Quote:
Originally Posted by slidr  You do realize that the most likely mineral deficiency that would result from drinking distilled water is magnesium, right? And that this generally only concerns humans because we are more likely to not eat significant amounts of magnesium, while a dog's diet supplies more than enough than even the small traces that exist in tap water. The biggest concern of feeding your dog tap water is fluoridation. |
You start off with "You do realize...."????? Just a little "in your face" isn't it? Yes, I do realize that magnesium is the most notable mineral deficiency that would be caused. I also realize that not only does distilled water NOT add any minerals, it also leeches out some when you pee it out.
All I did was pass on what the doctor had told me about
not using distilled water with my human babies. BTW -- I never advocated giving them straight tap water either. I made a point of saying only "FILTERED" tap water. Fluoride and chlorine are the two main reasons I would stay away from drinking much straight tap water. I also realize, even a person's filtering system needs to be evaluated to make sure it DOES take out both. (They don't all!)
Do
you realize that is is NOT just magnesium that is of issue though? Drinking distilled water can cause rapid loss of electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride) as well as trace minerals like magnesium. Deficiencies of these can lead to heart beat irregularities and high blood pressure. Even cooking foods in distilled water will pull the minerals out of the food and lower their nutritional value. Not only that but distilled water absorbs carbon dioxide much more than non-distilled water. That makes it acidic. The more distilled water you drink, the higher the body's acidity becomes. Ph balance is linked to all sorts of health concerns.
I could not find a reference where a VET or other health professional discussed distilled water and dogs .... I did find one for another barking pet
The Barking tree frog (LOL): It says: "All water given to this pet for drinking, as well as water used for swimming or misting, must be 100% free of chlorine and heavy metals. (Not all home water filtration systems remove 100% of the chlorine and heavy metals from tap water, so check your system's specifications before using it to filter water for your pet.) We recommend that you use unflavored bottled drinking water or bottled natural spring water and never untreated tap water. If tap water is used, you should treat it with a dechlorinating treatment or allow it to stand for at least 24 hours before being introduced to the pet's enclosure to allow the chlorine to escape.
Do not use distilled water, which can cause severe medical problems, since it lacks minerals that are essential to important body functions." I know a frog is not the same as a dog but the continuity of the same refrain as for human beings sort of makes me tend to give it some credence.
This is an article from a Doctor we discussed in another thread:
Early Death Comes From Drinking Distilled Water titled:
Early Death Comes From Drinking Distilled Water It talks about the excellerated aging affects of mineral deficiencies along with acidic bodies. Both problems with using distilled water over time.
I don't think we are going to kill off our dogs with a little distilled water, but it makes sense to NOT use it for extended periods of time. Even a little low on minerals (maybe not even enough to show on blood work) and a little too acidic in blood and body .... and you are robbing some health and maybe time from your pup's life. When filtered or bottled water is perfectly safe and more recommended, why risk it?
I don't get crazy about any of this. If I need to give them tap water when out & about, I don't sweat it. If I needed to use a little distilled water, I would not sweat that either. I have even (gasp) seen them survive lapping a little pool water and worse -- mud puddle water!
I just decided to forego the distilled water over any extended time and the same with tap water. Mine actually seem to do fine with the Spring Water. It is what I prefer so they get the same
