Pet Parents Who Neglect Cleaning Their Pet Bowls Are in for a Rude Awakening

Isabell Rivera
·2 min read
14

As a pet parent, we are always on alert. Whether it's keeping eyes and ears peeled for a new disease that's spreading, food being recalled, or other concerns, our pets are our top priority.

The TikTok account @pup_labs just gave an important reminder about one thing some people neglect: cleaning their animals' food bowls on a daily basis. In this video shared on December 19, they gave a warning about why it's so important to wash them after every use.

It's not enough to just wipe them out with a paper towel! It's imperative to clean them with hot, soapy water or put them in the dishwasher each day.

Related: Parents Give Up on Keeping Baby Away From Dog's Water Bowl and Hilarity Ensues

Keeping your pet bowls clean can prevent various health issues.

Why Cleaning Pet Bowls Is Crucial

According to a study mentioned in this video, pet bowls are full of germs. The microbes from your pet's saliva serve as the perfect breeding ground for nasty bacteria, such as staphylococcus, e. coli, MRSA, salmonella, listeria, and more!

You want to be on alert for the possibility of salmonella and listeria in particular if you feed your pet a raw pet food diet, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

These bacteria are not only harmful to your dog but also to yourself and other family members.

How To Clean Your Pet’s Bowls

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), pet owners should wash their pet's bowls daily; however, to be safe, it's recommended to wash both water and food bowls after each meal.

To wash them thoroughly, it's suggested to hand wash first in hot, soapy water. You can also wash them in a dishwasher, separate from other dishes, or by using the sanitary cleaning setting.

In addition to washing your pet's bowls, it's also important to wash your hands thoroughly after feeding your pet and store open containers properly in the fridge.

Here's a quick tip if you constantly find yourself short on time and put off bowl washing until the next feeding. Purchase a second set of bowls to switch out in between feedings while the other is being cleaned. This way, you always have a fresh, clean bowl for your beloved best friend to use.

Following these guidelines should help prevent your pet and your loved ones from getting seriously ill.

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