Your Dog's Food And Water Bowl Could Be Making Them Sick

The pet bowl ranks as the fourth germiest place in homes, according to a report from the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF).

A bacterial infection from E.coli and salmonella can have a significant adverse effect on the health of dogs and humans. To ensure that food and water bowls used by dogs are safe to consume from, it is important to choose the right type of bowl and clean the bowl frequently.

Choosing The Pet Bowl

1. Select a pet bowl that is made of durable material and easy to clean. Here are five thoughts to consider:
2. Stainless steel is the best and safest option available, although priced higher than other materials.
3. Silicone is the newest alternative, non-odorous, non-staining, and non-toxic, but is prone to wear and tear due to its less rigid material.
4. Some ceramic bowls might be glazed with chemicals that contain lead. Ceramic is also prone to cracking.
5. Stoneware bowls might hold high levels of lead.
6. Plastic contains hazardous chemicals, and must be avoided at all costs.

Cleaning The Pet Bowl

NSF recommends daily washing of pet dishes using either of these two methods:

1. Sanitizing Dishwasher. Process pet bowls separately from human dinnerware.
2. Hand Washing. Scrub the pet bowls with hot soapy water and rinse. Once a week, soak the bowls in a solution consisting of 1/2 tablespoon of household bleach and 1 gallon of water for approximately 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and allow to air dry.

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