Picture the germiest spot in your home. Chances are you picked the toilet bowl or even the spot under the garbage disposal ring, or maybe the inside of a trash can. All of those place probably do get pretty gross. However, you’re just getting warm.
You might be surprised to learn that a study done by NSF International examined 30 everyday items from 22 different households, and pet food dishes ranked 4th on the list of germiest spots. The top three positions were held by the kitchen sponge/dish rag, kitchen sink, and toothbrush holder. Hopefully this is inspiring a little extra cleaning in those areas and maybe a new sponge!
You might be wondering how often (and with what) to clean your dog’s dishes to keep them sparkling and germ free. We will break down the best way to keep your pup and the rest of your household safe.
Why clean your dog bowls?
Dogs and cats have bacteria in their mouths, just like people. That bacteria can be transferred to dishes they eat and drink from.” says Anne Norris, from the Office of Foods and Veterinary Medicine at the U.S. Food & Drug Administration .
Food left in the dishes can provide the microbes with a good environment (with moisture and nutrients) for multiplying and producing numbers capable of causing illnesses in people who touch the dish or the pet that eats or drinks from it.
Symptoms of illness from contaminated dishes, like other food-borne illness, may range from mild…
