As a pet care business owner, every time we provide vacation visits for our clients, we always clean and refresh water and food bowls.
A lot of pet owners only refill the water and food bowls but rarely clean them out.
Here is some information on why it is important to clean them out and not just fill them up.
Most of us are guilty of “topping” off the water bowl when it gets close to empty but it’s important to wash the bowl and fill it with new water. Water that sits around will form a slimy residue along the inside of the bowl. Bacteria and fungus will begin to grow. Pets will also eat their food and then go to their water bowl, depositing food in the bowl while they drink.
Cleaning water and food bowls every day is the best. If you’re feeding them wet food, clean the bowls every day. If you are giving your pets dry food, at least a warm water rinse every day and clean the bowls with soap and water at least every few days.
There are several ways you can keep up with the cleaning. Most people will find using the dishwasher the easiest way to clean the bowls, but remember if the bowls are plastic to put them on the top part of the dishwasher to prevent melting. If you’re washing them by hand, use a mild detergent and warm/hot water. Rinse the bores thoroughly to make sure there is no soap residue left behind when you fill the bowls with water again because that could upset your pet’s stomach. Another option is to use disposable plastic inserts for your pets bowl which can be found at most pet food stores.
The best bowls to buy are stainless or porcelain bowls. Ceramic and plastic should be avoided as the nature of these materials provide a breeding ground for bacteria and other germs. Plastic bowls should also be avoided because dogs have a tendency to chew on them.
Another option to give your pet water is the electric or battery operated water fountain. These fountains have water circulating through a pump so the water is always moving. It encourages pets to drink more often and the circulating water will keep it much fresher. However, they will still be needed to be cleaned about twice a week as pet hair, dust and lint will collect in the system.
Cleaning your pets food and water bowls keep your pets happy and healthy !
