Why it's not safe for dogs to drink from communal water bowls
On a bright, sunny day, after a nice walk with your dog, you stop at a local cafe to grab a drink. At the counter, you spot a water bowl for your dog. But before letting your dog take a sip, consider this: shared water bowls can be a breeding ground for harmful bugs that could make your dog sick.
Water is essential for dogs' health, supporting normal body functions and regulating temperature. During or after exercise, it's especially important to ensure your dog stays hydrated.
This is because dogs are limited in their ability to cool down by . Instead, they rely on to regulate their body temperature, and water is essential to support this.
Water is usually offered to dogs in bowls, although dogs eating high-moisture food such as raw meat or canned food will drink less than dogs eating dry dog food. Keeping food and water bowls clean is essential, and they should be regularly washed (at least daily) or in a dishwasher. This is important to protect dog and human health as antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli has been found in , suggesting a potential route of transmission.
Where dogs might share bowls for food or water, there is also the risk of dangerous bacteria such as spreading between . This bug is and can be difficult to control with standard antibiotics.
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. The dreaded —characterized by a distressing, dry, hacking cough—spreads quickly when dogs are in close contact. Contaminated objects, including toys, bedding and water bowls, are likely to be heavily involved in its transmission.
One difficulty is that several , such as and . The range of possible causative agents makes control, diagnosis and treatment of tricky.
Water bowls can also be a source of disease-causing that originate from fecal contamination of surfaces and objects. These viruses can be responsible for and respiratory infections, making them a real threat to your dog's health.
Protect the vulnerable
Preventing your dog from having access to shared water bowls is a good idea, especially if they are at higher risk of infection—. Equally, if you or anyone in your household has a weak immune system, infection spread from pets is a .
As any dog owner knows, getting them to make healthy choices can be a battle. My dogs, despite my best efforts, still indulge in muddy puddles and the occasional snack of less-than-appealing things—all potential infection risks.
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. A small effort can make a big difference in your dog's health.
Provided by The Conversation
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