How to Clean Your Pet's Bowl

Pierre Westie: “MOM!! Bentley is yucking up our water bowl. He is definitely backwashing and it is grossing me out.”

Bentley Basset Hound: “Oh, for crying out loud! I was thirsty before I finished my last treat and if a few crumbs got in the water, you should be grateful. Extra treat bits for you!”

Pierre: “I am not trying to be a whiner, but I would prefer fresh drinking water and that includes washing the bowl. You can’t just swoosh the water around and call it clean. I am talking soap and HOT water to clean the bowl inside and out. After all, I have seen some of the places you stick your tongue and it is rather disgusting.”

Bentley: “No need to get personal. I know how important a clean food and water bowl is to a dog or cat’s health. According to the NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) ranking, our bowls are the fourth dirtiest spot in our home. We eat wet food, so Mom washes our dinner bowls after each meal. Our water bowl gets refilled and washed at least twice each day. I don’t want to drink out a bowl that Pierre has stuck his tongue in after licking his feet clean. Ugh!”

Pierre: “The thing is if Mom doesn’t wash our bowls we could be exposed to E. Coli, Salmonella, yeast and mold. That slimy residue that forms on our bowl is not a good thing, you know. Here is the recommended way to clean a bowl.”   

How to Clean Your Pet’s Bowls

·           • Wash them by hand with hot water and a mild detergent. Be sure to rinse thoroughly and dry.

·           • Check to see if the bowls are dishwasher safe.  If you use plastic bowls, be sure to put them on the top rack so they don’t melt.

·           • A homemade cleanser works well.  Mix Baking soda, warm water, and salt in equal parts to form a paste. 

·           • Scrub the bowls in a circular motion, washing both the inside and outside.

 The NSF recommends soaking the bowls for 10 minutes with one-part bleach and warm water. *Follow this with a complete washing and rinsing.

Bentley: “July is Pet Hydration month, so we want to remind everyone to make sure your pets have access to plenty of fresh water at all times. We have several different water bowls including a fountain and it is important that all of them are kept clean. During the Dog Days of Summer, never leave home with your dog unless you have some bottled water for them. Stay thirsty, my friends!”

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