July 30, 2025
Have you ever thought about how often you clean the dog’s dishes? Their bedding? Their brushes and nail clippers? Let’s take a look at how often you should clean the dog’s things and why it is important.
Food bowl
When dogs eat out of their bowl, food and saliva get left behind. This damp mixture can lead to bacteria that could make your dog sick. Moreover, it can attract pests like ants. It should be noted that wet dog food has a bigger risk of germs forming.
Washing your dog’s food bowls after each meal with hot soapy water is a good practice. Additionally, use a scoop to put the food in the dish. Avoid scooping their kibble with the food dish.
Just as important is making sure the dog food is not expired. Wet food should be stored in the refrigerator after it is opened. If there are any signs of mold, throw it out. While mold may only appear on the top of the food, the mold spores are likely to be throughout the whole container.
Water bowl
Equally important is fresh water and a clean bowl. Dogs drop bits of dog food along with saliva into their water.
Make sure your dog has fresh water at all times. Wash the bowl every day in hot soapy water.
Read for more information:
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/wash-dog-bowl/
Dog bedding
Bedding can be easily overlooked. Hair, dirt and other debris end up there. In addition, fleas and germs like to hide out in their bedding..
To read more about dealing with fleas:
Not only can dust mites and allergens be in the bedding, but dirty bedding could lead to an infection in an open wound.
Most beds can go into the washing machine. Wash as directed. First remove the excess hair and debris before washing. Not too mention, If it smells “doggy” time to wash it!
More information:
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/home-living/how-to-clean-a-dog-bed/
Grooming tools
By the same token, dog brushes and other grooming tools also collect hair, oils and debris. This makes them less effective. They can become a source of bacteria. Remove what you can see, then wash in hot soapy water. Lastly, you can disinfect them in rubbing alcohol as needed.
Sweaters and coats
In the winter, many dogs wear sweaters to keep them warm. The sweaters collect hair, oils and in some cases snow that may have sand or salt in it.
Follow the washing instructions. Most are washer safe and can be dried in the dryer.
A happy healthy dog
Part of being a pet owner includes making sure their environment is clean and safe.
Kelly
