Years' behaviour expert reveals how often dog bowls, toys and chews should be cleaned, as searches for "dog lick mat" rise 51% year on year.
Dog owners are being urged to rethink how often they clean their pet's bowls and toys, as everyday items used by dogs can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria, old food, saliva and dirt.
The warning comes as enrichment feeding continues to grow in popularity among dog owners. Analysis of search data by Years found searches for "dog lick mat" are averaging around 24,000 per month, rising 51% over the past year, with interest now at its highest level in five years.
Jo Hinds, COAPE-certified behaviourist and Dynamic Dog Practitioner at Years, says many owners are careful about what they feed their dog, but may overlook the hygiene of the items their dog eats, drinks and plays with every day.
"Dog bowls and toys are handled every day, but they are often not cleaned as often as other household items.
"A bowl may look empty after a dog has eaten, but that does not mean it is clean. Food residue, saliva and bacteria can remain on the surface, especially if the bowl is used for wet food, raw food or fresh food.
"One of the biggest mistakes owners make is assuming dog items only need washing when they visibly look dirty."
Jo recommends washing food bowls after every meal, especially if a dog eats wet, fresh or raw food. Water bowls should be washed daily and refreshed with clean water regularly throughout the day.
Jo recommends:
• Soft toys: wash weekly if used regularly
• Rubber toys: wash several times a week
• Food puzzle toys: clean after every use
• Rope toys: wash regularly and replace when frayed, dirty or difficult to clean properly
Dirty bowls, damaged toys or old chews can cause discomfort affecting the gut or teeth, contribute to resource guarding, or lead to changes in how a dog interacts with food and play.
Stainless steel, ceramic and dishwasher-safe bowls can be cleaned in the dishwasher, but owners should always check the manufacturer's guidance first.
Jo added, "Dishwashers can be helpful, but bowls still need checking properly. Cracks, chips and scratches can harbour bacteria, so damaged bowls should be replaced.
"Plastic bowls are more likely to scratch over time, which can make them harder to clean thoroughly."