Is it safe for dogs to share a water bowl?
Sage Kassulke
2025-06-23 15:51:57
Count answers: 11
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.
Charity Wiegand
2025-06-23 14:41:40
Count answers: 13
Our dog has caught it.
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.
Mercedes Labadie
2025-06-23 14:02:04
Count answers: 14
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. 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.
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