Is that dog friendly? How to prevent dog bites in children - Children's Health

“Dogs aren’t the tidiest eaters,” says Dr. Kelly Hood, DVM, in-house veterinary expert at Pet Portraits. “They drool, slop food around, and their mouths are full of bacteria that when mixed with food particles and moisture, can create the perfect environment for harmful microorganisms to thrive.” Moreover, if you practice free-feeding, meaning leaving food out for dogs at all times, you’re less likely to wash their bowl throughout the day.

When bacteria adhere to wet surfaces like your dog’s bowl, they produce a slimy substance called biofilm, according to an article in the journal Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology. The buildup of plaque on your teeth and soap scum in your drains are examples of biofilm, which is made up of a community of microorganisms including bacteria and yeast, as well as debris. The main reason to wash your dog’s bowl is to break up this bacterial biofilm that can lead to illness.

Ideally, you should wash your dog’s food and water bowls daily to avoid the accumulation of food residue and biofilm, which can be detrimental to the health of your pets and the rest of your family, says Dr. Jamie Whittenburg, DVM, director of Kingsgate Animal Hospital in Lubbock, TX. Her advice is to have two sets of bowls, so you can wash them in the dishwasher and always have a clean set. She also emphasizes the importance of providing your dog with fresh, clean drinking water.

Given the risk of infection from bacteria like salmonella and listeriosis, it’s best to wash your dog’s bowl after each meal with hot soapy water. “It might seem like a lot, but it’s just like how we wouldn’t use the same unwashed plate day after day,” Dr. Hood says.

residue on your dog’s bowl can attract insects and other pests. In addition, bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella may begin to grow and reproduce, creating a foul odor and leading to food poisoning. “These bacteria pose a serious risk to the health of pets and humans alike,” Dr. Whittenburg says.

The National Sanitation Foundation reported that pet bowls are the fourth-germiest place in the home after dish sponges, kitchen sinks, and toothbrush holders. Another study of 351 dog caregivers and 186 cat caregivers found higher bacterial counts in pet bowls containing wet food compared to dry food. There were also higher levels of bacterial contamination when people washed bowls by hand compared to using the dishwasher.

Depending on the level of bacteria present, your dog may experience minor stomach problems or skin issues. “In more serious cases, there might be potential infections that could make your dog very sick,” Dr. Hood says. “Sometimes chronic diarrhea can be cleared up just by implementing a regular bowl washing routine.”

If you hand wash your dog’s bowl, you may want to disinfect the bowl once a week using bleach diluted with water. Let the bowls soak for 10 minutes and rinse thoroughly. If you’re using the dishwasher, make sure the bowl is dishwasher-safe and use a high heat setting to kill bacteria. As long as your dog is healthy, and you wash their bowls regularly, you can wash dog bowls in the same load as your dishes.

The US Food and Drug Administration has specific guidelines on handling pet food. However, as reported in a study of 417 dog owners, fewer than 5% of dog owners were aware of these guidelines. Moreover, 36% of those surveyed had children or other immunocompromised individuals residing with them.

To keep your dog safe, the FDA recommends the following practices:

• Wash your hands before and after handling your dog’s food and treats for at least 20 seconds using soap and hot water

• Wash your dog’s food bowls and scooping utensils with soap and hot water after each use

• Use a clean spoon or cup to measure your dog’s food rather than using your dog’s bowl

• Dispose of spoiled or expired food in a secure plastic bag and garbage bin

If food particles are stuck to the bowl, try soaking it in hot soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes. For extra cleaning power, you can use a scrubbing brush or mix baking soda and water to form a paste. You can then rinse off the soap and wipe the bowl with a clean cloth or let it air dry on a dish rack.