Vet Reveals How Often You Should Wash Your Dog Water Bowl – And The RISK If You Don’t
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A vet reveals the ONE simple task that could reduce your dog’s chance of developing a serious kidney disease – and it just takes 30 seconds.
Dr Emma Chandley, a vet working with pet insurance brand Petgevity, flags the importance of washing your dog’s bowl daily.
Many owners don't realise they need to since water bowls look clean – but this actually isn’t the case.
If you leave it, or only lightly rinse, a slimy bacterial layer called ‘biofilm’ quickly builds up inside, posing a risk to your pup’s health.
Pubs are packed due to the hot weather – so pet parents should be mindful of communal water bowls. Similarly, anyone on walkies with a travel bowl.
Dr Emma begins:
“I advise that owners wash their dog’s water bowl DAILY. Rinse thoroughly in hot soapy water – scrubbing inside and out for around 30 seconds – ensuring all residue is gone. Leave to air dry or wipe with a clean towel.
“This is because stagnant water bowls can harbour bacteria and environmental contaminants. In most healthy dogs, this will not lead to kidney damage, but repeated exposure to harmful bacteria could increase the risk of gastrointestinal illness or, in rare cases, ascending infections. Severe kidney infections, if left untreated, have the potential to cause longer-term renal damage.
“Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) itself is a progressive condition in which the kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter waste products effectively.”
Awareness of CKD is key because the physical and behavioural symptoms aren’t always apparent. Dr Emma continues:
“Early signs can be hard to spot. Increased thirst and urination are common but can develop gradually so they may be overlooked. Some dogs lose weight slowly, are quieter than usual or seem slightly nauseous, which might present as lip licking or reduced appetite. As the disease advances, vomiting, lethargy, muscle loss and poor coat quality may become more obvious.”
Some dogs are more prone than others – it depends on their health history. Dr Emma continues:
“Certain pre-existing conditions in dogs can increase the risk of developing CKD. These include chronic kidney infections, congenital kidney abnormalities, prolonged untreated dental disease, hypertension and endocrine disorders such as Cushing’s disease. If you have an older dog, age is also a significant factor, as kidney efficiency naturally declines over time. It’s worth checking whether your pet insurance covers pre-existing conditions – many standard policies don’t.”
But the good news is that pups can enjoy long, happy lives beyond diagnosis – even if there is no cure. Dr Emma concludes:
“Management of CKD usually involves long-term treatment tailored to the individual dog. This often includes a prescription renal diet designed to reduce phosphorus intake (a mineral found in meat and fish that damaged kidneys struggle to process) and support kidney function. Some dogs require medications to control blood pressure, manage protein loss in the urine, reduce nausea, or bind excess phosphorus. In certain cases, fluid therapy may be advised.
“Although CKD cannot be reversed, many dogs can remain stable and comfortable for months or even years with appropriate monitoring and treatment. Regular testing of blood and urine allows your vet to make treatment adjustments if needed. This helps to maintain a good quality of life.
“Regular cleaning of water bowls is therefore sensible hygiene practice. While an unwashed bowl does not directly cause Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), poor hygiene can contribute to health risks that may indirectly affect overall wellbeing.”