Can you get sick from sharing water with a dog?

Yes, you can get sick from sharing water with a dog, but the risk for a healthy adult is low. Dog saliva can carry bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter, as well as parasites such as Giardia, which can cause stomach upset. The safest habit is to give your dog his own bowl or a bottle with a separate drinking cup, especially if you’re pregnant, elderly, have a weakened immune system, or are sharing with a young child.

A lot of dog lovers like to share water with their four-legged friends. In this blog post, we’ll explore what the risks actually are and what you can do to stay safe.

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. Because dogs lick their own rear ends, other dogs, and whatever they find on the ground, germs from feces can end up in their mouths. If a dog licks your open wound or you accidentally get some of their saliva in your mouth (for example, by drinking after them), 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 infections, such as those caused by Capnocytophaga or Pasteurella bacteria that live in many dogs’ mouths, have been linked to contact with dog saliva. These mostly affect people with weakened immune systems. See a doctor if you develop fever, diarrhea, or a red, swollen wound after close contact with a dog’s saliva.

Is dog saliva a problem in general?

Not usually. According to research, dog bites are linked to the majority of bacterial and viral illnesses passed from dogs to people, rather than casual saliva exchange. Water is a bigger concern when it comes to leptospirosis, which spreads mainly through the urine of infected animals, including via contaminated puddles, ponds, and water bowls. Its incubation period can range from a few days to about a month.

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. We cover the food side of this in is it OK to share food with your dog.

A few other habits lower the risk:

• Wash your hands after handling your dog’s bowls, toys, and poop bags, and before eating.
• Keep your dog healthy. Regular vet checks, deworming, and vaccinations (including leptospirosis where your vet recommends it) protect both of you.
• Be extra careful with raw diets. Dogs fed raw meat are more likely to carry bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella, so don’t share water or let them lick your face if they eat raw.
• Don’t let your dog lick open wounds, and keep young children from sharing cups or bottles with the dog.

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 plain water is generally fine for your dog. Dogs need to stay hydrated just like we do, and offering water from your bottle on a walk is an easy way to keep them going. Only share plain water, though: flavored or “sugar-free” drinks can contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.

Just be sure to clean your water bottle and your dog's bowls regularly (see how to clean a dog water dispenser), 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!