Can dogs get sick from a dirty water bowl?
Dogs’ water bowls are a breeding ground for dangerous germs that could put animal and human health at risk, a new study at Hartpury University has revealed. Potentially fatal bacteria, including E.
Importance of hydration for your pet
Pets need an adequate supply of clean and safe to drink water at all times.
As you can imagine, hydration is crucial. A good way to think about it is that water is perhaps the most important nutrient for your pet. And it is also one of the most neglected.
Like you and me, pets are made up of mostly water. Each part of their body, down to the cellular level, needs water to survive, live, grow, stay healthy and thrive.
Being without water even for just a short period of time can quickly lead to dehydration.
And what is even worse, dehydration can progress quickly to cause damage to internal organs including the kidneys, liver, brain and even lead to death.
So we have to take care to ensure that pets have enough clean water to drink.
| Expert vet tip
Appropriate water intake is critically important for your pet’s health, growth and happiness so don’t neglect it. |
Fresh water in your dog’s drinking bowl is actually also important however, even if you’re dog is not picky about where or what he’s drinking.
We all know giving your dog access to water is important, but we may not think quite as hard about the quality of the water your pet has access too. Most of us are more concerned about keeping him from lapping out of the toilet or dragging you towards a scummy puddle to drink, than about how fresh the water in his drinking bowl is.
If you prefer to not have to change the water on a regular basis, a dog fountain is another option. This style of water bowl filters and recirculates the water in it, constantly providing fresh clean water. While it still needs to be cleaned sporadically, it doesn’t have to be cleaned or changed nearly as much.
How often should I change my dogs water?
Water is the main component of healthy, living cells of the body. Without water, your dog’s body will not function properly. More specifically, your dog will dehydrate.
This can happen if your dog isn’t getting enough water, which is why you should clean and refill your dog’s water bowl daily.
You also need to be aware of when your dog is drinking more water than usual, as this could be a sign of illness.
So how much water should a dog drink? Find out whether your dog is drinking enough water or more water than usual.