How Do You Clean The inside of A Dog Water Dispenser?

It’s no secret that harmful bacteria like E. coli and salmonella can grow in your pet’s water bowl. According to multiple studies, your pet’s food and water bowls can be some of the germiest things in your home. When your dog or cat finishes eating their food and then goes for a drink, leftover crumbs can fall from their mouths into the water bowl, leaving behind bacteria that can thrive in the water.

And we all know that dogs and cats need access to fresh water throughout the day to stay healthy. As a pet owner, it’s your responsibility to make sure they have access to fresh, clean water every day. However, for some people, life is busy, and refilling your dog’s water bowl isn’t always the first thing we think of. That’s why many pet owners invest in a pet water fountain, also known as a gravity drinker. Unfortunately, with these types of pet water fountains, it’s easy to go weeks without even thinking about cleaning the water bowl because we rarely refill it.

How often should I clean my pet’s water bowl?

For the health and happiness of your pet, you should constantly provide your pet with fresh, clean water. Especially during the hot summer months. To keep your pet healthy, you should clean your pet’s water source once a day with fresh water. You should clean your pet's water fountain or bowl every few days or at least once a week. If you have a standard water bowl, cleaning is easy. Simply rinse and scrub with warm soapy water, then let dry completely before refilling with new water. But for some pets that use pet gravity water fountains or fountains, cleaning can be more challenging. Here are instructions on how to clean a pet gravity water fountain.

1. Separate the water reservoir from the base of the water fountain. This can usually be done by twisting or lifting the bottle from the base.

2. Unscrew the cap of the bottle. Your bottle may or may not have a filter inside the cap. Leave the filter alone unless it needs to be replaced. Dispose of the old water. Or, if you don't want to waste it, use the old water to water your plants!

3. Apply soap to a baby bottle brush and fill the bottle with warm water, using the brush to scrub the inside of the bottle.

4. Rinse the bottle with warm water. Make sure to rinse the bottle at least 2-3 times to make sure there is no soap residue left in the bottle. No dog or cat wants to drink soapy water. Set the bottle aside after rinsing.

5. Next, rinse the base with warm water. Add more soap to the bottle brush if needed.

6. Use a baby bottle brush to scrub and clean the base of the waterer. Be sure to scrub the walls and crevices of the base. Bacteria love to hide in these places.

7. Once you have scrubbed the entire base, rinse it with warm water.

8. Finally, dry the inside and outside of the bottle and base completely with a clean, dry towel.

Cleaning your pet's waterer once or twice a week will keep your pet hydrated, happy, and healthy. You may even notice that your pet is drinking more water. This is a good sign that they appreciate the frequent and daily water changes.