Summer Watering Hole—Beware!

Are Shared Water Bowls Safe for Dogs?

Our dogs get thirsty often—and fast. It is so important for us to keep our best friends hydrated during these hot summer months. It's not uncommon to leave water out all day and stop for water along the way on journeys, but are shared water bowls safe for dogs?

Sharing a water bowl between your own healthy pets, as long as you make sure the water is clean, regularly changed, and doesn't get contaminated, is generally considered safe. However, it becomes more of a risk when we are talking about a public water bowl with questionable sanitary practices.

Considerations of Shared Water Bowls for Dogs

If your dog is drinking from a shared water bowl or water source, there are several factors that you need to consider besides where it is, how clean it is, and how healthy your pet is.

Risk Factors of Sharing Bowls

Here are some of the risk factors that you need to be aware of and consider for your pet's safety:

• The water could be contaminated from saliva, bacteria, viruses, and parasites in the soil or mouths of the other dogs.

• Dogs may place their dirty paws with potential pathogens in the bowl.

• Dogs may pee or poop in the bowl, which can cause diseases like leptospirosis.

• A dog with respiratory symptoms or a cough can transmit the Bordatella virus. When this happens, Kennel Cough may be passed from one dog to another—and another. While some dogs' immune systems can withstand these exposures, some cannot. Those with compromised immune systems or that are allergy-prone may be more susceptible to illness or a bad reaction.

• Behavior issues may appear with some dogs. These issues might include stress, anxiousness, and territorial behaviors. These behaviors can lead to verbal and physical conflicts creating a dangerous environment for all present.

BYOB—Bring Your Own Bowl

So ARE shared water bowls safe for dogs?

With the many risks of shared water bowls, it is a wise idea for you to bring your own water bowl to share with your pet. Removing your pet from other dogs while he drinks is also wise. Even in your home, water bowls should be cleaned at least once per day, if not more. Washing the bowl will help limit the occurrence of illness and spread of bacteria and parasites from dog to dog.

For more information on the health risks to your pet, please consult your veterinarian.