“Could your dog’s water give him joint disease?” is the question posed by this article. It presents correlations between the findings of a 2014 research study (Neurobehavioural Effects of Developmental Toxicity) published in The Lancet, one of the world’s most distinguished medical journals. The study added fluoride to a group of developmental neurotoxins such as arsenic, lead and mercury.
Source: Dogs Naturally, March 25, 2016.
One of the main risks of too much fluoride is a disease called skeletal fluorosis. Skeletal fluorosis is a painful, debilitating disease caused by a buildup of fluoride in the body. This disease is often misdiagnosed, even in later stages of the disease, as the symptoms mimic those of other diseases, such as arthritis.
See also: Merck Manual.
A developing fluoride poisoning can be recognized by the following criteria (from most to least reliable):
- Chemical analyses to determine the amount of fluoride in the diet, urine, bones, and teeth.
- Tooth effects, in animals exposed at time of permanent teeth development.
- Lameness, as the result of fluoride buildup in bone.
- Overall signs of loss of appetite and energy, weight loss, muscular wasting, and general mental and physical debilitation.
INSIGHTS: Veterinary teams will benefit from reviewing fluoride toxicity information and determining how practices can address animal owner concerns and practice approaches.
I have always had great concern about my pets drinking tap water. People suffer from these same maladies due to the terrible things in our water supplies. Our entire family has never drank straight from the tap for the very reasons you mention. Thank you for printing this article.