What happens if you don't clean your dog's water bowl?

Why is it important to clean your dog’s water bowl regularly?

It is extremely important to clean your dog’s water bowl on a regular basis for several reasons:

To prevent bacteria buildup – Your dog’s saliva and food particles that get into the water can promote bacterial growth over time. Some of these bacteria can be harmful to your dog’s health if consumed.

To prevent algae buildup – Sunlight hitting the water bowl can cause algae to start growing, making the water unpalatable and unhealthy to drink.
To remove biofilm – Even if the bowl looks clean, a thin biofilm can build up over time. This invisible layer harbors bacteria and needs to be cleaned away.
To keep it fresh – Stale water simply does not taste good. Your dog deserves fresh, appealing water at all times.

To prevent odor – A buildup of saliva, food, and bacteria can make the water smell bad after a while.

The bottom line is that failing to clean the water bowl enables unhealthy contaminants to accumulate. Your dog depends on that water to stay hydrated, so it is crucial to provide clean, safe drinking water.

How often should you clean your dog’s water bowl?

Veterinarians generally recommend cleaning your dog’s water bowl with soap and hot water at least once per day. However, some dogs may need more frequent cleaning, such as:

Puppies – Their immune systems are still developing, so aim for 2-3 times per day.
Sloppy drinkers – Dogs that drool a lot or dunk their food in the bowl need more cleaning.
Large dogs – Their bigger jaws tend to transfer more saliva into the water.

Dogs fed raw food diets – Bacteria from the raw food can quickly multiply in the bowl.
Dogs with allergies or illnesses – More susceptible to getting sick from contaminated water.
Multi-dog households – More dogs drinking equals more bacteria.

Additionally, always give the water bowl a thorough scrubbing and rinse it well after your dog finishes a course of antibiotics. The antibiotics can lead to an overgrowth of resistant bacteria in the bowl.

When in doubt, err on the side of caution and clean the bowl more often. The general rule is: If the water looks or smells dirty, clean it.

What are the risks if you don’t clean your dog’s water bowl regularly?

Failing to clean your dog’s water bowl regularly puts them at risk for:

Illness – Drinking water contaminated with dirt, saliva, and bacteria can make your dog sick. Gastroenteritis is a common illness.
Dehydration – If the water smells or tastes too foul, your dog may drink less, leading to dehydration.
Skin irritation – Allergens and bacteria in the bowl can contribute to rashes, hives, and irritated skin if your dog’s face gets wet.

Periodontal disease – Bacteria in the water can affect oral health and worsen plaque if your dog has a tendency to dunk and hold items in their mouth.
Nasal and eye infections – Similarly, contaminated water can lead to discharge and irritation when it contacts those mucus membranes.
Fungal infections – Yeast and mold in dirty water may cause secondary skin infections, especially in folds, feet, ears, and facial wrinkles.

Stained fur – Cloudy, smelly water can discolor light fur if your dog drips it while drinking.
Bad breath – The bacteria contribute to halitosis, gum disease, and tooth decay.

In severe cases, contaminated water could potentially transmit life-threatening diseases like leptospirosis. Puppies, seniors, and immunocompromised dogs have the highest risk. But all dogs are vulnerable when drinking water quality is poor.

How should you clean your dog’s water bowl?

Follow these steps to properly clean your dog’s water bowl:

Empty the bowl completely.
Wash with hot, soapy water. Use a brush or sponge to scrub inside surfaces.

Rinse very thoroughly with hot water to remove all soap residues.
Dry the bowl well with a clean towel.
For extra disinfection, rinse with a pet-safe antibacterial product like apple cider vinegar.

Rinse again with hot water.
Air dry or pat dry with a paper towel before refilling.
Refresh with cool, appealing filtered water.

Wash hands well after cleaning.

Tips:

Clean around the bowl area too.

Replace plastic bowls regularly as they can get scratched over time.
Use unscented soap.
Choose stainless steel, ceramic, or glass bowls that are durable and easy to sanitize.

For outside water bowls, dump and scrub daily. Rinsing with a hose alone is not enough. The bowl itself needs washing.

What cleaning products can you use?

You can find commercial water bowl cleaners, but regular dish soap works well for most cleaning needs. Here are some other options:

White vinegar – Helps remove grime, bacteria, hard water deposits, and stains. Safe for dogs.

Baking soda – Gentle abrasive action to scrub away gunk. Rinse thoroughly.
Dishwasher soap – Designed for food bowls.
Hydrogen peroxide – Disinfectant properties. Dilute to avoid irritation.

Apple cider vinegar – Antibacterial and antifungal. Rinse off completely.
Lemon juice – Cuts grease, removes stains and odors.
Coconut oil – Cleans and polishes. Wipe dry after.

Avoid bleach, ammonia, bathroom cleaners, essential oils, and any harsh chemicals. Steer clear of Dollar Store/bargain cleaners as formulas may contain unsafe ingredients.

How can you make water bowl cleaning easier?

Choose stainless steel, ceramic, or glass – Smooth surfaces are easiest to clean.
Select a wide, shallow bowl – Narrow, deep bowls are hard to access.

Use a non-tip bowl or weighted base – Stability makes cleaning easier.
Elevate the bowl – Keeps the area underneath dry.
Use a bowl with a drain spout – Allows you to empty water without moving the bowl.

Get two bowls – Rotate use so each has a chance to dry completely before refilling.
Keep extra bowls on hand – Quickly swap out a dirty one.
Brush dog’s face after drinking – Prevents residue buildup.

Rinse bowl after meals – Food particles add to grime.
Filter water – Removes impurities that can leave deposits.

Strategically choosing the right water bowl style and materials can streamline the cleaning process. But remember: Even the best bowl needs regular scrubbing to keep your dog hydrated with fresh, clean water.

Conclusion

Failing to clean your dog’s water bowl regularly allows unhealthy bacteria, fungi, algae, and biofilms to accumulate. Drinking this contaminated water puts your dog at risk for dehydration, gastrointestinal illness, skin and eye issues, periodontal disease, and more. To keep your dog hydrated with appealing, sanitary water, fully wash the bowl with hot, soapy water at least once per day (or more often for some dogs). Use pet-safe cleaning products to remove all visible debris and sanitize the bowl. Take steps to choose a bowl design that is easily accessible for cleaning. With proper care and maintenance, your dog’s water bowl can provide a healthy source of hydration for years to come.