Dog Bowl's Dirty Truth: Unbelievable Levels of Grime!
Just how dirty can a dog bowl get? You might be surprised to learn that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has conducted a series of studies on dog bowls. The findings were astonishing: microorganisms from a dog's saliva can transfer to the bowl's surface, where they form a massive colony of bacteria.
It's clear that these bacteria can then reenter the dog's mouth through food and water, leading to further proliferation within its body.
How often should you wash your dog's bowl? The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) provides a general guideline, but it's important for pet owners to tailor the schedule to their own circumstances.
For bowls containing dry food: Clean them after your dog finishes its evening meal.
For bowls containing wet food: Wash them after each meal.
For bowls containing water: Clean them daily.
What should you use to clean them? Typically, a mild dish soap from a reputable brand will suffice. The key is to ensure that all soap is rinsed away, followed by several additional rinses with clean water to prevent any residue.
Is there a better option? Absolutely! The legendary "baking soda" is a musthave for dog owners. Simply sprinkle a little baking soda and salt into the bowl, soak it in warm water for about 3 minutes, and you're ready to wash.
Is regular cleaning enough? Not by a long shot. A study from 2006 found that even after thorough cleaning and drying in a dishwasher, 67% of bacteria remained in the dog bowl.
What's the solution? Regular weekly disinfection! There are many pet disinfectants on the market, so choose one that fits your needs.
Lastly, remember to choose a sunny day for your weekly disinfection session. This way, you can place the disinfected bowls in the sun to further enhance the杀菌 (bacteriakilling) effect!
