Frequency: Daily

Your dog’s food and water bowls are some of the most important items they use daily, so keeping them clean is important. Just as you would wash your plate and cup after each use, make sure to clean your dog’s bowls just as often.

Food bowl: Leftover food residue can be a breeding ground for bacteria, including Salmonella and E. coli, as well as mold and insects, so thoroughly washing it after each mealtime is important.

Water bowl: Cleaning it at the end of each day can help make sure your dog is always getting fresh water, and it can also help you keep track of how often you refill it so you can maintain their proper hydration level. If it’s left to sit, the moisture can lead to mold, mildew, algae, and other potentially harmful growths.

While cleaning, be sure to check for small cracks that may have formed in their bowls and replace them with new ones, as this can help prevent bacteria from staying in those cracks and entering your pup’s mouth.