Is it safe for dogs to share water bowls?

Pet owners and vets are becoming increasingly concerned about shared water bowls and the potential risk of cross-infection of contagious canine diseases such as Distemper, Kennel Cough (Bordetella) and Parvovirus. It is true that there are few communicable diseases that are spread directly by mouth. One example is the canine papilloma virus which may spread through your dog’s saliva if he has contact with a dog carrying the virus. However, although not spread directly by oral contact, many other infections and viruses can find their way into a communal dog bowl and affect your pet. If faecal bacteria get into the communal drinking bowl, intestinal pathogens such as roundworms and parvovirus could be easily spread from pet to pet. While you might well give your dog fresh water every day and regularly clean his water bowl, can you be sure the communal bowl in the park is receiving the same level of cleanliness? Stagnant water is never good to drink. If your dog has a strong and healthy immune system, it is less likely he will contract a serious disease from a shared water bowl. However, if you pet suffers from poor or ill health, you might want to carry your own portable dog bowl and water supply with you.

Stagnant water can retain environmental contaminants, such as plant material, parasites, toxins, mold and more. This is of particular concern if the bowl is not cleaned regularly or if the water is left standing for extended periods of time. Dogs that have stepped in fecal matter and then played in the bowl could leave parasites and bacteria in the water. Diseases that can be transmitted from public water bowls include: Kennel cough: a respiratory infection that leads to a gag-like cough, lack of appetite, and labored breathing; Canine papilloma: a virus spread through saliva that causes warts in and around the mouth; Salmonella: an infection that causes bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting; Giardia: a parasite leading to weight loss, diarrhea, and vomiting; E. coli: a bacteria that causes dehydration, diarrhea, and lack of appetite; and Leptospirosis: a bacterial disease commonly spread by rodent urination that can lead to kidney and liver disease, or even death, in dogs. If your dog is hot and thirsty and at risk of dehydration, then that may take precedence over avoiding the water in the bowl. Ideally, owners would carry a collapsible, portable bowl and some fresh water with them to give to their dog. Deciding if a public water bowl is safe for your panting pup is a case-by-case decision for an owner. Teller insists that if it looks like pond water, a dog should not drink from it. When in doubt it is always better to be cautious with the possibility of contaminated water, as owners should not gamble with the health of their cherished pet.