Dog Bowls – All The Same?

You might thing that all dog bowls are the same – not true!  There are certain types of dog bowls that are actually healthier for your dog.

Dog bowls are made of all kinds of materials – metal, stoneware, ceramic, glass and plastic, to name a few.  What you may not know is that plastic dog bowls are often harmful to your dog!

You see, plastic is a porous material, and what that means is that it has microscopic “pores” in its surface that can collect dirt, oil and other materials.  This dirt and oil will rub up against your pets chin and lips as they eat and can cause things like acne, blackheads, painful boils and other painful, erupting skin irritations!

I actually had this happen to my oldest cat, Lennon, who developed horrible blackheads on his chin.  They were red, swollen, and infected.  We finally found out by a trip to the vet that it was the plastic bowl that was the culprit!  We switched to glass bowls and never had a problem after that.

Glass or stainless steel are actually the best choices for dog bowls because they have a smooth surface that does not promote the buildup of matter.  By sanitizing them once or twice a week in the dishwasher, or simply washing them out with lots of soap and hot water, you’ll prevent any buildup of odor as well and they’ll present healthier eating surfaces for your dog!

Another thing to consider if you have a large or tall breed of dog is a raised platform for your dog bowls.  Large and tall dog breeds are susceptible to a potentially deadly medical condition called “bloat”.  Bloat occurs when the dogs stomach actually turns on itself and creates a “kink” in the dogs digestive system.  It is usually not discovered until the dogs abdomen has swollen to visible proportions and by that time, it may be too late.

Elevating your dog bowls can help prevent this painful and often deadly condition and ensure the health and well-being of your dog for years to come!