I don't keep a bowl of water outside, however I do have some low lying birdbaths, those usually get emptied out when possible after rains.
3 weeks ago, I did use Ortho mites/gnat pesticide/fertilizer via spreader on half the yard. (would have done the whole yard, but I ran out of the stuff). I did have that mite problem as the dogs were bringing them into the house and were biting me.
as for weed killers, generally use atrazine, but haven't used it since 3 or 4 months.
ago.
I think that leaves fear as a possibility. do dogs get afraid of rats or possums?