Is it safe for dogs to share water bowls?

Shared water bowls can be a breeding ground for harmful bugs that could make your dog sick. Dogs might also accidentally share other infections via water bowls. Respiratory infections with a bacterial or viral origin can easily be shared when water or bowls become contaminated with saliva or nasal secretions. Water bowls can also be a source of disease-causing adenoviruses that originate from faecal contamination of surfaces and objects. Preventing your dog from having access to shared water bowls is a good idea, especially if they are at higher risk of infection – young puppies, unvaccinated adults, or older dogs, for example. To protect your dog from infections, bring your own water and bowl when out and about. If using a communal bowl, make sure it’s been freshly cleaned and refilled.

Shared water bowls can be a breeding ground for harmful bugs that could make your dog sick. Where dogs might share bowls for food or water, there is also the risk of dangerous bacteria such as MRSA spreading between dogs and their owners. Dogs might also accidentally share other infections via water bowls. Respiratory infections with a bacterial or viral origin can easily be shared when water or bowls become contaminated with saliva or nasal secretions. Contaminated objects, including toys, bedding and water bowls, are likely to be heavily involved in its transmission. Water bowls can also be a source of disease-causing adenoviruses that originate from faecal contamination of surfaces and objects. Preventing your dog having access to shared water bowls is a good idea, especially if they are at higher risk of infection – young puppies, unvaccinated adults, or older dogs, for example. To protect your dog from infections, bring your own water and bowl when out and about. If using a communal bowl, make sure it’s been freshly cleaned and refilled.

Told us don’t share public dog bowls for drinks. Kennel cough is very infectious and can spread both in the environment and the air. It is also known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis and is an upper respiratory tract infection that can be caused by many different bacteria and viruses. Due to this, we do often see outbreaks in cases in local areas, as dogs can pick it up very easily in the park or local dog shows, or in areas where they might mix with other dogs such as day-care and kennels. Kennel cough is spread through coughing and sneezing.

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.