DOG DRINKING WATER SAFETY GUIDE

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We’re lucky to have such a vibrant, tail-wagging community at the Rossmoor Dog Park — often hosting 50+ dogs a day! That’s a lot of sniffing, slurping, and yes... slobbering. As much fun as that is, it also means we need to stay on top of a hidden health risk: the communal water bowls.

Why It Matters

Shared bowls can become breeding grounds for bacteria, viruses, and parasites — think Giardia, Lepto, and more. And while our furry friends are tough, their immune systems aren’t invincible — especially the older or younger pups.

But it’s not just the dogs we need to consider. Local wildlife — raccoons, squirrels, even birds — may also be drinking from the same dog park bowls, leaving behind germs and contaminants we don’t see. And standing water of any kind — in bowls, puddles, or forgotten containers — attracts mosquitoes, spreads disease, and goes bad fast.

What We Can All Do

To keep the park safe, clean, and fun for everyone, we’re asking all members to chip in:

• Be vigilant. If your dog uses the communal bowls, dump the old water      and refill with fresh frequently.
• Don’t assume it’s clean. If it looks sketchy, pitch it and start fresh. That goes for the plastic pool too.
• The plastic pool must be kept upside down when not in use.  It can be a catch all for all kinds of nasty stuff . 
• Choose to bring your own water dispenser — especially for dogs with health sensitivities.
• Watch for and avoid standing water of any kind — puddles and the plastic pool especially.
• Keep water bowls elevated off the ground when possible — to avoid being stepped in, peed in, or worse!
• Remember: It’s not just 50+ dogs a day... it's also whatever critters stroll through after dark.

Fresh Water = Happy Tails

It’s only our daily care that will the biggest difference. Let’s keep tails wagging, tongues hydrated with clean water, and germs out of the park.

Thanks for doing your part. Together, we’re creating a healthier, happier space for our pups.

Woofs and wags from the pack at the park !