During those hot summer walks, it’s natural to want to let your dog take a refreshing drink from a public water bowl.
However, while it might seem harmless, shared water sources can pose serious health risks to your furry friend.
Dr. Lori Teller, a clinical professor at the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, highlights the potential dangers hidden in public water bowls and offers advice on keeping your pet safe.
The Hidden Dangers of Public Water Bowls
Before letting your dog drink from a public water bowl, consider the quality of the water.
Although a kind gesture from a local business or neighbor, these bowls might contain harmful contaminants if not cleaned regularly or if the water has been sitting for too long.
“Stagnant water can harbor environmental contaminants like plant material, parasites, toxins, and mold,” Dr. Teller explains. “If a dog that has stepped in fecal matter then plays in the bowl, it could leave behind parasites and bacteria in the water.”
Diseases that can spread through contaminated public water bowls include:
- Kennel Cough: A respiratory infection that causes coughing, loss of appetite, and difficulty breathing.
- Canine Papilloma: A virus spread through saliva that leads to warts around the mouth.
- Salmonella: An infection causing bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting.
- Giardia: A parasite that leads to weight loss, diarrhea, and vomiting.
- E. coli: A bacteria causing dehydration, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.
- Leptospirosis: A bacterial disease spread by rodent urine that can lead to kidney and liver disease or even death.
How to Keep Your Dog Hydrated Safely
To avoid these risks, it’s best to plan ahead. Dr. Teller suggests carrying a collapsible, portable bowl and fresh water with you when taking your dog out. Another option is to stop at a restaurant or convenience store to request a cup of water for your dog.
While the risk of contamination is always present in public water bowls, Dr. Teller acknowledges that there are situations where letting your dog drink from one may be necessary. “If your dog is very hot, thirsty, and at risk of dehydration, that may take priority over avoiding the water in the bowl,” she advises.
Sharing Bowls at Home
Dr. Teller also warns against letting multiple dogs share a food bowl at home. Sharing can lead to issues, especially if one dog needs a different diet due to a medical condition, or if one dog prevents the other from eating.
However, sharing a water bowl at home is usually not as concerning. “Dogs living in the same house are generally exposed to the same germs, so sharing a water bowl isn’t as risky,” Dr. Teller says. Still, it’s important to regularly wash both water and food bowls with soap and hot water.
Be Cautious and Protect Your Pet
Deciding whether a public water bowl is safe for your dog is a case-by-case decision. If the water looks questionable or dirty, it’s better to be cautious and avoid it. As Dr. Teller suggests, “If it looks like pond water, your dog shouldn’t drink from it.”
By being aware of these risks and taking simple precautions, you can keep your dog safe and healthy during your summer outings.
