Question
We have a small stream that cuts through our yard. The dog enjoys drinking from it frequently, even when he has a source of fresh water (from the kitchen sink) nearby.
Is it safe? If not, is there a way to discourage him from drinking from the stream and encourage him to drink from his bowl?
Answer
Generally speaking, if you are not familiar with the water source, it is not safe to let your dog drink from it.
Leptospira, which is a genus of bacteria excreted in the urine of infected animals, can survive for many months in water ways, so our vet has recommended that in addition to his normal annual shots, he also be inoculated for leptospirosis.
Beyond the additional inoculations, our vet has not shown any serious concerns though. However, it is always advisable to consult with your vet as there may be pathogens that are common to waterways where you live.
Answered By - psubsee2003