World Water Day is celebrated annually on March 22nd to raise awareness of the 2.2 billion people living without access to safe water and to promote sustainable management of freshwater resources.

Clean, safe water is essential for your pet’s health. While many of us enjoy reliable access to fresh water, pets can still face risks from contaminated bowls, unsafe outdoor water sources, and harmful algae. Use these simple tips to protect your pet’s drinking water every day.

Why Clean Water Matters for Pets

Clean water keeps pets hydrated and helps prevent digestive upset and illness. If your pet’s bowl ever feels slimy, that residue is biofilm, a buildup of bacteria that can harm your pet.

Health Issues Linked to Biofilm

Biofilm1 can contribute to infections in dogs and cats, including:

• Enteritis
• Periodontal disease
• Urinary tract infections

How to Prevent Biofilm

• Wash food and water bowls daily with hot, soapy water.
• Refill with fresh water every day.
• If you use a fountain, clean it thoroughly and replace the water daily because fountains can grow biofilm quickly.

Traveling With Your Pet? Protect Their Water Source

Water quality varies from place to place. Sudden changes can cause digestive upset.

Easy solutions:

• Bring bottled water for your pet.
• Or pack water from home in a clean container.

This small step helps prevent stomach issues during your trip.

Avoid Communal Water Bowls

Public water bowls may seem convenient, but they can spread illness.

Shared bowls increase the risk of:

• Canine Papilloma Virus
• Kennel Cough
• Respiratory infections, including Canine Influenza

Safer choice:

Bring your own bottled water and a portable bowl. The Center for Pet Safety recommends avoiding communal bowls altogether.

Blue-Green Algae Is Deadly

During warm months, certain algae, known as Blue-Green Algae (BGA) or cyanobacteria [2], can be fatal to pets. Even small exposures can cause severe illness, and toxins can be absorbed through the skin.

How to Keep Pets Safe

• Keep your dog leashed near ponds, lakes, or streams.
• Never allow your pet to drink from natural water sources.
• Avoid water that smells bad, looks discolored, or has scum or algae on the surface.
• If your pet touches questionable water, rinse them immediately with fresh tap water.
• Rinse any family member who had contact with the algae as well.
• If exposure is suspected, contact your veterinarian right away.

When in doubt, stay away, because BGA is extremely dangerous.

Gratitude for Clean Water

At the Center for Pet Safety, we’re thankful for access to fresh, clean water. We encourage all pet owners to take simple steps to keep their pets safe every day.

Sources:
1. Intrigues of biofilm: A perspective in veterinary medicine, National Institute of Medicine
2. Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) in Water Bodies, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency