A vet highlights the importance of washing your dog’s food and water bowl as it can cause several health issues when left unattended.
Pet parents couldn’t be cautious enough, right? If you thought our stories about the myth surrounding dryness in the nose and the correct way to remove ticks were informative, here’s what you need to know about cleaning their bowls.
How to clean your dog’s water and food bowl
Rinsing your dog’s bowl with plain water isn’t enough as it doesn’t eliminate the bacteria build-up.
According to licensed veterinarian Dr. Rhonda Johnson, dog bowls are breeding grounds for harmful microorganisms that pose serious health risks to pets. They carry more bacteria than a toilet seat.
So, you must wash their bowls often, preferably after every meal, and don’t forget to refill their bowl with fresh water at least once a day.
Always use a separate scrub for them and wash the bowls with “warm soapy water” before rinsing thoroughly.
If the food particles don’t wash off easily, you can fill your sink with water, sprinkle a few drops of dish soap, and soak the bowls for a while before washing.
The TikTok vet also suggests avoiding harsh chemicals as they can leave a residue that might be harmful to your pet.
Furthermore, washing only the insides of the bowl doesn’t do it as bacteria build-up is common underneath the surface and around the rubber ring for grip. You must also get into the tricky spots for a thorough cleaning.
More cleaning tips
Modern inventions have made life easier for pet parents, but it’s also the reason for a lot of avoidable mistakes.
For instance, as Dr. Rhonda points out, pet parents who use a water fountain for their pooch may not clean it as often as the food or water bowl.
But, the low-maintenance device gets dirty very easily without regular cleaning. It must be cleaned regularly to avoid health complications.
Unwashed bowls can result in the formation of a biofilm – a slimy residue in your pet’s bowl caused by bacteria that cling to the surface.
The layer of bacteria hardens over time and contaminates food or water causing a number of health issues.
According to the vet, unwashed dog bowls are shown to harbor harmful microorganisms including Salmonella and E.Coli, that can cause acute gastroenteritis among other health issues.
Dr. Rhonda Johnson is a licensed veterinarian who owns a private practice, Plantation Animal Hospital of Tampa. She holds a degree from a veterinary school at Iowa State University.
She boasts over two decades of experience as an animal specialist and uses her presence on social media to share valuable information to empower pet parents.
