How often should you wash dog bowls
Do You Know How Often Should You Clean Your Dog Bowls?
Do You Know How Often Should You Clean Your Dog Bowls?
Author WDF Staff
11.09.2022.
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Dog bowls are one of those things dog owners often overlook and don't take proper care of. If you ask any dog owner how often they wash their dog's bowls, the answer will, in most cases, be not that often.
If you are one of them, don't beat yourself up, many of us don't realize how dirty dog bowls are and that we need to provide proper cleaning to ensure the health of our dogs. We are here to teach you why it is important to regularly clean your dog bowls and what is the best way to do it. Let's start.
Why is it important that you clean your dog's bowls?
You'd be surprised how many owners don't clean dogs' bowls not even once. We will not consider them irresponsibly but rather just uneducated. If they knew how dirty dog bowls are and how many health problems they can cause to their pooch, we are sure they would change their mind and start cleaning them.
Dog bowls will quickly gather all sorts of harmful bacteria, and if you don't regularly clean them, your dog could end up with different problems. You don't want that for your dog, do you?
Regularly cleaning your dog's bowls will remove all harmful bacteria that can harm your dog and provide your dog with a "clean plate" for his meal. We are guessing you also wouldn't like to eat off a dirty plate.
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How dirty are dog bowls?
A recent study has confirmed that dog bowls are 3rd dirtiest place in your home. Yep, you read that right. Do you now understand why cleaning them is such a big deal? Depending on different aspects and factors, many different bacteria can be found in your dog bowl, but none of them are good for dogs.
IMPORTANT: Cleaning dog bowls is vital if you own a puppy, senior dog, or dog with immune system problems. These dogs are at higher risk of having more problems because of bacteria found in dog bowls.
With that in mind, it is time to start cleaning your dog's bowl from this moment on.
How often should I clean my dog's bowls?
How often you clean your dog's bowls depends on some factors. The most important factor is what kind of food your dog eats.
If he eats only dry food, cleaning his bowl once a day will be enough to keep it clean. Dry dog food will not stick to the bowl, and because of that, you don't have to clean it after every meal.
If your dog prefers his kibble mixed with some wet food for extra taste, you will have to clean their bowls after every meal. Most probably, you already know that wet food will leave marks and it can dry on the bowl's surface, and this is the ideal scenario for germs to develop and take place.
The dog water bowl should also be cleaned daily. It is not just enough for you to change his water; it is necessary that you thoroughly clean the bowl every day to secure a germ-free bowl.
WORLD DOG FINDER TIP: To make it easier, you can buy spare bowls for your dog.
RELATED:Best Slow-feeding Dog Bowls [Review]
How to clean dog bowls?
As you may know, currently on the market, there are different dog bowls. Depending on the bowl your dog uses, cleaning them will also differ.
There are two ways to clean them: dishwasher and hand washing. Depending on your dog's bowl, you can choose your preferred method.
For hand washing your dog bowls, we have nothing special to say. You just need to take the bowl and get to work. Make sure that you are using good soap and that you thoroughly wash the whole bowl. There shouldn't be any soap left on the bowl.
If you are thinking about using a dishwasher, you must first make sure that your dog bowl is dishwasher safe. Some bowls are not designed to be washed in the dishwasher because of high temperatures; in this case, you will have to do it by hand.
Sterilizing dog bowls
Besides regular cleaning, our vets also advised that you sanitize your dog bowls at least once a week. Although you may ask why, the reason behind this is that even after you thoroughly clean your dog bowl, there is a possibility that some germs remain.
Although your dog bowl looks clean, that doesn't mean it is germ-free. By sanitizing dog bowls, you can ensure that all the germs will disappear.
Here is how to do it:
- Add 120 ml of bleach into dog bowl mixed with water
- Let it sit for 15 minutes
- Rise your dog bowl, and voila perfectly clean.
RELATED:Best Dog Water Dispensers
How to clean water bowls?
Many dog owners have a hard time removing water built up from their dog's bowls. Our trick will help you clean your dog's water bowl in no time. Simple pour vinegar mixed with water and let it sit. After 30 minutes, rinse your dog bowl, and it will be good as new. Mineral dopiest will quickly go away.
What dog bowl to choose from?
There are many different types of dog bowls that you can choose from. Depending on your dog's age and preferences, this choice will be solely up to you. We will always advise going for stainless steel and ceramic bowls because they are the easiest to take care of. Plastic bowls are the hardest to maintain.
Here are some helpful resources for deciding what will suit your dog best.
Best ceramic dog bowl
Our top pick is the Bone Dry Lattice Collection Pet Bowl & Canister. These are high-quality dog bowls, well-made, and sturdy. Not only are they well designed, but they are also the best on the market so far. They come in 7 different colors and 3 sizes. You can even order additional pieces if something happens to other ones. Available sizes are small, medium, and large, so these bowls have you covered no matter what breed you have at home.
Read more at https://worlddogfinder.com/blog/dog-product-reviews/ceramic-dog-bowls
Best plastic dog bowl
This plastic food bowl has a rubber on the bottom that will prevent your dog from moving the bowl around the house. Also, it will prevent him from spilling water or food, thus keeping your home clean. This plastic food bowl you can easily clean in the dishwasher without getting worried that it will ruin the bowl. You can choose various sizes of this bowl, depending on your dog's size and eating needs.
Best stainless steel dog bowl
This dog bowl is made of stainless steel that is puncture and rust-resistant, and you won't be able to damage it. The bottom ring is made of a non-slipping material, and this will prevent your dog from spilling food or water. The beautiful design of this dog bowl will ensure that it matches your home become perfectly. YETI dog bowl is dishwasher safe, and you don't have to be scared that you will ruin it if you like to wash bowls in the dishwasher.
World Dog Finder team
How Often Should You Wash Your Dog's Bowl?
What happens if I dont wash my dogs bowl regularly?
Luckily, your dog has an incredibly strong digestive system, which is prepared to handle all types of germs and bacteria. So, if youve ever wondered why they arent poorly after eating their own poop or vomit thats probably why!
Forgetting to wash your dogs bowl now and again shouldnt cause any problems, however, the sooner you can get into a routine of washing your dogs bowl after every meal, the better.
Whats more, young children are at risk of picking up nasty germs from pet bowls if theyre left unclean all the more reason to give your dogs food bowl a good soak and scrub!
Does my dogs age affect how often their bowl should be washed?
Older and younger pups tend to have weaker immune systems, therefore theyre likely to be affected more by bad bacteria in their food bowls. If you have a young pup or senior doggie, be extra cautious and keep on top of cleaning their food bowls after every meal.
So, how often should I wash my dogs bowls?
Sometimes it can be difficult to stay on top of cleaning your dogs bowls, which is why its a great idea to get into a routine and stick to it. As a rule of thumb, follow these guidelines for how often you should wash your dog's bowls, as it can vary depending on what theyre used for:
Your Dogs Wet Food Bowl:
These bowls need to be cleaned with soap and water after each meal.
Your Dogs Dry Dog Bowl:
These food bowls can be washed at the end of each day.
Your Pups Water Bowl:
These bowls should be cleaned a minimum of once a day and replenished with fresh water.
Your Dogs Feeding Mat:
Regularly wipe this down throughout the day and clean it at least once a day to protect your floor or carpet from spillages.
Cater to your dogs mealtimes
You can never have enough dog food bowls, right? Theyre something your pup uses every single day, so its handy to have a few of them. To save time in between meals, its always a great idea to have spare so your pup isnt waiting for you to clean or dry them when its dinner time.
We know that dinnertime is one of your pups favourite times of the day, so to make it even more tail-waggingly exciting, check out Yappys pawsome range of personalised dog bowls! From heavy and durable ceramic bowls to stainless steel bowls, weve got a huge choice of fun and colourful designs to choose from.
Why not pair your dogs new bowl with a personalised feeding mat too? Available in a selection of vibrant designs, including photo-upload, theyre not just perfect for minimising mess at mealtimes, but they look fantastic on display in the home.
Can You Wash Dog Bowls In Dishwasher With Other Dishes?
Can You Wash Dog Bowls In Dishwasher With Other Dishes
Dogs are a great addition to any family, but their feeding habits can be quite messy. One question that pet owners often have is whether they can wash their dog bowls in the dishwasher with other dishes. The short answer is yes, but there are some things that you should keep in mind.
What You Need To Know About Washing Dog Bowls In The Dishwasher
Dog bowls can be washed in the dishwasher with other dishes, but you need to make sure that youre doing it correctly. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Use a hot water cycle You want to make sure that the dishwasher is running on a hot water cycle to ensure that the bowls are thoroughly cleaned
- Remove any leftover food Before placing the dog bowls in the dishwasher, you want to make sure that any leftover food is removed. This will help to prevent any clogs in the dishwasher and ensure that the bowls are cleaned properly
- Place the bowls on the top rack The top rack of the dishwasher is the best place to put the dog bowls. This will help to prevent any damage to the bowls and will also ensure that theyre thoroughly cleaned
- Use a suitable detergent You want to make sure that youre using a safe and suitable detergent when washing your dog bowls in the dishwasher. There are many pet-friendly detergents available on the market that you can use
Why Its Important To Clean Your Dog Bowls
Cleaning your dogs bowls is important for a number of reasons:
- Prevents bacterial growth If you dont clean your dogs bowls regularly, bacteria can begin to grow. This can be harmful to both you and your pet
- Reduces bad smells Food particles that are left behind in your dogs bowls can begin to create unpleasant odors. Cleaning the bowls on a regular basis can help to reduce these bad smells
- Keeps your dog healthy By providing your dog with clean and fresh food and water, youre helping to keep them healthy and happy
Alternatives To Washing Dog Bowls In The Dishwasher
If youre worried about washing your dog bowls in the dishwasher, there are some alternative methods that you can try:
- Hand washing If you dont feel comfortable washing your dog bowls in the dishwasher, you can always wash them by hand. Make sure to use hot water and a pet-friendly detergent to ensure that theyre thoroughly cleaned
- Boiling You can also boil your dog bowls in a pot of water to clean them. This is a safe and effective method that will help to kill any bacteria that may be present
- Soaking Soaking your dog bowls in a mixture of hot water and pet-friendly detergent can also be an effective way to get them clean
Conclusion
Washing your dog bowls in the dishwasher with other dishes is safe and effective as long as you follow the proper steps. Its important to clean your dog bowls regularly to ensure that your pet is healthy and happy. If youre still unsure about washing your dog bowls in the dishwasher, there are alternative methods that you can try.
Related article: What Is A Quiet Dishwasher?
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I put my dogs bowl in the dishwasher?
Yes, you can definitely wash your dogs bowl in the dishwasher.
Can I place dog bowls in the dishwasher with other dishes?
It is generally safe to place dog bowls in the dishwasher along with other dishes, as long as you follow some basic tips, such as rinsing the bowls before putting them in the dishwasher and avoiding using strong detergents or bleach.
Can I wash ceramic dog bowls in the dishwasher?
Yes, ceramic dog bowls can typically be washed in the dishwasher. However, just like any other dishware, ceramic bowls should also be properly cleaned before being loaded into the dishwasher.
Is it safe to wash plastic dog bowls in the dishwasher?
It is safe to wash plastic dog bowls in the dishwasher, but always choose a dishwasher-safe model. High heat in the dishwasher can cause plastic bowls to melt or warp, which can be harmful to your pets health.
Do I need to use special detergent for washing dog bowls in the dishwasher?
No, you do not need to use a special detergent to wash dog bowls in the dishwasher. However, you should avoid using any harsh or strong detergents that could be harmful to your pet.
How often should I wash my dogs bowl in the dishwasher?
It is recommended to wash your dogs bowl daily, just like you clean your own dishes. Most of the time its necessary to wash them immediately after every use.
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