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Your pet's food and water bowls can be breeding grounds for bacteria, even if you follow the FDA's guidelines to keep them clean. This can lead to diseases like Salmonella and E. coli that can make your pet sick and potentially spread to your family.
The FDA recommends washing your dog's bowl at least once a day with warm soapy water, sanitizing it in the dishwasher, and discarding uneaten food in a designated way. However, many owners don't follow these guidelines.
According to a study, bacteria can build up in the bowls of dogs over time. These bacteria can cause food poisoning, diarrhea, and other illnesses.
What's more, the National Sanitation Foundation ranks dog bowls among the top four germ-filled places in your home, after dish sponges and the kitchen sink.
A common way to avoid bacterial contamination is to use a placemat for your dog's food and water. These mats are easy to wipe down, and can prevent spills.
The most durable and safest materials for your dog's bowl are stainless steel, silicone, and wood. Plastic, on the other hand, can crack as it ages and hold harmful bacteria and odors.
It's also important to choose a bowl that is high enough off the ground so it doesn't bend your dog's neck down or up as they eat. For this reason, you'll want to measure your dog from their front paws to their shoulders, then subtract about 6 inches to find the proper height for the bowl.