04/26/2025
🚨 Important Update on PFAS in Public Drinking Water 🚨
This past week, many concerned families have reached out to us after being notified from the EPA about PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) being found in public drinking water. As your locally owned veterinary team, we want to make sure you stay informed with factual information and science-based evidence for the health of your families and pets.
PFAS are man-made chemicals used in a wide range of products — from non-stick cookware (like Teflon) to stain-repellent fabrics, food packaging, and firefighting foam. While useful in manufacturing, these chemicals are extremely persistent in the environment and can enter our bodies through contaminated air, water, soil, dust, and food
👩⚕️ Pets can clear PFAS from their bodies within eight days to a couple of months, while humans may retain them for 10–12 years. In animals, PFAS have been found in the serum, liver, kidneys, and milk of production species, and have been linked to changes in liver enzymes, cholesterol levels, and thyroid hormones in dogs and cats
💧 Whether you're using city water or well water, we strongly encourage families to test your water annually. It’s one of the simplest ways to ensure the health of your household — both two- and four-legged members
🛡️ Preventative care is always the best care. One of the most effective ways to catch early signs of health issues — including those possibly linked to environmental exposures — is with annual bloodwork for your pets. Routine screening helps us detect subtle changes before clinical symptoms appear, giving your pet the best chance at a long, healthy life.
Stay safe, stay informed — and as always, thank you for trusting us with your pet’s care. 💙
- Dr. Joe & The Rusty Ridge Crew
