water, boiled and cooled water, or purified domestic water) is perfectly acceptable for animals.<\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">The problem usually starts when the water:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\">Left in the container for hours or days<\/li>\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\">The container is not cleaned<\/li>\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\">Or is exposed to heat and environmental pollution<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">These are the things that can create a breeding ground for bacteria, not the \u201cright type of water for dogs and cats\u201d itself.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"direction: ltr;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Water_Hardness_Something_We_Worry_About_More_Than_We_Really_Need\"><\/span>Water Hardness; Something We Worry About More Than We Really Need<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">A common concern is, \u201cIs the water in our area hard? Is it bad for my pet?\u201d<\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">In most cases, the answer is simpler than we think:<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">For a healthy animal, the typical hardness of city water usually doesn\u2019t cause a serious problem.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">Dogs and cats\u2019 bodies are largely adapted to changes in water hardness. What\u2019s more important is adequate water intake, not obsessing over the number and milligrams of salts.<\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">Sometimes focusing too much on water hardness can lead to forgetting a more important point:<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">whether the animal is actually drinking enough water.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"direction: ltr;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Practical_Veterinary_Perspective_The_Same_Water_You_Drink\"><\/span>Practical Veterinary Perspective: The Same Water You Drink<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">A simple piece of advice that many veterinarians (including Dr. Azghari\u2019s daily clinical experience) give to pet owners is:<\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">If the water is drinkable, clean, and safe for you, the same water is suitable for your pet.<\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">This statement may seem very simple, but there is an important logic behind it:<\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">We are not going to create a standard for our pets that is separate from the reality of life.<\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">If we try to be too strict, the result is usually:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\">Frequent changes in the type of water<\/li>\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\">Obsession with choices<\/li>\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\">And ultimately, more confusion for the animal itself<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">While in practice, the consistency and cleanliness of the water are much more important than its \u201cspecific\u201d type.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11008\" style=\"direction: ltr;\" src=\"http:\/\/drmhasghari.com\/cms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/25.5.jpg\" alt=\"\u0627\u0632 \u06a9\u062c\u0627 \u0628\u0641\u0647\u0645\u06cc\u0645 \u062d\u06cc\u0648\u0627\u0646 \u06a9\u0645\u200c\u0622\u0628 \u0634\u062f\u0647\u061f\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drmhasghari.com\/cms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/25.5.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/drmhasghari.com\/cms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/25.5-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/drmhasghari.com\/cms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/25.5-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/drmhasghari.com\/cms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/25.5-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">To summarize all of this in a simple picture:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\">The right water for dogs and cats should not be contaminated or stale<\/li>\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\">Obsessing over water hardness is usually not necessary<\/li>\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\">And in most homes, the same water that humans drink is acceptable for animals<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">And perhaps the most important point is that we sometimes overcomplicate water, while for dogs and cats, the main issue is something else:<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">That they drink water safely and adequately, not that their water is controlled to the level of a laboratory.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">Why do cats always have a different story?<\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">Cats are not like dogs when it comes to drinking. Not even close.<\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">They come from desert ancestors.<\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">Their bodies are used to being dehydrated. Too used to it.<\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">In the wild, they got a lot of their water from hunting, not from drinking directly.<\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">Now at home:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\">Dry food<\/li>\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\">Warm air<\/li>\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\">A constant water dish<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">The combination of these can lead to chronic dehydration, sometimes without any obvious symptoms.<\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">And chronic dehydration in cats is no joke.<\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">The kidneys are the first place to be stressed.<\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">Dehydration doesn\u2019t just make you thirstier. If this situation continues during the hot summer days, it can set the stage for late-onset heatstroke or even heatstroke. That\u2019s why veterinarians always emphasize that choosing the right water for your dog or cat is just one part of their daily care. Providing a cool environment, constant access to fresh water, and limiting physical activity during the hottest hours of the day all play a role in protecting your pet. If you\u2019d like to learn more about all the prevention strategies, we recommend reading our article \u201cHow to Prevent Heatstroke in Pets?\u201d<\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">How do you know if your dog is drinking enough water?<\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">This is where most pet owners get stuck.<\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">Signs of dehydration aren&#8217;t always loud. They&#8217;re subtle:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\">Gums a little drier than usual<\/li>\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\">Small or concentrated urine<\/li>\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\">Mild lethargy<\/li>\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\">Disinterest in food<\/li>\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\">ess elastic skin<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">And one more important thing that many people get wrong:<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">A sudden increase in water intake isn&#8217;t always a good thing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">Sometimes the body is compensating for a problem, not just thirst.<\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">Sometimes symptoms like lethargy, panting, restlessness, or a rise in body temperature aren&#8217;t just related to dehydration and can be signs of heatstroke in dogs and cats. In such cases, simply providing the right amount of water for your dog or cat is not enough, and the animal&#8217;s condition should be assessed as soon as possible. Knowing the difference between simple dehydration and heat stroke can prevent serious damage to vital organs.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"direction: ltr;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_get_your_cat_to_drink_more_water\"><\/span>How to get your cat to drink more water?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">There\u2019s no one-size-fits-all solution here, but a few simple changes can really make a difference:<\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">Sometimes just changing the water bowl can make a difference.<\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">Or placing another bowl in a different spot in the house.<\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">Some cats will only drink from a stainless steel bowl, not a plastic one.<\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">Some prefer \u201cfresh\u201d water, not water that\u2019s been sitting for hours.<\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">Even wet food can be a big help, especially in the summer.<\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">If your cat or dog suddenly becomes very weak, vomits, loses balance, becomes unconscious, or has trouble breathing, despite having access to clean water, don\u2019t waste time. These symptoms could indicate an emergency that requires immediate action. Taking the right first aid measures until you can get to the vet can go a long way in reducing heat-related illness. We have explained these measures in detail in the article &#8220;Emergency Treatment of Heat Stroke&#8221;.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"direction: ltr;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11010\" style=\"direction: ltr;\" src=\"http:\/\/drmhasghari.com\/cms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/25.6.jpg\" alt=\"\u062d\u0633 \u0622\u0631\u0627\u0645\u0634\u060c \u06a9\u0646\u062a\u0631\u0644\u060c \u0627\u0646\u062a\u062e\u0627\u0628 \u062f\u0631\u0633\u062a \u0646\u0648\u0639 \u0622\u0628 \u0628\u0631\u0627\u06cc \u067e\u062a\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drmhasghari.com\/cms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/25.6.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/drmhasghari.com\/cms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/25.6-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/drmhasghari.com\/cms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/25.6-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/drmhasghari.com\/cms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/25.6-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">Ultimately, the question of \u201cwhat water is best for dogs or cats?\u201d does not have a single answer.<\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">But it does have one thing in common:<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">Water that is clean, predictable, and acceptable to the animal.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">The right water for dogs and cats is not supposed to be complicated.<\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">It is supposed to be drinkable.<\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">If your pet is drinking less water than usual, the problem is not always a disease, but it is not always trivial either.<\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">Sometimes just a small change in the type of water or container can restore the balance.<\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">Other times, it is a sign that needs to be looked into more closely.<\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\">Ultimately, choosing the right water for your dog or cat is one of the simplest but most effective things any pet owner can do to keep their pet healthy. Of course, it should not be forgotten that drinking enough water is only one part of care, and during the hot season, special attention should be paid to the signs of heatstroke in cats, as well as signs of heatstroke in other pets. The sooner these signs are recognized, the greater the chance of preventing serious complications.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"direction: ltr;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">\u06f1.Is tap water dangerous for dogs and cats?<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">Usually not, but it can reduce water intake in some sensitive animals.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">\u06f2. Is mineral water good for animals?<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">It is okay for short-term consumption, but it is not recommended as a permanent choice.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">\u06f3. What is the best water for cats?<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">Clean, low-odor water, preferably filtered or boiled and cooled.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">\u06f4. Is cold water bad for animals?<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">Very cold water may reduce the desire to drink.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">\u06f5. What should I do if my animal is dehydrated?<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"direction: ltr;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">First, check the type of water, the container, and the location. If it persists, a veterinary examination is necessary.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"direction: ltr;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Resources\"><\/span>Resources<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.avma.org\/resources\/pet-owners\/petcare\/dehydration-pets\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.avma.org\/resources\/pet-owners\/petcare\/dehydration-pets<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vcahospitals.com\/know-your-pet\/water-intake-in-dogs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/vcahospitals.com\/know-your-pet\/water-intake-in-dogs<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.petmd.com\/cat\/nutrition\/how-much-water-should-cat-drink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.petmd.com\/cat\/nutrition\/how-much-water-should-cat-drink<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Introduction Some questions seem simple. Like, \u201cWhat water is best for my dog \u200b\u200bor cat?\u201d The [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":11001,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"default","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[80],"tags":[114],"class_list":["post-11033","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-general-articles","tag-heatstroke"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/drmhasghari.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11033","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/drmhasghari.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/drmhasghari.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drmhasghari.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drmhasghari.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11033"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/drmhasghari.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11033\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11035,"href":"https:\/\/drmhasghari.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11033\/revisions\/11035"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drmhasghari.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11001"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/drmhasghari.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11033"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drmhasghari.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11033"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drmhasghari.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11033"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}