Communal water bowl

Brie

We are not currently pet slaves having lost our ancient kitten a year back.  But we talk to all the neighbourhood cats that wander by and all the dogs (& their persons) should we be outside when they are on their walkies.  

OH mentioned that we should put a water bowl by our gate so that any dogs going by would be able to have a drink.  I'm happy to do this and go out and top it up a couple of times a day.

But would a dog walker let their dog drink just anywhere?  I know you can't keep animals from slurping in any random puddle but if you have a dog would you be suspicious of water left out on purpose?

I expect that the dog people that go by and have chatted with us would trust it but perhaps not others.  I suspect I'll set something up today so it's out tonight when all the foxes are playing up and down the street.  

Savvy_Sue

I know if I put one outside my gate, it would go walkies quite quickly. 

It's possible that some would appreciate it, if you're engaging in conversation why not ask? 

TBagpuss

Shops often have bowls of water outside so I would think people would be grateful or indifferent. Maybe use something like an old ice-cream tub and write 'dogs' on it in marker pen. 

Brie

Well the dog water bowl is still there and looks like most dogs are ignoring it.  Or are not being taken for walks.  Less dog walkers the last couple of days during the day - which is a good thing, given the heat - but likely there's still the regulars at 7 am or 8 pm. 

But it may have been sniffed at by the hedgehog that went by at 4 am and possibly the badger that wasn't far behind.  (never seen a live badger before - I expect the dry heat is making them wander further)  Not sure if the foxes noticed it - but then again they were pretty quiet last night.

As for the bowl itself.....  it's one I bought when one of our 3 cats was diagnosed as diabetic and was always wanting to drink lots of water.  He's gone to the great litter box in the sky (though he preferred to p in OH's slippers) a few years back and the other two have also wandered off that way too.  So I've got a number of naff to nice bowls that are too good to be got rid of and may, potentially, be needed for future pets.  If someone decides they really need it and steal it, well so be it.  And if we find any excuse at all to eat any ice cream this week, well then I'll have something to replace it with.

elsien

I think it depends on part where you are.
I’d wonder why there was a bowl out in the middle of my street, for example, just because it’s not that sort of area. 

But I walk past a house on the edge of some fields which always has a big bowl of water outside it. My dog drags me to get to it after a walk - usually after turning his nose up at the water I’ve taken with me.

oystercatcher

I am always a bit cautious of communal bowls for my dog in case other dogs pass on some sort of lurgi, I'm no expert and not sure if this happens. Lots of buisnesses and homes seem to leave a water bowl out though and it seems a nice thought even if I am a fussy owner!

I do leave shallow bowls for hedgehogs. I thought I was wasting my time until I saw a hedgehog slurping away one evening. 

Brie

@elsien
There's a park near by and lots of dog walkers head to that which is why I've ended up chatting with a number of them.  Still no evidence that anyone has used it but it's still there.  

Katiehound

I'd be very wary of leaving water bowls outside- anywhere simply because snails & slugs can pay them a visit and that's a potential hazard from lungworm:

Quotes from 2 different websites:

Dogs can get infected with lungworm when they come into contact with the slimy substance produced by slugs and snails. So either by eating the slugs and snails themselves, or by eating or licking surfaces where the slugs and snails have left a slimy trail.

Your curious pooch may be unlucky enough to pick up infected molluscs as he rummages through undergrowth or comes across slugs and snails in your garden. Even if slugs aren’t to his taste, your dog could accidentally ingest this parasitic worm when eating grass or drinking from puddles and outdoor water bowls.

Not all slugs and snails are infected but it is worth being cautious and asking your vet about the most common parasites in your region.