How often should you change your dog water?
We all know giving your dog access to water is important, but we may not think quite as hard about the quality of the water your pet has access too. Most of us are more concerned about keeping him from lapping out of the toilet or dragging you towards a scummy puddle to drink, than about how fresh the water in his drinking bowl is.
Fresh water in your dog’s drinking bowl is actually also important however, even if you’re dog is not picky about where or what he’s drinking.
Change your pet’s water every day
At the minimum, your pet should have a fresh bowl of drinking water every day. This isn’t just dumping out the old water and putting fresh in. Clean the bowl thoroughly so that the bottom isn’t slimy and there aren’t weird bits of kibble crumb floating around in it.
The bowl should be cleaned every day not just cause of all the floaties that come out of your pet’s mouth, but also because of the bacteria that can transfer in there from your dog’s mouth.
Choose the right water bowl
Stainless steel, porcelain, or glass bowls are all better choices for your dog’s water bowl than plastic. Plastic can leach chemicals into the water, and small scratches in the surface can harbor bacteria even after washing.
If you prefer to not have to change the water on a regular basis, a dog fountain is another option. This style of water bowl filters and recirculates the water in it, constantly providing fresh clean water. While it still needs to be cleaned sporadically, it doesn’t have to be cleaned or changed nearly as much.
Fresh water is critical to your pet’s life. Keep their bowl of water as fresh and clean as possible so you can have a healthy, happy pet.