Water Test Kit | Are they useful for keeping pets safe?

While adventuring outdoors with your puppy, have you ever encountered a tempting body of water and wondered, “Is this safe for my dog ​​to swim in?” When you need answers to that question metric (or more realistically, in 20 minutes or so), a water test kit can come in handy. Specifically, a toxic blue-green algae bloom test. And if the quality of your pet’s drinking water is in doubt, you might as well consider testing it.

Water test kits are often marketed to active pet parents who prefer hit the trails with their friends or worry about the quality of their home’s tap water for pets. But are they practical or reliable enough for the average pet parent to use? And is it ever necessary to test a pet’s drinking water?

We took a close look at what kind of technology is available to pet parents, and we also spoke with Dr. Jamie Whittenburg, Director, Director of Kingsgate Animal Hospital and veterinarians at High-class tail daggers. Here’s what we learned about using our pet water test kits—and which pet parents can really benefit from.

How pet water test kits work

There are two types of water tests that pet parents may find helpful: the safe swimming water test and the safe drinking water test.

For safe drinking water, try a pet-specific water test kit

These kits can test fresh water supplies for potable use, including chemically treated municipal water. You can do it yourself with a home test that is convenient, affordable, and allows you to get results quickly. However, if you want accuracy rather than range, you’ll need a lab test kit. This method will take longer and cost more, but you will get results for more parameters.

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For example, the My Pet Water Quality Tester Designed to test any source of fresh water, including tap water, for things like chlorine, alkalinity, fluoride, lead, mercury, pesticides, and hardness levels. Their DIY kit has a total of 108 tests and checks for 20 different parameters, including metals, inorganic compounds, and bacteria. For pet parents who want the most comprehensive and accurate testing, there are also two lab kits to test up to 200 parameters.

While these kits can be used on any freshwater source (including lakes and reservoirs), they cannot test for a very serious threat: toxic green algae. As such, they are more suitable for pet parents concerned about the quality of their indoor drinking water — not for outdoor enthusiasts looking for dog-safe swimming areas.

For safe swimming, we recommend checking for blue-green algae

For the most part, the lake water is safe for dogs to swim in. But one danger that Dr. Whittenburg tells us is blue-green algae. “Water doesn’t have to be up to ‘human’ standards,” she said. “However, lakes and other bodies of water may contain blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) can be lethal to dogs. ”

Dr. Gary Richter, one of Rover’s resident veterinarians, further explains: “During periods of heat, when nutrient levels in the water are high — often due to phosphorus runoff from farms — you may notice water in your backyard look dark green, or like pea soup or spilled paint.” Since dogs tend to swallow water while swimming and grabbing toys, Dr. Richter advises pet parents to be vigilant in testing water quality.

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Unfortunately, Dr. Whittenburg informed us that most of the foreign test kits out there are not useful for this. “Standard water test kits, even those marketed for dogs, do not routinely test for cyanobacteria. So if you are concerned, you will need to purchase a test specific to this organism. “

For outdoor adventures where blue-green algae are a possible threat, 5Strands Blue-green algae test can keep your dog safe. This is the first (and only at present) rapid test of blue-green algae on the market. The test is easy to use: simply fill the sample container with water, wait 10 minutes while it heats up, then view your results with the analysis slide.

5Strands claims 99% accuracy (as long as there’s no user error), so you can feel good about letting your dog play in the water. However, the price may give some shoppers pause: with just one test included with each set, you’ll have to determine if that peace of mind is worth the cost. . For dedicated outdoor enthusiasts who can’t cross a random body of water, it can happen—especially since you can’t always identify blue-green algae. by eyes.

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What the experts say about the Pet Water Test Kit

Is testing your dog’s drinking water really worth the trouble? According to Dr. Whittenburg: usually not. She told us: “In most cases, it is good for dogs to drink tap water. “There are exceptions in some areas where the water is very hard. The minerals in this water can sometimes cause problems. “

What about outdoor watering holes? Dr. Whittenburg admits it’s smart to experiment before leaving Fido hydrated in a body unfamiliar with water — but it shouldn’t be your first choice. “If pet parents find themselves needing to give their dog water that is not verified as potable and safe, a water test kit can be helpful. However, it is always best to have plenty of safe water, such as bottled water, available for both you and your dog to drink.”

Thankfully, if you’ve already tested your home’s tap water for safe human use, there’s no need to conduct a second pet-specific test. Dr Whittenburg told us: “The pet-specific water test kits I’ve seen water test for are similar to ‘human’ water test kits — typically chlorine, a heavy metals and coliform bacteria.

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However, for lake dwellers with rat pups who can’t get enough water, Dr Whittenburg thinks a quick test of cyanobacteria is worth considering. “These portable tests work quickly and can be done during hiking or camping trips,” she says. And given the risks of ingesting blue-green algae (vomiting, diarrhea, coma, weakness, shock and even death), we think they’re a smart tool for pet parents. regularly let their dogs swim in rivers or lakes.

Regarding accuracy, Dr. Whittenburg has this to say: “Sending water into the lab for analysis is the most reliable way to test. However, if you choose a EPA certification water test kit, the results should be relatively accurate. “

Our Final Verdict on Pet Water Test Kits

Can pet parents really benefit from using a water test kit? We think so — but only in some cases.

As for drinking water tests, Dr. Whittenburg thinks they don’t offer much to pet parents. In most cases, tap water is perfectly safe to serve your dog. And on outdoor excursions, you’re better off giving your dog bottled water that you know is safe. To finish, one portable water bottle for dogs is a handy tool.

Ultimately, a water test kit makes the most sense for pet parents concerned about blue-green algae blooms. If you and your dog frequently stumble across new swimming spots, an algae test like 5Strands Make a smart addition to your outdoor pet gear.

When in doubt, it’s best to avoid water that you think may be contaminated. And if you end up testing positive for blue-green algae, consider using dog swimming pool as a safe (and still fun!) backup for your dog.

How do we choose?

The products featured here were selected based on a comprehensive look at customer reviews across various retail platforms and interviews with veterinary experts. We considered cost, practicality of use for pet parents, and accuracy when making our choice. We are also guided by our own experience of living and playing with our own much-loved and steadfast pets, who are never stingy with their feedback.

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