March 7, 2010
Yay! Puppies are here! This is a puppy cam for our 2010 litter, born on March 6th. We will broadcast the puppy cam live from about 9 a.m - 7 p.m. CST on weekdays and from about 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. CST on weekends. A recording is made of each broadcast, so during the times that we are not live, you will be able to view what happened during the day by simply watching the recorded video. At times, you may be asked for a password. If so, just type in the word "scrabble".
Four puppies were born (one boy and three girls). Until the puppies are big enough to wear collars or ribbons, they are identified by food coloring marks on their rumps, right above the tails.
We hope you enjoy the puppy cam as much as we do!
Streaming live video by Ustream
Educational Articles on Veterinary Care
March 7, 2010
In 2003, my lab, BlackJacks, developed a quick-growing tumor on his face. His vet ran some tests, performed a biopsy, and discovered it was cancer. It was a scary time for all of us. And one thing that made it worse: I had no idea what the vet was talking about. I didn't understand the medical lingo and terminology. This lack of understanding added to my fear. If only I had known about an awesome website, provided by Purina, that allows individuals to search for and learn about various medical problems / procedures that you may have to deal with during the life of your dog.
The website (http://pethealthlibrary.purinacare.com/) provides articles, and sometimes videos, all designed to educate you. Did you know, for example, that a dog may show signs of an upcoming seizure for minutes or even hours before the seizure actually occurs? The website also contains tips on care at various stages of your pet's life, articles on emergency treatment, and a glossary of technological advances in veterinary medicine.
Hopefully your dog will never have to deal with anything quite as scary as cancer, but if something scary does come along, at least you now have a tool that can provide answers to some of your inevitable questions.
In 2003, my lab, BlackJacks, developed a quick-growing tumor on his face. His vet ran some tests, performed a biopsy, and discovered it was cancer. It was a scary time for all of us. And one thing that made it worse: I had no idea what the vet was talking about. I didn't understand the medical lingo and terminology. This lack of understanding added to my fear. If only I had known about an awesome website, provided by Purina, that allows individuals to search for and learn about various medical problems / procedures that you may have to deal with during the life of your dog.
The website (http://pethealthlibrary.purinacare.com/) provides articles, and sometimes videos, all designed to educate you. Did you know, for example, that a dog may show signs of an upcoming seizure for minutes or even hours before the seizure actually occurs? The website also contains tips on care at various stages of your pet's life, articles on emergency treatment, and a glossary of technological advances in veterinary medicine.
Hopefully your dog will never have to deal with anything quite as scary as cancer, but if something scary does come along, at least you now have a tool that can provide answers to some of your inevitable questions.
COOKING FOR CANINES - #3 (The Balanced Diet)
March 4, 2010
The evolutionary diet of wolves and wild dogs historically consisted of almost all protein. This was when the main concern was procreation. Since the canine evolved into more of a domesticated companion, the concern became longevity. Science has taught us that there is a myriad of benefits in feeding fruits and vegetables to your dog, not the least of which is a long and healthy life.
Even so, when preparing a meal for Rover, you'll want to make sure it contains no less than 45% - 50% protein, as protein is still a very important part of the canine diet.
A simple formula to follow is this:
- 50% protein (beef, lamb, pork, chicken, turkey, eggs, fish, etc.)
- 25% fresh or frozen vegetables/fruits (carrots, broccoli, green peas, celery, zucchini, melons, apples, bananas, pears, etc.)
- 25% starch (oatmeal, potatoes, sweet potatoes, pasta, rice, etc.)
- calcium - 1/2 teaspoon per pound of fresh food (ground egg shells, seaweed, bone meal, oyster shells, etc.)
Meats
Japanese Spitz can have sensitive stomachs at times. Our dogs, for example, get an upset stomach if they eat certain rich meats like lamb and buffalo. If your dog has an overly sensitive stomach, poultry may be the best option for you. Eggs are a great healthy alternative as well. Fish has beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, however, it is better to stay away from albacore tuna due to its high mercury content.
Vegetables
Always feed a variety of different vegetables to keep the meals interesting and to ensure your dog is benefiting from the different nutrients various vegetables provide.
Non-starchy vegetables will need to be cooked or pureed to be digested by your dog. Whole and/or raw vegetables won't hurt your dog, but they don't provide the needed nutritional benefit. A vegetable's cell wall is made of a "protectant" called cellulose, and has to be broken down to reach the nutrients on the inside. We, as humans, do this by chewing. We have flat molars, which are made for exactly this. Dogs, however, have sharp, scissor-like teeth, made for tearing through raw meat. They use the "Bite and Swallow" method of eating, rather than chewing their food. This is why it is necessary to cook or puree the non-starchy vegetables you feed. Doing this will break down those cell walls, freeing the nutrients for absorption into your dog's body. The best way to cook non-starchy vegetables is by steaming because fewer nutrients are lost this way.
Starchy vegetables should always be cooked before feeding them to your dog. The best way to cook these vegetables is by baking or microwaving.
Fruits
Fruits can be fed raw. Overripe fruits are the easiest for your dog to digest. In the summer time, our dogs like when I blend various fruits in my blender and freeze them in muffin tins. Please remember that you should NEVER FEED GRAPES OR RAISINS TO YOUR DOG, as they are known to cause kidney failure, which can be fatal.
Calcium
It is very unfortunate that calcium is often overlooked in the homemade canine diet, because no diet is complete and balanced without it. High-protein foods, which make up the majority of your dogs homemade diet, contain large amounts of phosphorus. Balancing the calcium-phosphorus combination is vital. If calcium and phosphorus are not properly balanced in the diet, the body pulls calcium from the dog's bones to make up for the deficiency, leaving them weakened. There should always be more calcium then phosphorus. The recommended ratios for dogs range from 1-to-1 to 2-to-1 calcium to phosphorus.
I have found the easiest way to add calcium to our dogs' food is by grinding clean, dry eggshells in a clean coffee grinder. The shells are ground into a fine, easy-to-absorb powder. If the shells are kept dry, they will last indefinitely and there is no need to refrigerate them. 1/2 teaspoon of ground eggshell provides approx. 1,000 milligrams of calcium. This is the amount you should add to every pound of fresh food. If you feed a combination diet, add only enough calcium to match the fresh food portion of the diet.
If you choose to use oyster shells or bone meal to add calcium to your dog's diet, look for brands that state they have been tested for lead and found to be safe. Lead is a harmful contamination that is often found in these items.
IMPORTANT: Do not add more calcium than necessary. Even though adult dogs typically excrete excess calcium, calcium can bind many other minerals, which decreases the nutritional value of what you feed. Also, puppies less than 6 months old have less of an ability to control how much calcium their bodies absorb. A calcium excess in puppies can lead to skeletal problems such as hip dysplasia, hypertrophic osteodystrophy, and osteochondrosis. Lastly, pregnant females who are given an excess of calcium can develop a life-threatening condition called eclampsia when they begin nursing. It's fine to increase the calcium after the puppies are born, just don't increase calcium prior to whelping.
The evolutionary diet of wolves and wild dogs historically consisted of almost all protein. This was when the main concern was procreation. Since the canine evolved into more of a domesticated companion, the concern became longevity. Science has taught us that there is a myriad of benefits in feeding fruits and vegetables to your dog, not the least of which is a long and healthy life.
Even so, when preparing a meal for Rover, you'll want to make sure it contains no less than 45% - 50% protein, as protein is still a very important part of the canine diet.
A simple formula to follow is this:
- 50% protein (beef, lamb, pork, chicken, turkey, eggs, fish, etc.)
- 25% fresh or frozen vegetables/fruits (carrots, broccoli, green peas, celery, zucchini, melons, apples, bananas, pears, etc.)
- 25% starch (oatmeal, potatoes, sweet potatoes, pasta, rice, etc.)
- calcium - 1/2 teaspoon per pound of fresh food (ground egg shells, seaweed, bone meal, oyster shells, etc.)
Meats
Japanese Spitz can have sensitive stomachs at times. Our dogs, for example, get an upset stomach if they eat certain rich meats like lamb and buffalo. If your dog has an overly sensitive stomach, poultry may be the best option for you. Eggs are a great healthy alternative as well. Fish has beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, however, it is better to stay away from albacore tuna due to its high mercury content.
Vegetables
Always feed a variety of different vegetables to keep the meals interesting and to ensure your dog is benefiting from the different nutrients various vegetables provide.
Non-starchy vegetables will need to be cooked or pureed to be digested by your dog. Whole and/or raw vegetables won't hurt your dog, but they don't provide the needed nutritional benefit. A vegetable's cell wall is made of a "protectant" called cellulose, and has to be broken down to reach the nutrients on the inside. We, as humans, do this by chewing. We have flat molars, which are made for exactly this. Dogs, however, have sharp, scissor-like teeth, made for tearing through raw meat. They use the "Bite and Swallow" method of eating, rather than chewing their food. This is why it is necessary to cook or puree the non-starchy vegetables you feed. Doing this will break down those cell walls, freeing the nutrients for absorption into your dog's body. The best way to cook non-starchy vegetables is by steaming because fewer nutrients are lost this way.
Starchy vegetables should always be cooked before feeding them to your dog. The best way to cook these vegetables is by baking or microwaving.
Fruits
Fruits can be fed raw. Overripe fruits are the easiest for your dog to digest. In the summer time, our dogs like when I blend various fruits in my blender and freeze them in muffin tins. Please remember that you should NEVER FEED GRAPES OR RAISINS TO YOUR DOG, as they are known to cause kidney failure, which can be fatal.
Calcium
It is very unfortunate that calcium is often overlooked in the homemade canine diet, because no diet is complete and balanced without it. High-protein foods, which make up the majority of your dogs homemade diet, contain large amounts of phosphorus. Balancing the calcium-phosphorus combination is vital. If calcium and phosphorus are not properly balanced in the diet, the body pulls calcium from the dog's bones to make up for the deficiency, leaving them weakened. There should always be more calcium then phosphorus. The recommended ratios for dogs range from 1-to-1 to 2-to-1 calcium to phosphorus.
I have found the easiest way to add calcium to our dogs' food is by grinding clean, dry eggshells in a clean coffee grinder. The shells are ground into a fine, easy-to-absorb powder. If the shells are kept dry, they will last indefinitely and there is no need to refrigerate them. 1/2 teaspoon of ground eggshell provides approx. 1,000 milligrams of calcium. This is the amount you should add to every pound of fresh food. If you feed a combination diet, add only enough calcium to match the fresh food portion of the diet.
If you choose to use oyster shells or bone meal to add calcium to your dog's diet, look for brands that state they have been tested for lead and found to be safe. Lead is a harmful contamination that is often found in these items.
IMPORTANT: Do not add more calcium than necessary. Even though adult dogs typically excrete excess calcium, calcium can bind many other minerals, which decreases the nutritional value of what you feed. Also, puppies less than 6 months old have less of an ability to control how much calcium their bodies absorb. A calcium excess in puppies can lead to skeletal problems such as hip dysplasia, hypertrophic osteodystrophy, and osteochondrosis. Lastly, pregnant females who are given an excess of calcium can develop a life-threatening condition called eclampsia when they begin nursing. It's fine to increase the calcium after the puppies are born, just don't increase calcium prior to whelping.
Bathing Your Japanese Spitz
February 28, 2010Its true that Japanese Spitz almost never have doggie odor, and that they typically require only four baths per year. However, even if you take your dog to a groomer for her quarterly baths, there may come a time when you have to take on the bathing of your Japanese Spitz yourself - especially if your dog decides to roll in poo, or some other unsavory thing. When that time comes, follow these simple steps and you will more-than-likely have a successful experience:
- Always brush your dog first. Even though Japanese Spitz are not known for shedding, loose hairs often hide in the undercoat. A good brushing will remove these loose hairs, so as not to clog your drain. A brushing will also keep tangles from tightening after getting wet. Additionally, brushing helps to stimulate the natural oils in your dog's skin, which will help to prevent possible irritation from the shampoo.
- Assemble your supplies. Unless you have someone helping you during the bathing processing, you most likely will not be able to leave your pet unattended in the bathing area in order to retrieve a shampoo bottle or towel. It is much better to have everything you need assembled and at your finger tips. You will need a gentle shampoo (stay away from those with chemical sudsing agents), cotton balls or soft tissue, ear cleaner, an absorbent towel, a blow dryer, and, if possible, a non-slip grip for your bath tub. Now, its probably a good idea to let your dog go potty outside before you begin the actual bathing.
- Wet your dog down thoroughly. Because Japanese Spitz have thick, double coats, it can be hard to fully saturate your dog's fur. Nevertheless, this is necessary. Feed water directly into the coat. Begin at the back of your dog's neck and work down towards the tail. Then, do the belly and legs. When the time comes to wet your dog's face (save this for last), use a gentle spray or a large cup full of clean, warm water. Use care not to pour water into your dog's ears, as this could cause infection.
- Lather your dog. Use your fingers to gently massage the skin and to work the shampoo throughout both the outer and under coats. If your dog's coat is particularly thick, a heavy-duty bath brush will help. Make sure that you don't neglect the feet and the bottom, as these are the areas that tend to get soiled, thus causing odor. Also, wash the face, taking care not to get shampoo in the eyes, nose or ears.
- Rinse, Rinse, Rinse. The most frequent cause for skin irritation after a bath is soap residue. Rinse your dog until the water runs clear and your dog's entire coat feels free from soap. A water sprayer or hand-held shower head will with this. If you feel that you've gotten all the shampoo out of your dog's fur, then rinse some more. It is better to rinse too much than not enough. To rinse the face, use a large cup with clean, warm water. Cover your dog's eyes with one hand while rinsing the face, so as not to get soap in the eyes. If you prefer, you can apply a doggie conditioner to cut down on static, add more body, and to make your dog's hair more manageable. Rinse again until the water runs clear.
- Drying the coat. Wring excess water out of your dog's hair. Then, stand back and let your dog shake. This is your dog's instinctive method of drying. Then grab the absorbent towel and towel-dry/blot the coat thoroughly. Many short-haired dogs can air-dry, however, the Japanese Spitz is not one of those dogs. It is now time to pull out the trusty blow dryer. It will help if you can use one had to brush the same area that you are drying with the blow dryer. Since human blow dryers tend to get hot, be sure not to leave the dryer blowing on one spot for too long.
- Clean the ears. Pour the ear cleaning solution on the cotton ball or pad. Then, very gently, push it into your dog's ear until it stops. DO NOT force the pad after your meet resistance. Now, gently massage the ear with the cotton pad.
Important things to remember:
(1) Be sure to keep your dog warm until thoroughly dry. A Japanese Spitz can get chilled easily if the under coat isn't completely dry.
(2) Keep an eye on your dog if you let her outside immediately after bathing. Dogs like to dry themselves by rolling in the grass or in a nice dry patch of dirt. Of course, they might find that stinky thing again and roll in it. The last thing you want to have to do is have to give another bath so soon. Of course, if that does happen, at least now you're a pro and know exactly how to do it!
Discount Prescription Drug Program for Your Pets
February 24, 2010
It can be hard, in these tough economic times, to figure out a way to pay for quality health care for your four-legged family member. Did you know that the National Association of Counties sponsors a discount prescription drug program that helps you save money, not only for your human family members, but for your pets, as well?
Almost 1/2 of all counties nationwide participate in this program, which is free to residents of those counties who do not already have prescription drug insurance or whose medication is not covered by health insurance. There are no age nor income requirements, and there are no medical condition restrictions. On average, an individual can save 23% on prescription drugs a the nearly 60,000 retail pharmacies also participate, including CVS, Rite Aid, and Wal-Mart. Simply present the drug card, along with the prescription from your veterinarian.
For more information on this program, or to see if your county participates, visit http://www.naco.org/.
It can be hard, in these tough economic times, to figure out a way to pay for quality health care for your four-legged family member. Did you know that the National Association of Counties sponsors a discount prescription drug program that helps you save money, not only for your human family members, but for your pets, as well?
Almost 1/2 of all counties nationwide participate in this program, which is free to residents of those counties who do not already have prescription drug insurance or whose medication is not covered by health insurance. There are no age nor income requirements, and there are no medical condition restrictions. On average, an individual can save 23% on prescription drugs a the nearly 60,000 retail pharmacies also participate, including CVS, Rite Aid, and Wal-Mart. Simply present the drug card, along with the prescription from your veterinarian.
For more information on this program, or to see if your county participates, visit http://www.naco.org/.
COOKING FOR CANINES - #2 (The Combination Diet)
February 21, 2010
You may want to feed your dog a homemade diet. But you might be hesitant because you don't have the knowledge or resources, or even the time to figure out the proper nutritional combination for your dog's breed and weight. The good news is you have another option: The combination option! You can improve your dog's nutritional intake, as well as give her a tastier variety, simply by mixing commercial food with fresh foods.
The first thing you need to do is decide what combination ratio you will feed. This will help you determine how much fresh food to feed your dog per day. You can replace up to 1/4 of your dog's diet without really having to worry about balancing the foods that you add. This is probably the best option for individuals with limited time.
If you decide to substitute 1/2 of your dog's diet with fresh food, you'll have to feed a variety of different foods to provide needed vitamins and minerals. Foods such as meat, eggs, dairy, fish, and small amounts of liver, along with various fresh fruits and vegetables is a good start. It is important to remember that if you substitute 1/2 of the diet, you will have to add additional calcium (1,000 milligrams per pound of added fresh food / 80 milligrams per 1.6 ounces of fresh food).
To estimate what 1/4 of your dog's diet is, you will need to multiply your dog's weight (in pounds) by 8. Then, divide that number by 100 to get the ounces of fresh food to add. In other words, if your dog weighs twenty pounds, use this formula: 20 x 8 = 160 ÷ 100 = 1.6. So, for the average 20 pound Japanese Spitz, 1.6 ounces of fresh food would be 1/4 of her diet. 3.2 ounces of fresh food would be 1/2 of her diet. It is important to remember that this is just an average. If your dog is extremely active, you'll want to add a little more. If your dog lays around all day, you'll want to add a little less.
Freshly prepared foods provide added nutrients and a variety of flavors that your Japanese Spitz is sure to appreciate, especially if your Spitz are as finicky as mine.
You may want to feed your dog a homemade diet. But you might be hesitant because you don't have the knowledge or resources, or even the time to figure out the proper nutritional combination for your dog's breed and weight. The good news is you have another option: The combination option! You can improve your dog's nutritional intake, as well as give her a tastier variety, simply by mixing commercial food with fresh foods.
The first thing you need to do is decide what combination ratio you will feed. This will help you determine how much fresh food to feed your dog per day. You can replace up to 1/4 of your dog's diet without really having to worry about balancing the foods that you add. This is probably the best option for individuals with limited time.
If you decide to substitute 1/2 of your dog's diet with fresh food, you'll have to feed a variety of different foods to provide needed vitamins and minerals. Foods such as meat, eggs, dairy, fish, and small amounts of liver, along with various fresh fruits and vegetables is a good start. It is important to remember that if you substitute 1/2 of the diet, you will have to add additional calcium (1,000 milligrams per pound of added fresh food / 80 milligrams per 1.6 ounces of fresh food).
To estimate what 1/4 of your dog's diet is, you will need to multiply your dog's weight (in pounds) by 8. Then, divide that number by 100 to get the ounces of fresh food to add. In other words, if your dog weighs twenty pounds, use this formula: 20 x 8 = 160 ÷ 100 = 1.6. So, for the average 20 pound Japanese Spitz, 1.6 ounces of fresh food would be 1/4 of her diet. 3.2 ounces of fresh food would be 1/2 of her diet. It is important to remember that this is just an average. If your dog is extremely active, you'll want to add a little more. If your dog lays around all day, you'll want to add a little less.
Freshly prepared foods provide added nutrients and a variety of flavors that your Japanese Spitz is sure to appreciate, especially if your Spitz are as finicky as mine.
Indoor Brain Games (Entry #3 - "RC Chase")
February 17, 2010
Still not warm enough for outdoor play? Is it raining and dreary outside? Play this indoor game to relieve some of your pooch's boredom.
For a special treat, purchase a sturdy remote-controlled car or truck and steer it around the house as your dog chases it. This game can get crazy, so make sure your dog doesn't crash into too many objects of fall down the stairs.
* A special thanks to DogWorld for providing the above game.
Still not warm enough for outdoor play? Is it raining and dreary outside? Play this indoor game to relieve some of your pooch's boredom.
For a special treat, purchase a sturdy remote-controlled car or truck and steer it around the house as your dog chases it. This game can get crazy, so make sure your dog doesn't crash into too many objects of fall down the stairs.
* A special thanks to DogWorld for providing the above game.
Dogs in Weddings
February 14, 2010In honor of Valentine's Day, I thought it would be fun to discuss the increase in the number of couples who are allowing their pets to participate in their weddings. According to Maryann Mott, writer for DogFancy Magazine, "Animal-friendly nuptials aren't surprising. Many single people live with a dog long before finding their future spouse, so it only makes sense they'd want their best friend to play an important role on the big day."
If you and your future spouse are considering including your dog in this very special occasion, you will definitely need to make a few preparations:
- Ask wedding venue and/or place of worship, and reception hall if dogs are allowed.
- Check with your photographer to see if he/she is OK working with animals.
- Find a caregiver to watch your dog during the wedding, reception, and honeymoon. It is unrealistic to think that you will have the time and presence of mind to properly watch over your dog during these times.
- Determine what role you want your dog to play in your wedding (i.e., ring bearer, bride's maid, usher, etc.). You may want to consider hiring a canine coordinator for your wedding, like Connie Formosa, owner of "Help I Have a Dog" in North Bergen, NJ. Her services include teaching your dog to walk nicely down the aisle, sit pretty for photos, and greet guests politely. Formosa says that a dog with absolutely no obedience skills needs to start his/her training at least four months in advance. A dog with obedience skills in place may just need about six weeks of practice.
- Shop for canine wedding accessories or apparel. These range from tuxedos and satin bows to retractable leashes with embellishments.
Have fun with your dog on your wedding day and don't stress. Your dog can sense your mood. If you are anxious, your dog could become anxious, too. Make sure this is a joyous occasion for both of you!
COOKING FOR CANINES - #1 (Introduction)
February 10, 2010
In 2009, my husband and I decided to weigh the pros and cons of putting our dogs on a homemade diet. The pros were significant - by cooking for the dogs and using human-grade ingredients, we could be sure that our dogs were only consuming FDA-regulated food. As I'm sure many of your know, there is no requirement for pet food products to have pre-market approval by the FDA. Plus, many pet food products come from other countries such China, the source of the massive 2007 pet food contamination, which resulted a hundreds of needless pet deaths.
The cons were, well, complicated. Granted, I briefly worried about the amount of time it would take to cook for the dogs. But that was an easy fix - it would only take about an hour every other weekend. I would just make a big batch of food and freeze half. My biggest concern was making sure that the food I make constitutes a well-balanced, healthy diet.
So, I researched. And then I researched some more. I came to the conclusion that, by combining 50% fresh ingredients with 50% high-grade, dry kibble, I could be comfortable that my dogs are safely getting the balanced nutrition that they need.
In this blog series, Cooking for Canines, I'll discuss everything I've learned, and continue to learn in my research. I'll discuss the importance of protein, calcium, and fruits & veggies, as well as the best sources. I'll discuss what you should never introduce into your dog's diet. I'll discuss money-saving and time-saving techniques. By the end of this series, hopefully you will better be able to determine whether cooking for your dog is right for you.
In 2009, my husband and I decided to weigh the pros and cons of putting our dogs on a homemade diet. The pros were significant - by cooking for the dogs and using human-grade ingredients, we could be sure that our dogs were only consuming FDA-regulated food. As I'm sure many of your know, there is no requirement for pet food products to have pre-market approval by the FDA. Plus, many pet food products come from other countries such China, the source of the massive 2007 pet food contamination, which resulted a hundreds of needless pet deaths.
The cons were, well, complicated. Granted, I briefly worried about the amount of time it would take to cook for the dogs. But that was an easy fix - it would only take about an hour every other weekend. I would just make a big batch of food and freeze half. My biggest concern was making sure that the food I make constitutes a well-balanced, healthy diet.
So, I researched. And then I researched some more. I came to the conclusion that, by combining 50% fresh ingredients with 50% high-grade, dry kibble, I could be comfortable that my dogs are safely getting the balanced nutrition that they need.
In this blog series, Cooking for Canines, I'll discuss everything I've learned, and continue to learn in my research. I'll discuss the importance of protein, calcium, and fruits & veggies, as well as the best sources. I'll discuss what you should never introduce into your dog's diet. I'll discuss money-saving and time-saving techniques. By the end of this series, hopefully you will better be able to determine whether cooking for your dog is right for you.
A Clean Bowl = A Healthy Dog
February 6, 2010
Have you ever wondered how often you should clean your dog's food and water bowls? Have you ever wondered about the proper method of cleaning those bowls? The answer is not quite as simple as one would think.
The Type of Bowl to Use
First, let's discuss the best type of bowl to use. Always use a stainless steel or ceramic bowl. Plastic bowls have small groves that promote bacteria growth. Similarly, when cleaning your stainless steel or ceramic bowl, do not use an abrasive sponge, as this will cause small scratches/grooves in the bowl, making it easier for algae and bacteria to collect and grow.
The Water Bowl
Now that you have the right type of bowl, lets discuss the water bowl. Common sense says that any container that holds standing water for any period of time will breed bacteria. A common bacteria that can grow in water bowls is a reddish/pinkish slimy substance called Serratia Marcescens. This pink slime will grow in any moist location where phosphorous containing materials or fatty substances accumulate. Sources of these substances include soap residues in bathing areas, feces in toilets, soap and food residues in pet water dishes. It is important to note that Serratia will not survive in chlorinated drinking water from the tap, unless the water has been left standing long enough for the chlorine residual disinfectant to dissipate. Serratia has been found to be pathogenic to some, having been identified as a cause of urinary tract infections, wound infections, and even pneumonia.
Clean and disinfect the water bowl EVERY DAY, without exception.
The Food Bowl
Various factors determine the frequency at which you should clean your dog's food bowl. For instance, if you feed a raw food diet, you should wash and disinfect the bowl immediately after each use, so as to prevent salmonella poisoning.
If feeding homemade or a wet food, such as canned, you should wipe the bowl clean after each use, but you only need to wash and disinfect once per day.
If feeding a dry food or kibble, you can probably get by with washing and disinfecting the bowl once every other day. Of course, if your dog slobbers a lot while eating or makes a point to lick the bowl clean, you should probably go back to washing every day.
The Cleaning
A study published in the Canadian Veterinarian Journal sought to find out the best way to kill bacteria in food bowls. Scientists rubbed seven steel bowls and seven plastic bowls with a thin residue of food tainted with various bacteria, such as Salmonella. A quick rinse of warm water for 15 seconds ranked the worst. It was essentially as bad as not cleaning the bowls at all, even if wiped with a paper towel afterward.
The best method was this: Start with a warm water rinse, then scrub with dish soap (using a non-abrasive sponge), before immersing the bowl in a 10% chlorine solution for five minutes. It also doesn't hurt to run the bowls through your dishwasher once a week. To read more about the study, visit http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/.
Alternative
Now I know what you may be thinking. We are a fast-food nation. I don't have time to wash my own dishes, much less my dog's food & water bowls! If you simply cannot wash your dog's bowls daily, you might want to consider having extra bowls on hand. If you keep 6-8 stainless steel bowls in your cabinet, just switch them out each day. You will only have to wash them twice a week.
Making sure your dogs always have clean bowls may cost a little more money and/or time, but the overall cost is minimal compared to the amount of time and money you will spend if your dogs contract a bacteria-related disease because his bowls are dirty. Isn't your four-legged best friend worth it?
Have you ever wondered how often you should clean your dog's food and water bowls? Have you ever wondered about the proper method of cleaning those bowls? The answer is not quite as simple as one would think.
The Type of Bowl to Use
First, let's discuss the best type of bowl to use. Always use a stainless steel or ceramic bowl. Plastic bowls have small groves that promote bacteria growth. Similarly, when cleaning your stainless steel or ceramic bowl, do not use an abrasive sponge, as this will cause small scratches/grooves in the bowl, making it easier for algae and bacteria to collect and grow.
The Water Bowl
Now that you have the right type of bowl, lets discuss the water bowl. Common sense says that any container that holds standing water for any period of time will breed bacteria. A common bacteria that can grow in water bowls is a reddish/pinkish slimy substance called Serratia Marcescens. This pink slime will grow in any moist location where phosphorous containing materials or fatty substances accumulate. Sources of these substances include soap residues in bathing areas, feces in toilets, soap and food residues in pet water dishes. It is important to note that Serratia will not survive in chlorinated drinking water from the tap, unless the water has been left standing long enough for the chlorine residual disinfectant to dissipate. Serratia has been found to be pathogenic to some, having been identified as a cause of urinary tract infections, wound infections, and even pneumonia.
Clean and disinfect the water bowl EVERY DAY, without exception.
The Food Bowl
Various factors determine the frequency at which you should clean your dog's food bowl. For instance, if you feed a raw food diet, you should wash and disinfect the bowl immediately after each use, so as to prevent salmonella poisoning.
If feeding homemade or a wet food, such as canned, you should wipe the bowl clean after each use, but you only need to wash and disinfect once per day.
If feeding a dry food or kibble, you can probably get by with washing and disinfecting the bowl once every other day. Of course, if your dog slobbers a lot while eating or makes a point to lick the bowl clean, you should probably go back to washing every day.
The Cleaning
A study published in the Canadian Veterinarian Journal sought to find out the best way to kill bacteria in food bowls. Scientists rubbed seven steel bowls and seven plastic bowls with a thin residue of food tainted with various bacteria, such as Salmonella. A quick rinse of warm water for 15 seconds ranked the worst. It was essentially as bad as not cleaning the bowls at all, even if wiped with a paper towel afterward.
The best method was this: Start with a warm water rinse, then scrub with dish soap (using a non-abrasive sponge), before immersing the bowl in a 10% chlorine solution for five minutes. It also doesn't hurt to run the bowls through your dishwasher once a week. To read more about the study, visit http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/.
Alternative
Now I know what you may be thinking. We are a fast-food nation. I don't have time to wash my own dishes, much less my dog's food & water bowls! If you simply cannot wash your dog's bowls daily, you might want to consider having extra bowls on hand. If you keep 6-8 stainless steel bowls in your cabinet, just switch them out each day. You will only have to wash them twice a week.
Making sure your dogs always have clean bowls may cost a little more money and/or time, but the overall cost is minimal compared to the amount of time and money you will spend if your dogs contract a bacteria-related disease because his bowls are dirty. Isn't your four-legged best friend worth it?
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