The Quality Of Your Hedgehog's Water
The quality of your hedgehog's water is so important! Your hedgehog's water dish and/or bottle needs to be washed out daily and refilled, so harmful bacteria doesn't have a chance to grow.
Is Tap Water Safe For My Hedgehog?
But did you know that you should also give your hedgehog filtered water? You might think that tap water is just fine, but the truth is, most municipal water sources treat their water with chlorine to kill bacteria, which is terrible for our little friends. Studies have shown that chlorine can be harmful to small animals and can cause health problems over time. In addition, tap water can also contain heavy metals and other contaminants that can be detrimental to your hedgehog's delicate digestive system. Filtered water is the best option for your hedgehog, as it has been purified and is free of harmful toxins.
What Chemicals Are In My Zip Code's Water?
You can look up the water quality in your area by entering your zip code here.
In my city of Austin, TX, there are 12 contaminants that exceed EWG Health Guidelines!
Are Brita Or Fridge Filters Good Enough?
Unfortunately, the popular carbon-based Pitcher Filters (like Brita) do not filter out these types of chemicals. You will want to purchase a filtration system that has been specifically created to remove these and other impurities.
Counter-Top And Under-The-Sink Water Filters
Two popular options for water filters are AquaTru and Berkey. I have the countertop AquaTru which I love, but you can also purchase the under-the-counter version. Please note that reverse osmosis also removes the good minerals from water! so you will need to add those back in. A brand I trust is Perfect Minerals from Aqua Tru.
Legal Water Limits and Safety
It is important to keep in mind that 'legal' does not always mean 'safe.' Sadly, many of our water regulations have not been updated since the 1980s, and the tap water in most major cities contains many chemicals and pharmaceuticals that are not good for humans or their pets.
Only The Best Water For Your Tiny Friend!
Think of how small your hedgehog is in relation to you... if you're looking to give your pet hedgehog the best possible care, be sure to use filtered water going forward. Not only is filtered water a safer option for you and your hedgehog, but it also tastes better than tap water, making it more likely that your pet will drink it and stay happy and hydrated!
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