Pet Bowls Are Among the Top Places for Bacteria at Home, According to NSF
The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) of the United States conducted a study to identify the areas in homes where bacteria are most likely to accumulate. Surprisingly, pet bowls ranked as the third most bacteria-laden item in the household.
The average number of microbes measured was an astonishing 473,828 per 10 square centimeters on pet bowls. This eye-opening finding highlights just how much bacteria can thrive where we feed our pets.
Next, let's explore why this number is so alarming and what it means for pet owners.
Why Are Pet Bowls So Dirty?
1. Proper Cleaning of Pet Bowls
Some pet owners might think, "My pet has already eaten from the bowl, so it probably doesn't need washing, right?" In reality, leftover food residues and saliva can quickly cause bacteria to grow inside the bowl.
If your pet eats canned food, fresh food, raw food, or other wet diets, it is recommended to clean their food bowl after every meal. For pets eating dry kibble, cleaning the bowl at least once a day is advisable.
Food residues and saliva in your pet's mouth also mix with water when they drink, so it is recommended to clean the water bowl at least once daily as well.
Some pet owners soak the bowls in water first and clean them later when they have time. However, soaking can cause the fats and oils in the bowl to become a breeding ground for bacteria, providing rich nutrients for rapid bacterial growth within just four hours.
Additionally, sinks might contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella and Proteus, which can easily adhere to the bowls. Therefore, it is best to clean pet bowls immediately after use to minimize bacterial growth caused by soaking.
2. Proper Bowl Selection and Maintenance for Pets
Bowls with cracks can easily harbor bacteria. When choosing bowls and plates for your pet, it is better to select hard materials such as stainless steel or ceramic, and avoid soft materials like plastic or wood.
Soft-material bowls are more prone to developing tiny scratches that are invisible to the naked eye. These scratches can trap food residues, fostering the growth of microbes and bacteria. If your pet's bowl has developed any cracks or chips, please do not hesitate to replace it immediately.
Additionally, it is important to develop the habit of regularly changing your pet's bowls. Some materials, such as plastic bowls, have a protective layer, and once this layer is scratched or damaged, harmful substances like lead and cadmium can be released.
It is generally recommended to replace soft-material bowls every three to six months, and hard-material bowls every one to two years. Keeping your pet's bowls clean and intact helps ensure their health and safety!
3. Proper Cleaning Methods for Pet Bowls
Improper cleaning methods, such as using only plain water or hot water, cannot guarantee that oil stains and bacteria are thoroughly removed. So, what about using dish soap meant for humans?
Human dish soap does have strong cleansing power, but it often contains ingredients that are not friendly to pets. If any residue remains, it can cause digestive problems or even poisoning. Therefore, it is essential to carefully choose the type of dish soap used for cleaning pet bowls.
How to Choose the Best Dishwashing Liquid?
1. Safe Dish Soaps That Are Friendly to Pets
Most regular dish soaps contain ingredients that are harmful to pets. Although choosing dish soaps specially formulated for pets can offer a higher level of ingredient safety, it is still important to check whether the product contains any of the following harmful substances.
Using a pet-friendly dish soap ensures that the cleaning process does not expose your pets to toxic chemicals that could cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, or other health issues. Always read the labels carefully and opt for products that clearly state their suitability for animals.
The Hidden Danger of Citrus Ingredients in Dishwashing Detergents for Pets
Citrus: Many dishwashing detergents on the market contain citrus ingredients because citrus has strong cleaning power and a fresh scent. However, these benefits come with risks for pets.
Citrus contains D-limonene, a compound that can irritate the skin and easily cause allergic reactions in animals. If pets ingest detergent residues containing citrus, it may lead to vomiting or even poisoning.
Pet owners should be cautious when using citrus-based cleaning products, ensuring that no residue remains on dishes or surfaces accessible to their furry companions.
Safety Concerns About Fragrance in Dishwashing Liquid
Fragrances: Some fragrances, such as those from tea tree, mint, etc., contain substances that cannot be metabolized, including terpenoid hydrocarbons, terpenoid oxides, phenols, and ketones. These substances can accumulate in pets' bodies and turn into toxins.
Inhaling fragrance residues from dishwashing liquids may cause symptoms such as watery eyes, excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and skin redness and itching. Therefore, choosing fragrance-free dishwashing liquid is safer.
Understanding Surfactants in Dishwashing Detergents
Surfactants are the primary agents responsible for grease removal in dishwashing detergents. Almost all dish soaps contain surfactants, which can be categorized into two main types: petrochemical surfactants (non-plant-based) and plant-based surfactants.
- Petrochemical Surfactants: Petrochemical surfactants are generally more affordable but tend to cause harm to pets and the environment. They also tend to be difficult to break down. Examples of such surfactants include formaldehyde and triclosan.
- Plant-Based Surfactants: Plant-based surfactants are harmless to both humans and pets, are biodegradable, and are considered safer and more environmentally friendly. Common examples include coconut oil and cold-pressed orange oil.
2. Effective Grease Cleaning for Pet Bowls
Grease cleaning power is essential after your pet finishes eating. Besides leftover food oils clinging to the bowls, other ingredients that can easily breed bacteria, such as proteins and carbohydrates, also remain.
Saliva itself contains many bacteria, and combined with the residue, it can quickly become uncontrollable! It is recommended to use dishwashing detergent containing enzymes, which can break down large dirt molecules into smaller ones, enhancing the cleaning effect.
Additionally, while foaming ability does not directly equal cleaning power, an appropriate amount of foam can help remove oil droplets and dirt. Therefore, dishwashing detergents with sufficient foaming capacity can also improve cleaning effectiveness!
3. Safe Dishwashing Practices to Protect Your Pets
After washing, residues are less likely to remain: some dishwashing liquids are brightly colored and have a strong fragrance, but most actually contain chemical additives such as optical brighteners, bleach, thickeners, and preservatives, which tend to stay on the dishes. Consuming these residues over time can harm your pets' health.
Choosing plant-based surfactants with higher hydrophilicity makes them easier to dissolve in water, so they rinse off more completely and leave less residue.
4. Eco-Friendly Dishwashing Liquid
Some dishwashing liquids contain substances harmful to both pets and the environment. The water used for rinsing eventually flows into rivers and oceans, affecting the living space of aquatic life.
Mild plant-based surfactants are not only environmentally friendly but also more natural and gentle on the hands. Even if trace amounts remain after washing, they naturally decompose without causing toxic effects when ingested.
Pet owners can identify eco-friendly and non-toxic dishwashing liquids by checking for certifications like ECOCERT organic certification and SGS toxicity testing.
Proper Care for Your Pet's Feeding Bowls
The food carefully prepared by pet owners should, of course, be served in clean and fresh bowls. Pet parents need to pay close attention to how often they clean the bowls, the cleaning methods used, and the choice of dish soap. Only by doing this can they provide a clean and hygienic dining experience for their furry friends.
It is absolutely essential to avoid letting the feeding bowls become dirtier than a toilet. Maintaining cleanliness ensures that your pet enjoys every meal safely and comfortably.
