Is it necessary to clean your dog's bowl?
As a dog owner, I have spoken to many owners who haven't cleaned their dog's bowl. Ever.
That's right...these dog owners never even thought to wash their dog's bowl. This was not a case of negligent pet owners. As typical dog owners, they didn't know any better.
How often do you wash your dog's bowls? You don't have to feel guilty.
You should, however, consider routinely washing your dog's bowl for one significant reason...your puppy's health. Cleaning your dog's bowl is cheaper than going to the vet, so you don't need me to tell you that.
In addition to affecting your dog, these nasty germs can also harm your children. Playing on the floor with your dog's bowl can cause them to put their fingers in their mouth - which is why you need to baby-proof it. Bacteria found in dirty dog bowls may also cause illness in family members with weak immune systems.
Lastly, dirty bowls can stink, which is another reason to wash your dog's bowl. You might not notice it, but your guests probably will. It's just polite of them not to bring it up.
Last but not least, feeding your dog outdoors, regardless of how small, attract unwanted guests - ants! Regular cleaning can prevent these problems. Why take a chance?
Whenever you prepare dinner, do you grab a new plate or a used one? Besides making your dog's meal less appealing, unclean dog bowls can also make him sick. Take a moment to put yourself in your dog's shoes (or paws).
Bacteria can grow rapidly on dried food material and saliva without proper cleaning. Just as we clean our plates after eating, washing them after every use is ideal.
The National Sanitation Foundation ranked dog bowls as the fourth most germ-filled place in a house, after dish sponges and the kitchen sink. Bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli can be found in dog bowls, water bowls, algae, and mold. It is important to note that these things can negatively affect not only the health of your pet but also your human family members.
You won't get the job done if you wipe your pet's bowls with a damp cloth or wash them under warm water. To keep your entire family safe from these pathogens, you must clean your pet bowls properly to eliminate bacteria and prevent dog illnesses.
When should you wash your dog's bowl?
It is recommended that you wash your dog's bowl every day.
Slow feeder Dog bowl with dry food: If you feed your dog kibble, his bowl should be washed after each meal. If your dog is fed canned food or raw meat, his slow-feeder bowl should be washed and sanitised after every meal. It is imperative to wash your dog's water bowl at least once a day.
A dog mat should be cleaned daily to protect your carpet or floor from spills. What a lot of cleaning, huh? Having a spare slow feeder bowl while the other bowls are being washed is a great idea. Then your dog doesn't have to wait until you clean his slow feeder dog bowl before eating.
You have two options when it comes to cleaning your dog's bowl:
You'll have to roll up your sleeves and get to work. Although this method might be the most labour-intensive, it's also the fastest way to clean your dog's bowl. It is your only option if your dog's bowl isn't dishwasher-safe. Luckily Super Feedy slow feeder bowls are dishwasher safe.
The first step is to grab your dish soap. It all begins with high-quality dish soap. My dog's bowl is washed with the same natural dish soap I use.
The second step is to grab a dedicated dog bowl sponge. Although I share a lot with my dog, I draw the line at my kitchen sponge. Your kitchen sponge is already the germiest place in your house. You don't have to use your dish sponge in your dog's bowl. Instead, grab a second sponge or cloth that you only use for your dog's bowl. Make sure you choose a different colour than your usual sponge to tell them apart.
You should also choose a sponge made from a non-scratch material for plastic dog bowls - any scuffs or scratches are breeding grounds for bacteria.
The third step is to get washing! It would help if you used dish soap on your sponge to clean your dog's bowl in hot water, wiping away any grease or leftover dog food.
Make sure to rinse well with clean water and dry afterwards. It's as simple as that.
Putting it in the dishwasher is the easiest way to clean a dog bowl if you're short on time. Check your bowl's washing instructions. It is important to remember that not all dog bowls can be put in the dishwasher.
- Generally, depending on the type of bowl (or bowl materials), recycled plastic bowls, like the Super Feedy slow-feeder dog bowl can be washed in the dishwasher on the top rack.
- Dishwasher-safe stainless steel bowls
- Dog food bowls, like ceramic bowls, are generally not dishwasher-safe
Perhaps you last cleaned your dog's bowl a while ago. Maybe the hot sun has hardened uneaten leftover food like cement. Whatever the reason, if you are having trouble removing stubborn food from your dog's bowl, here's what to do:
Let it soak in soapy water. You can soften and lift caked-on dog food with a long soak in hot, soapy fresh water. After cleaning your bowl, wash it in cool water and gently scrub it to remove any dog food clinging to it.
Here's the bowl on dishwashers
Using regular detergent and the dishwasher to wash dog bowls is the most effective method for killing bacteria. As some types of salmonella are resistant to tepid or warm temperatures, ensure you use the highest heat setting. Run the bowls through the dishwasher on high heat after soaking them in a bleach/water solution for about 10 minutes. You won't have to worry about cross-contamination if you regularly wash your dog's slow feeder bowl. It's okay to run your dog bowl through the dishwasher on its own, if you are uncomfortable stacking your dog's bowl next to the casserole dish.
The Super Feedy Slow Feeder Bowl is made of high-quality, food-safe material free of BPA, PVC, and phthalates. The Fun Feeder also helps prevent bloat and regurgitation with fun ridges and mazes that slow your dog's eating.
Conclusion
Cleaning your dog's bowl keeps your dog healthy and your family healthy! How often do you clean your dog's bowl?
