A lot of dog lovers like to share water with their four-legged friends. But, is it safe to do that? Can you actually get sick from doing that? Turns out, there is a small chance you can get sick from sharing water with a dog. In this blog post, we’ll explore what that means and what you can do to stay safe. So, whether you’re just curious or are worried about getting sick, keep reading!
Table of contents
Can you get sick from sharing water with a dog?
It’s no secret that dogs like to explore the world with their mouths. They’ll lick just about anything, including dirty puddles and other dogs’ behinds. While this might not be appetizing to us, for dogs it’s just part of how they interact with their environment.
Unfortunately, this can also lead to them picking up bacteria and other germs that can make us sick. So, can you get sick from sharing water with a dog?
The short answer is yes, but the risk is relatively low. The most common way that people catch illnesses from dogs is through contact with their saliva. If a dog licks your open wound or you accidentally get some of their saliva in your mouth, you could be exposed to bacteria like E. coli or Salmonella.
These bacteria can cause gastrointestinal illness, which usually manifests as diarrhea and vomiting. In rare cases, more serious illnesses like meningitis or hepatitis have also been linked to contact with dog saliva.
Is dog saliva a problem in general?
No, according to research, dog bites are linked to the majority of bacterial and viral illnesses rather than saliva exchange. Leptospirosis, which has an incubation period of up to 10 days, is the one disease that may be passed via the exchange of saliva or water.
What can you do to avoid getting sick due to dog saliva?
The ideal method to avoid getting sick is not to share water with your dog in the first place.
Also avoid giving your dog raw meat, which can contain harmful bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella. Stick to feeding them dog food or cooked meat that’s been properly handled and cooked to kill any bacteria.
In general, as long as you’re being careful and practicing good hygiene, the risk of getting sick from sharing water with a dog is low. But, if you’re worried about getting sick, it’s best to avoid contact with dog saliva altogether.
Is sharing your water, safe for your dog?
Yes, sharing water is fine for your dog. In fact, it’s actually good for them! Dogs need to stay hydrated just like we do, and drinking from a human water bottle is an easy way for them to get the water they need.
Just be sure to clean your water bottle regularly, and don’t let your dog share your water if you’re sick. Other than that, there’s no need to worry about sharing water with your pup!
Great way to hydrate you and your dog
The bottle from asobubottle has a built-in bowl which makes it easy to share water with your dog on the go. Plus, it’s a great way to keep you both hydrated during long walks or hikes.
This built-in bowl avoids you drinking water from your dog by mistake and getting sick as a result.
Asobu water bottles are made from high-quality, durable materials that are safe for both you and your dog. They’re also BPA-free, so you can rest assured that they’re not leaching harmful chemicals into your water.
Is it okay for dogs to share the same bowl with other dogs?
It’s generally okay for dogs to share the same bowl, but there are some exceptions. If you have more than one dog at home, it’s probably fine for them to drink out of the same bowl.
However, if you’re taking your dog to a public place like a park or a pet store, it’s best to avoid letting them drink from a communal water bowl. This is because there’s a risk of contracting an infection from other dogs.
Final word
So, there you have it! Sharing water with a dog can theoretically make you sick, but the risk is low. As long as you’re careful and practice good hygiene, you should be fine. But if you’re worried about getting sick, it’s best to avoid contact with dog saliva altogether. Thanks for reading!
FAQ
Is it dangerous if I get dog saliva on my face?
There is a small risk of getting sick if you have contact with dog saliva, but it is relatively low. The most common way that people catch illnesses from dogs is through dog bites.
Is it okay for my dog to drink out of my cat's bowl?
Fortunately, there are no major health problems linked with dogs and cats sharing the same water bowl. There’s no need to be concerned about your dog drinking from your cat’s bowl as long as it is clean and the water is fresh as opposed to communal bowls.
I think my dog has an infection, what should I do?
If you think your dog has an infection, it’s best to take them to the vet as soon as possible. They will be able to properly diagnose and treat the infection.
