How often do you clean your pet’s food dish?  Do you treat it like it’s one of your plates or bowls?  Here’s some food for thought:

A public health organization, NSF International rated pet food dishes as the fourth dirtiest spot in our homes.  Pretty gross if you ask me!  According to the Animal Veterinary division of the FDA, a pet’s food dish should be washed after every meal to prevent bacterial microbes that are in your pets mouth from multiplying – which can ultimately lead to illness for yourself or the pet what eats or drinks from the dish.

The FDA and NSF international both recommend cleaning the dish after every meal with hot water and soap.  NSF International also recommends placing the bowl in the dishwasher at least once a week.  The FDA also recommends washing your hands in warm, soapy water after touching pet food and feeding dishes to make sure you are safe from any microbes.

Is there a type of bowl that is better to use for your pet than others?  VetStreet recommends stainless steel or heavy plastic “crock-style” dishes.  They hold up to frequent cleaning and stand up to the day to day abuse your pet dishes out.

When Pals for Paws visits your home, we make sure to clean your pet’s dishes with hot, soapy water either after your pet is finished or before we feed them if the bowl was left with food in it.  We also make sure the water bowl is clean and full of fresh water.  We go the extra mile to make sure your pet stays happy and healthy while you are away.

Furever yours,

Liz

Pals for Paws Pet Sitters

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Pals for Paws Pet Sitters offer dog walking, in home pet sitting and overnight pet sitting for dogs and cats, as well as house sitting and hotel pet sitting.  Each of these services can be customized for your pet’s needs.  Pals for Paws treat your pets like family.  We give them lots of love and attention while you are away so you can enjoy your vacation knowing your cherished companions are in good hands.  Call Pals for Paws for a free in home consultation for pet care 408-214-9090 or email us at info@palsforpawspetsitters.com.  See more about our services at www.palsforpawspetsitters.com/services.

References:

Think Food – Think Pet Food and Feeding!  Center for Veterinary Medicine — Animal Health Literacy Campaign  http://www.fda.gov/downloads/AnimalVeterinary/ResourcesforYou/AnimalHealthLiteracy/UCM129870.pdf

Clean Your Pet’s Food Bowl To Keep Them Happy And Healthy, The Huffington Post By Michelle Manetti  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/21/clean-pet-bowl_n_2721538.html

Spot Check: You Probably Aren’t Washing Your Cat and Dog’s Food and Water Dishes Enough  VetStreet, BY Gina Spadafori, July 5, 2011  http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/spot-check-you-probably-arent-washing-your-cat-and-dogs-food-and-water-dishes-enough

Julee and I had a great time taking care of some VERY cute cats and dogs over the holidays.  It was fun to meet and get to know these different pets.  The best part is when you know they are your forever friend because they come greet you when you arrive at their home.

We had some fun and made a movie trailer with the different pets that became members of the Pals for Paws family over the holidays.  We love each and every one of these guys and we can’t wait until we get to see them again.

Happy New Year!  We hope to hear from you soon!

Furever yours,

Liz
Pals for Paws Pet Sitters

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Pals for Paws Pet Sitters offer dog walking, in home pet sitting and overnight pet sitting for dogs and cats, as well as house sitting and hotel pet sitting.  Each of these services can be customized for your pet’s needs.  Pals for Paws treat your pets like family.  We give them lots of love and attention while you are away so you can enjoy your vacation knowing your cherished companions are in good hands.  Call Pals for Paws for a free in home consultation for pet care 408-214-9090 or email us at info@palsforpawspetsitters.com.  See more about our services at www.palsforpawspetsitters.com/services.