Why Do Dogs Drink From The Toilet Bowl? Here Are 3 Possible Reasons!

Ever notice your dog slurping away at the water in the toilet bowl? It’s so gross to watch! Here’s what you need to know about this behavior.

Why?

Dogs may drink from the toilet because:

1. The Water In The Toilet Is Fresh. Yes, if water has been out in a bowl for a whole day, it’s less fresh than toilet water. Dogs don’t like standing, stagnant water due to the contaminant risk.
2. The Water In The Toilet Is Cool. In a water bowl, water can warm up quickly, but in a toilet bowl, the water is virtually always cool – a great thirst quencher!
3. Dirtiness. Dog bowls were ranked number 7 on a list of germ hotspots by the National Sanitation Foundation – and toilet bowls weren’t on that list at all.

Proper Dog Bowl Cleaning

Here’s how to safely and properly clean your dog’s water bowl:

1. Wash With Soapy Water. If your dog’s water bowl is made from ceramic, plastic, or porcelain, get some soap and a sponge and rinse away with hot water. Make sure you clean the sponge every couple of days – soak it in water and microwave it for two minutes.
2. Use A Dishwasher. For dishwasher-safe bowls, like those made of stainless steel, pop them in the machine to kill off germs with heat and soap, easily.
3. Get Rid Of Biofilm. When dogs use a bowl, biofilm develops over the top after a while. You need either abrasive sponges or sponges with salt on the, to break through the film. Then, clean the bowl in a paste made from baking soda and vinegar.

Feature Image Source: Pixabay