How often do you clean your doggo’s food bowl?Like most pet parents…probably, not enough…
Here is a fact you must know before you start shaking you head to say it’s not really that important because my dog licks the most dirty places so what is a little crusty leftover food sticking to the food bowl when compared to that?
As parents, can we ever imagine serving food in dirty dishes to your children then why do we overlook this and become lazy when it comes to pets?
How often do you clean your doggo’s food bowl?Like most pet parents…probably, not enough…
Here is a fact you must know before you start shaking you head to say it’s not really that important because my dog licks the most dirty places so what is a little crusty leftover food sticking to the food bowl when compared to that?
As parents, can we ever imagine serving food in dirty dishes to your children then why do we overlook this and become lazy when it comes to pets?
Why should you clean the dog’s bowl?
Fact: According to NSF (National Sanitation Foundation), USA – Pet food bowls are the 4thgermiest thing in a household, not very far behind the dirty kitchen sponge.
According to William Burkholder, DVM, Center for Veterinary Medicine at FDA– Dog’s saliva contains microbes that get transferred to the bowl when they lick it. This microbe will thrive in the dirty bowl.
The kind of bacteria that grows in the bowl will depend on many factors like the temperature, environmental exposure and the oral hygiene of the dog. We are talking really dirty and nasty stuff here!
The most commonly found bacteria in your dog food bowl is Staphylococcus aureus, Pasteurellamultocida and many different species of Streptococcus, Corynebacteria, Moraxella, Neisseria, Bacillus and some Salmonella and Pseudomonas. There may even be some parasites like giardia, some molds and yeast.
- Agreed that your dog’s digestive system is equipped to handle some nasty bacteria, given the fact that he spends a good part of the day licking his butt, but the bacteria that grow in your dog’s bowl can lead to stomach infections, especially in puppies, senior dogs and dogs with low immunity.
- We all know that cleaning your dog’s bowl is much cheaper and easier than making a visit to the vet, so why take a chance!
- Not just your dog, but young children playing around the house can touch the dirty bowl and then put the hand in their mouth. Ewww, gross right?
- Not to mention the fact that a dirty food bowl lying in the room looks gross and may even stink. You may not notice the smell but your guests most certainly will.
- Also the leftover food sticking to the bowl can attract some unwanted guests like ants and flies which can again infect other food that is not for your butt licking mutt but for your other family members.
So, do you need more reasons to head to the sink with the dog food bowl?
How often should you wash the dog bowl?
Experts recommend washing the dog food bowl after every meal with warm soapy water and a scrubber. Dry the bowl thoroughly and then stack it face down in a clean place.The water bowl should also be washed thoroughly wilh hot soapy water and wiped down thoroughly every couple of days or as often as you can.
Do not keep a clean bowls lying around face-up in a place that can be easily accessed by dirt, mites or rodents because the next time you pour food in the bowl your doggo may not wait patiently for another round of cleaning.
How do I know that the pet food bowl is clean enough?
Some pet parents can get overboard when cleaning thepet food bowl and put all kinds of chemicals and detergents to make sure that the bowl is clean, but using chemicals on your pet’s bowl is not recommended.
Hot soapy water is enough for your furry’s bowl but make sure you rinse thoroughly. When rinsing, run your fingers around the inside and outside of the bowl. If the bowl feels slimy or you feel crumbs, then scrub it further. You can even pop it into a dishwasher.
What is the best bowl for my pet?
While plastic is the most inexpensive and commonly used food and water bowl by pet parents but plastic is not the best material for your pet.Plastic bowls are impossible to sterilize thoroughly and begins to crack and break. This will lead to leaching of toxic chemicals into the food and water. Bacteria and oil get stuck in the peeling plastic potentially causing skin irritation and gastrointestinal disorders.Aggressive feeders also gnaw on the plastic bowl and swallow small pieces, which is very hazardous.
Stainless steel, porcelain and glass are the most recommended water and food bowl for your fur baby. It is not a bad idea to keep the plastic bowls as a travel accessory but make sure to clean it thoroughly after every use.
Your furry’s health is your responsibility and as a pet parent it is important to make all efforts to ensure that they have the best and longest life possible. Food hygiene is as critical as feeding the right food like FurrMeals Home Cooked Pet Foodto your furry and a clean bowl plays an important role in that.
