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Vet issues warning to dog owners about communal water bowls this summer
While walking your dog on a hot summer day, it's tempting to let them take a drink from communal water bowls left out by well-meaning businesses or neighbors.
But researchers have warned that when it comes to your dog's water bowl, sharing isn't always.
They found that these public water sources may be riddled with diseases like salmonella, giardia and E.coli maybe lurking in the public water source.
These bacteria attack your dog's digestive system, causing vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite. In extreme cases, severe dehydration can lead to death.
Communal water bowls can be teeming with deadly bacteria and viruses, a veterinarian warns
'This is of particular concern if the bowl is not cleaned regularly or if the water is left standing for extended periods of time,' Lori Teller, a clinical professor at the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, said in a statement.
'Stagnant water can retain environmental contaminants, such as plant material, parasites, toxins, mold, and more. Dogs that have stepped in fecal matter and then played in the bowl could leave parasites and bacteria in the water.'
In addition to nasty gastrointestinal diseases, communal water bowls can also contain germs that cause kennel cough, canine papilloma and Leptospirosis.
Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection that causes coughing, sneezing, a runny nose, lethargy, loss of appetite, and a low-grade fever.
Canine papilloma virus, also known as the wart virus, causes small benign tumors or 'papillomas' to form in or around a dog's mouth.
In most cases, there are no other symptoms.
But when severe, papillomas can cause discomfort or difficulty breathing.
Leptospirosis is a deadly bacterial infection that thrives in water.
Dogs typically become infected after coming into contact with the urine of infected animals.
Symptoms include fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, refusal to eat, severe weakness and depression, stiffness, or severe muscle pain.
This infection is fatal in 10 to 20 percent of canine cases.
The best way to protect your dog from these diseases is to try to keep their communal water breaks to a minimum, Teller advised.
Outside of the house, 'Ideally, owners would carry a collapsible, portable bowl and some fresh water with them to give to their dog,' Teller said.
'Alternatively, they could stop at a restaurant or convenience store and request a cup of water for their dog.'
But there are some situations when letting your pet drink from a communal water bowl is a risk worth taking.
'If your dog is hot and thirsty and at risk of dehydration, then that may take precedence over avoiding the water in the bowl,' Teller said.
The best way to protect your dog from water-borne diseases is to bring a portable bowl and fresh water with you when you leave the house
But it's not just communal water bowls at parks and on sidewalks that can affect your dog's health.
If you have multiple pets, you should also consider the risks of letting them share food and water bowls at home, Teller said.
'In most cases, dogs living in the same house will be exposed to similar infectious agents, so sharing a water bowl will not have a tremendous impact on that,' Teller said.
But, 'It is still important that water bowls (and food bowls) be washed with soap and hot water on a regular basis.'
Plus, having your dogs share food and water bowls can impact their nutrition.
'Often, dogs may need different portions of food, and in many cases, one dog may need a diet change due to a medical condition; that can be much more challenging to manage if the dogs share a bowl,' Teller said.
'Or, one dog may prevent another from eating out of the bowl.'
At the end of the day, it's up to owners to use their best judgement when deciding if a communal water bowl is safe for their pup, Teller said.
Always make sure to check it first for contaminants like leaves, feces, pests or anything else floating in or clouding the water.
Teller insists that if it looks like pond water, your dog shouldn't drink from it.
And when in doubt, it's best to air on the side of caution rather than risk your precious pet's health.