Overview

• The PLOS Water study tested 178 dog drinking water samples from private wells in 10 states and found 64% contained lead, arsenic, iron or other heavy metals above EPA limits.
• Analysis revealed dogs drinking water filtered only by sediment were more likely to have health issues, while reverse osmosis treatment correlated with the fewest canine health problems.
• Researchers warn that 15 million U.S. households rely on unregulated wells, with 40% of Virginia wells lacking any treatment system.
• Because heavy metals are invisible and odorless, canine illnesses often emerge before human symptoms, making dogs effective early warning sentinels.
• Virginia Cooperative Extension now offers free well-water testing and experts urge immediate testing and suitable treatment to protect both pets and people.