- PET HEALTH HIGHLIGHTS - The Importance of Fresh , Clean Water
Okay , let ' s be honest - how many of us actually wash our pet ' s water bowl every time we refill it ? While everyone is certainly aware of how important water is to our pets , it ' s probably safe to say that most of us are guilty of not keeping their dishware as clean as our own . It will take a little more time on your part , but scrubbing your dog ' s bowl is well worth the effort to prevent illnesses that can stem from dirty dishes . Germs , bacteria , and mold can weak havoc on your dog ' s stomach and immune system . Be aware that most bacteria that collect on pet bowls actually need scalding hot water ( 140 degrees fahrenheit ) to fully remove and eliminate it . Putting the bowls in your dishwasher is the best option . If you choose to hand wash , be careful to rinse very well to remove all soap residue . Some experts even recommend sanitizing once a week by soaking for ten minutes in a warm water and vinegar solution .
Here are some other healthy water tips for you and your pet :
• Change the water frequently : Your pet ' s bowl is prone to get contaminated quickly from his or her saliva and pieces of food that fall in it . If you have more than one dog or cat , multipy the amount of the drool that will contribute to making their bowl a slimy mess . That slippery slime actually has a name - Biofilm - and it is a collection of living and dead bacteria that can cause microbial infections in the urinary tract , middle ear , and bladder .
• Keep outdoor bowls in the shade : Put some ice cubes in it , as well , and be sure to keep the bowl in the same place so your pet will know where to find it .
• Keep wildlife away from your pet ' s outside bowls : Be sure critters are not helping themselves to your dog or cat ' s bowl . Make sure birds are not sharing it as their personal bathtub either , as that is another risk that can spread disease .
• Use the proper container as a bowl : Beware of using glass bowls outside , as they can break in the heat . Glass bowls on wooden decks can also be a hazard , as the sun can filter through the glass , causing the wood to ignite and possibly cause a fire . Plastic is not a good choice either ( even BPA-free ), as chemicals can leach into the water . Plastic is also very porous , which can harbor germs and mold . It also cracks easily , which can pose a choking risk to your dog . Ceramic bowls ( make sure there are no cracks in them ) are okay , but stainless steel dishware is your safest option .
• Bring water on dog walks : There are many styles of bring along containers . Helpful tip - freeze the container of water beforehand so it will melt slowly on your walk and the water will stay nice and cool for your pooch .
• Provide water 24 / 7 : If you ' re at work and not always home to check on your dog ' s water supply , you may want to leave several filled dishes around , or purchase a fountain-style
6 dish that has constantly flowing water . Pawsitively Pets -- May
9