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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To put out a bowl of water for dogs/cats/wildlife at the end of our driveway?

42 replies

Pineapplewhip · 23/06/2026 03:16

I really want to put out a bowl of water for the animals. I've seen a few others doing this and it always makes me think "what a lovely thought". We live at the very edge of a popular hiking trail where lots of people walk dogs and I think it would be appreciated.

However - I have this nagging question "what if someone poisons the water, then everyone thinks you have done it".

People can be sick, i dont want white spirit pouted into the bowl, then to be accused of doing this myself. It's putting me off the idea of doing this nice thing.

YABU - loads of people put out water, you'll be fine
YANBU - its a justifiable concerns; dont do it!

OP posts:
Pistacheeo · 23/06/2026 06:58

I would make a mini pond in the garden for the hedgehogs and birds instead. Less stress for you.
Lots of dog owners remember to take water these days.

Frumpitydoo · 23/06/2026 06:49

We have a bowl of dog water on the end of our drive (Peak District, there are more dogs than humans here!). It is very much appreciated.

The only caveat is to be better at not driving over the bloody bowls. No idea how i do this, as it's a big drive, but we keep the charity shops round here in sales of large bowls.

Lexy2345 · 23/06/2026 06:47

I am baffled at the amount of people who don’t let their dogs drink from publicly available bowls of water. My dogs (Yorkie and Pug) drink from rivers, lakes, streams and puddles as well as fresh tap water. They are dogs not infants.

RoastLambs · 23/06/2026 06:42

Inmyuggs · 23/06/2026 05:43

Why do people want to share dog bowls in public.
Yuck
People can take a dog drink bottle.
Just no.

How is that ‘just no’ when it’s the fourth line?

Dollymylove · 23/06/2026 06:30

BeMintFatball · 23/06/2026 06:02

Dog owners who are like my daughter would not let their dog drink from a random bowl for fear of germs. She takes water with her for her dog. And in this extreme heat she is not walking her dog (short snoot breed).

If OP wants to help wildlife the bowl will need to be shallow. In heat a shallow bowl will need topping up several times a day. It’s a lovely thing to do but be consistent in case the animals become reliant on that bowl.

Worried about germs? Dogs spend most of their time smelling each other's arses and smelling each other's shit 🤣🤣

Dinggirl · 23/06/2026 06:30

Inmyuggs · 23/06/2026 05:43

Why do people want to share dog bowls in public.
Yuck
People can take a dog drink bottle.
Just no.

Someone near me does this, they live in a road that leads into a big park popular with dog walkers. I do take a dog water bottle but sometimes I forget if I'm in a hurry or my dog drinks it all...both me and my dog are very grateful to that kind person!

Original poster
Pineapplewhip · 23/06/2026 06:21

didntlikeanyofthesuggestions · 23/06/2026 05:19

This sounds like paranoia or someone who is about to put poison water at the end of their driveway looking to cover their back.....

No definitely not a future dog poisoner in the midst! Its totally my own paranoia thats making me think the worst in people.

OP posts:
Original poster
Pineapplewhip · 23/06/2026 06:20

wrinklycactus · 23/06/2026 05:21

Where do you live where people are chucking white spirit in water left out for animals? 😕Is this a thing that has actually happened near you or are you just paranoid?

People have put slug pellets into little sausages and left them on the hiking trail near where I live trying to poison the dogs - so these awful people are out there😥

OP posts:
Itsseweasy · 23/06/2026 06:14

I put out plenty of water in my garden for wildlife/passing cats, but wouldn’t worry too much about passing dog walkers’ dogs.
If they are responsible owners they should have their own water.
Though I’ve never heard of the white spirit thing - surely an animal could sniff that out before drinking?

BeMintFatball · 23/06/2026 06:02

Dog owners who are like my daughter would not let their dog drink from a random bowl for fear of germs. She takes water with her for her dog. And in this extreme heat she is not walking her dog (short snoot breed).

If OP wants to help wildlife the bowl will need to be shallow. In heat a shallow bowl will need topping up several times a day. It’s a lovely thing to do but be consistent in case the animals become reliant on that bowl.

Inmyuggs · 23/06/2026 05:43

Why do people want to share dog bowls in public.
Yuck
People can take a dog drink bottle.
Just no.

Tutorpuzzle · 23/06/2026 05:42

Put the water out, but do refill it a couple of times a day (if you can).

If you have a bowl with shallow sides that will be more useful to little wildlife.

It’s a lovely idea!

DangerQuakeRhinoSnake · 23/06/2026 05:26

No animal is going to drink white spirit.

wrinklycactus · 23/06/2026 05:21

Where do you live where people are chucking white spirit in water left out for animals? 😕Is this a thing that has actually happened near you or are you just paranoid?

didntlikeanyofthesuggestions · 23/06/2026 05:19

This sounds like paranoia or someone who is about to put poison water at the end of their driveway looking to cover their back.....

DuchessedOrleans · 23/06/2026 05:17

Put the water bowl out. I’ve never heard of water being poisoned in this way.

sashh · 23/06/2026 04:50

Put it out, if for no other reason the hedgehogs need water.

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