Q: Is it Safe for Pets to Share a Water Bowl?

Q: My pets share a water bowl. Is this okay or can they give each other germs?Q: My pets share a water bowl. Is this okay or can they give each other germs?

A: All pets have bacteria that live in their mouths. This is called normal flora and it doesn't cause disease or infection. Everyday sharing of a water bowl should therefore not be a problem.

There are however some diseases that are communicable from pet to pet. These illnesses are transmitted not only by sharing a water bowl but by close contact as well. Kennel cough and other respiratory infections are an example of illnesses that can be spread from one dog to another by close contact.

Similarly, there are many parasites that are transmitted from one dog to another by sharing an environment. Fortunately, dogs and cats do not usually share respiratory infections but can transmit some parasites to one another.

If you think your pet is sick it is a good idea to have him or her checked by a veterinarian who can diagnose contagious diseases.

Author's profile photo
Dr. Lauren Brickman Dr. Brickman started as a veterinary technician at Garden City Park in 1997 and went on to…

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My Vet once told me that I should seperate the water bowl to avoid any diseases. Great article.

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