Scientist reveals the stomach-churning reason you should NEVER let your dog drink from a communal water bowl at the pub

Daily Mail​

26-04-2025

As summer draws nearer, millions of dog walkers will be letting their pets cool down with a refreshing lap of water from a public bowl.
But according to a scientist, this seemingly harmless act can do your pooch more harm than good.
Dr Jacqueline Boyd, a senior lecturer in animal science at Nottingham Trent University, says you should never let your dog drink from a communal water bowl.
Commonly found outside the entrances to cafes and pubs, they can be a hotbed of harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses.
'Shared water bowls can be a breeding ground for harmful bugs that could make your dog sick,' said Dr Boyd in a piece for The Conversation.
According to the academic who is also a dog owner, communal dog bowls have been found to contain E. coli, a group of bacteria that can cause infections in the gut.
Most types of E. coli are harmless or lead to a relatively brief spell of diarrhea, but unfortunately some strains of E. coli are potentially fatal.
'E. coli (or at least many strains of it) is a usual and normal commensal bacteria in the digestive tract of many animals including dogs and people,' Dr Boyd told MailOnline.
'Some [E. coli] strains are especially harmful and can cause significant digestive illness and have other consequences including renal issues in affected animals.
'Generally otherwise healthy animals can tolerate such challenges well, but young, old or immunocompromised animals are particularly at risk.'
There's also the risk of water bowls spreading Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
This potentially dangerous bacteria is responsible for skin and soft-tissue infections and can be difficult to control because it has grown resistant to several antibiotics.
Worryingly, MRSA is among the microbes that can spread not just between dogs and other dogs, but between dogs and their human owners.
'There are actually a number of possible microorganisms (potentially harmful ones and more benign ones) that can transfer between dogs and people,' Dr Boyd told MailOnline.
'Salmonella is one example as it can be carried on dog fur and obviously also transmitted via contaminated surfaces such as bowls (especially food bowls).'
The expert also warns that the dreaded kennel cough – characterised by a distressing, dry, hacking cough – spreads quickly when dogs are in close contact.
What is kennel cough?
Kennel cough is a respiratory infection caused by a number of bacteria and viruses.
It is not usually dangerous and normally clears up without treatment within a few weeks.
Apart from your dog coughing, the infection is unlikely to make them feel ill.
But puppies, elderly dogs and those with existing medical conditions can be susceptible to complications from kennel cough, such as pneumonia.
Source/more info: Blue Cross
This respiratory infection is caused by a number of bacteria and viruses, such as Bordetella bronchiseptica and canine influenza virus.
'The range of possible causative agents makes control, diagnosis and treatment of kennel cough tricky,' Dr Boyd adds.
'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.'
So although it might be tempting to let your thirsty dog lap from the public bowl, a safer option is to bring clean water with you on your walk.
Alternatively, seeing as many bowls are stationed outside of a pub or cafe, it might be worth politely asking a staff member for a fresh serve of water for your pet.
'A small effort can make a big difference in your dog's health,' said the academic, but she adds that getting dogs 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.'
Humans sweat to release body heat, but dogs are limited in their ability to cool down by sweating in the same way as humans can.
They rely on panting to regulate their body temperature, but water is essential to support the hydration process too – especially in hot weather and when there's exercise involved.
Around the home, owners should ensure their dog always has access to clean drinking water.
Also, food and water bowls should be regularly washed (at least daily) using hot water or in a dishwasher, Dr Boyd said.
But it's natural that dogs eating high-moisture food such as raw meat or tinned food will drink less than dogs eating dry dog food.
I'm a vet and here's how to keep your dog safe in warmer weather
As the nation gears up for warmer and sunnier days ahead, dog owners are being cautioned against leaving their furry friends exposed to the sun for too long.
Everypaw Pet Insurance's in-house vet, Dr Anna Foreman, warns that dogs are at risk of sunburn too, which can sometimes lead to skin cancer.
Medium-sized dogs, in particular, face an elevated risk of developing cancer compared to their larger or smaller counterparts.
She said: 'Dogs like to sunbathe for the same reasons we do - enjoying the warmth and bright light!
'However, much like with us, dogs can suffer from sunburn and heatstroke if they are in the sun for an excessive period of time.'
Dr Foreman reveals how to keep your dog safe in warmer weather - and the breeds most at risk of falling ill.