Tahoe Outdoors

You put time into picking out everything for your favorite pooch. You bought him a comfy bed and lots of fun toys. You even took time making sure that your dog is safe in your home; a pet gate and a pet door are just two of the things that you have added. Often, people overlook the importance of the bowls from which your pet eats and drinks. Before you grab the first plastic or cute bowl you find, there are a few things you should consider.

First of all, dog bowls need to be cleaned daily. Bacteria can build up around the bowl, making your dog not want to eat food or drink water. Since it is summertime once again, then it is especially important that your pooch gets plenty of water. So, tip number one: make sure the bowls can be easily cleaned. They do not have to be dishwasher safe; but they should, however, hold up to a brush, a dab of soap, and warm to hot water.

Second, dogs like to chew on things. Often, flimsy or plastic bowls will be the chew toy of choice. Tip number two: find a bowl that your dog will not want to chew on, such as ceramic or stainless steel. Also, make sure the bowl cannot be easily broken. Dogs get playful, and the bowl should be able to withstand being knocked over. The design of the bowl is important. If the bowl sits on the ground, then it should be bottom heavy. That way, it is more difficult to be knocked over. This is extremely important if you have an outdoor pooch. The last thing you want is for your dog to spill all his water right after you leave for work. On a hot summer day, the lack of water can be detrimental for your pet.

Tip number three: when choosing bowls, do not forget to consider the benefits of an elevated feeder. It has been suggested that elevated bowls promote proper digestion. Since your pooch does not have to bend down as far to eat his food, he is less likely to swallow extra air. The ingestion of excessive air can lead to painful indigestion. Elevated feeders are also helpful for larger or older pets. Bending down too far can be painful for arthritic animals.

Once you choose the type of bowls that your pet needs, do not overlook the design of the bowls! Pet bowls come in so many different styles that you are sure to find ones that match your home. Ceramic bowls are often hand painted and can be easily personalized. They are trendy and bring color to your pet’s meals. Elevated feeders also come in a variety of styles. Wrought iron and wood are just two materials used to support the stainless steel dishes. Some feeders are even adjustable; so as your puppy grows, his bowl will grow with him.

Before you choose the cutest bowl you can find, keep your dog in mind. It is easy to find something pleasing to you that will also fit his needs. For instance, do not buy a Chihuahua an elevated feeder that he cannot reach. Also, take into account how much food your dog eats in one sitting. The bowl should be able to hold the amount of food your dog needs: not too much food or too little food. Choosing the right size bowl will also help you judge how much food to give him. Since bowls come in a variety of sizes, then finding one to fit your dog’s consumption habits should not be a problem.

You take time when picking out items for you pooch; his crate and bedding were selected with lots of care and consideration. Food is a very important item that took some contemplation. The bowl he eats the food from is also an important object that deserves a fair amount of thought. The bowl should be easily cleaned and virtually indestructible. It should not be top heavy, too large, or too high for your pet to reach. Keep your pet in mind, but still have fun when choosing a bowl!

About the Author: this article was provided by pet-super-store.com a site featuring Innotek, PetSafe and Dogtra.

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