I walked past a water bowl outside a cute little boutique yesterday and as someone who advocates for pup's health and wellbeing I had to share information on the hidden dangers to the well intentioned water stations.
Things to know before you let your pup indulge in a communal water bowl.
I see public water bowls in parks or in front of restaurants, cafes, patios, storefronts, dog parks or beach but there is no telling how regularly they are cleaned.
Paws and snouts can pass fecal matter into water bowls and rodents also visit water bowls and can urinate or defecate in bowls leaving behind nasty disease.
Check it
Does it appear clean? Check it for contaminants like leaves, bugs, or any floaters, bubbles or clouding the water. If the water doesn’t look 100% clean it could really make your pup sick.
Why? Stagnant water grows bacteria & dogs who have quenched before yours can leave behind pathogens, viruses, diseases or parasites exposing your pup to potential health risks.
Some Diseases that can be easily spread from dirty bowls & contaminated water are:
Intestinal Worm Parasites - like roundworms, hookworks, and whipworms.
Giardia - another parasite that can be found in standing water that is extremely dangerous for puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with compromised immune systems.
Leptospirosis - Is a bacteria that can also effects humans. It is often seen in late summer, fall, found in standing water.
Canine papilloma virus - This virus spreads through contact with saliva from an infected dog. so a bit of left over drool will spread create the spread.
Kennel cough - a common respiratory infection
Salmonella - another bacterial infection that can survive in water and infect dogs as well as humans.
Signs and symptoms that your pooch has consumed contaminated water can include: lethargy, fever, increased thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, honking cough,loss of appetite, pacing or if your dog is presenting with warts around the mouth on the lips, tongue, or gums.
My advice - It is best to avoid contaminated water sources to keep your four-legged friend safe by having your own water source. Bring your pups water bottle or collapsible water bowl and fresh water on your road trips!!
Water bowl hygiene at home is also important. Ideally and especially in the summer months, your pups water bowls should be washed daily. If you have multiple pets sharing the same dish, it’s even more important to wash their bowl daily as there’s a higher chance of germs entering their dishes. Using non-porous, stainless steel dog bowls that can be washed in the dishwasher is your safest and easiest bet.
Keep yourself and your pets healthy and hydrated responsibly this summer!
For more tips contact Belinda with bnadog.com 8603041447.