How to Win the Bowl Game

   If you are a pet parent, chances are that you have played the “Bowl Game.”  We have a stack of food/water bowls that we no longer use.  The main reason we don’t use them is that we have changed dog breeds.  What we used with our German Shepherds and Golden Retriever wouldn’t work for our miniature Schnauzer.  Pierre can and does use the same bowl our Schnauzer did.  None of those bowls are appropriate for Bentley.  Why?  What makes him so different?     It is all about those ears.  Bentley and Tucker, our Golden both drank water from a straight-sided bowl.  Bentley’s ears would dip into the water and he’d walk away leaving a water trail.  He now has the steep sided bowls and his long ears drape over the edges.  Now he walks away with dry ears.  Okay, he still trails water from his jowls, but his ears are DRY!

   One of the gifts that we gave Bentley for his birthday was a slow feeding bowl from Martha Stewart.  We bought it at PetSmart and it was under $20.  The change in his mealtime is incredible.  Basset Hounds are known to suffer from bloat, which can quickly become fatal.  One cause is eating their food too fast and drinking large amounts of water.  Before we changed to the slow feeder, he would be finished eating in less than two minutes.  After he ate, he would drink water like a camel.  Mealtime is now much slower.  It took him a couple of times to adjust to it.  The second time I fed him, he got mad, and turned his back on it.  That was a first!  He likes it now and eats much slower.  After he finishes, I pick his bowl up along with their water dish and wash them both.  That way, he has to wait to drink and his bowls are clean.

   This infographic helps explain how to choose the right bowl for your dog.  Regardless of the bowl best fit for your breed, daily washing is a must for dog bowls including water.  You can read the importance of washing your pet’s dishes here.

Infographic courtesy of thatpetplace.com

Elevated Dog Bowls are great for large or tall dogs that might have back or neck issues.  You can refer to the infographic for the right height for your dog.

Steep-sided Bowls are perfect for a dog that's ears hang low and wobble to and fro.  It is better than tying them in a knot or a bow.  When they lower their heads into these bowls, their ears drape elegantly over the sides and out of the way.

Shallow Bowls are ideal for our short-nosed and flat-faced friends.  I don’t want to name names, but you know who you are.  These pups often have breathing problems and partial obstruction of their upper respiratory system.  The shallower bowls make it easier to eat and drink without straining or putting pressure on their throat and airway.

Deep Dishes are best for those of you with longer noses.  If your snout is twice as long as your bowl is deep, it makes eating and drinking uncomfortable.  A deeper dish will help our Collie, Sheltie, and Dachshund friends eat easier and drink much easier.

   I hope this makes it easier for you to select your next food or water bowl.  At least now, whether your college football team won their Bowl Game or not, you can win yours!

It’s Friday and that means it’s time for our Pet Parade!  Don’t hesitate to join in the Pet Parade.  Remember, you don’t have to play an instrument or twirl a baton…there’s not even any marching in straight lines required!  It is just fun to share your favorite post with others.  As always, I am joined in the co-hosting duties with Rascal and Rocco, Basil the Bionic Cat Blog, Love is being owned by a Husky, and Jan’s Funny Farm.  Hop along with the link up below.