Rockwall Veterinarian Discusses Large Dog Bowl – Is Yours The Right Size And Style?
A large dog bowl is unavoidable when you have a large breed of dog. The question is, is it the right kind of dog bowl? You need to remember if you have a puppy, the bowl you buy now will have to be replaced later when he or she grows. All dog food bowls are not the same and you should take your time looking at different types before you buy one.
Plastic bowls come in a variety of shapes, colors and sizes. Plastic bowls are inexpensive for a large dog bowl choice. Other advantages include being a dishwasher safe and they are unbreakable it dropped. The downside is that they are easily chewed and scratched. If your dog chews or scratches the plastic it leaves places for bacteria to breed. Also, some dogs are allergic to plastic which can result in a skin irritation on the chin or face.
You can buy a large dog bowl in ceramic too. These can be decorated to suit your own style. Ceramic dog bowls are also easy to clean. But they are also easy to break or crack. Even the smallest crack can harbor bacteria which can cause your dog to get parasites.
Your other alternative is stainless steel. This is the best large dog bowl you can buy. You can buy them with a non-skid bottom to stop the bowl from moving as your pet eats. You can put them in the dishwasher or wash them by hand. These bowls are practical and not very expensive. You will not find them in different designs or colors but I don’t think your dog will notice. Stainless steel bowls are a good choice when buying for a growing puppy.
Finding the appropriate large dog bowl is essential for your dogs’ comfort and health. If a tall dog constantly has to lower their head and neck to eat it can lead to digestive problems and damage to your dogs muscles and joints. You may need a raised dog bowl as your puppy grows. I know I wouldn’t want to stand and have to bend my head to the floor to eat, neither does your dog.
For most of us our dogs are family so please be sure to care for them with that in mind.
We all love our pets, actually they are part of our family, so please treat them with care. When purchasing your large dog bowl keep the above information in mind. Your pet will thank you for it.
Alice Washerstein loves her dogs! Alice creates web sites about dog issues. Learn more about the raised dog bowl at thelargedogbowl.com.
Rockwall Veterinary Clinic suggest that a dog feeding station can be just what you need if you are a busy dog owner. They can range from large dog bowls placed in raised holders, to automatic pet food dispensers that will dispense the amount of food you specify at the time you want.
Feeding stations are not only for large dog bowls they are good for small dogs too. Every dog needs to eat and drink at the correct height. This aids in your dogs digestion and for large dogs it will save them from muscle and joint damage.
When looking for a dog feeding station there are many things to take into account.
*If you have a puppy how big will it get? *What is the size of your adult dog? *How short or long are you dogs’ ears? *How long or short is your dogs’ snout? *What is the best way to feed your type of dog?
It may seem like this is a lot of information just to buy a dog feeding station, but you will want to know these things before your purchase.
For your puppy you need to know what their grown size will be. Getting a height adjustable dog feeding station will save you money in the long run.
If you have a grown dog, measure their height. Your small dog will have a problem eating if the bowls are too high. And your large dog needs a dog feeding station that he does not have to bend to eat or drink.
Ears may not seem like a big deal, but if your dog has long ears they can hang in their food or water, if not cleaned up right away every day ear mites can develop. Look for a bowl that is not very wide. Small ears are not a consideration when looking for a dog feeding station.
If your dog has a long nose you will want a deep bowl, but a dog with a short snout needs a shallow bowl. Now when it comes to eating style, that means is your dog a messy and playful eater and drinker or a well mannered eater.
Your particular type of dog may be an untidy eater and drinker. For them you would want a heavy dog feeding station that does not move around, or separate feeders so water is not splashed into their food. You can also place a rubber mat under the water bowl for an easy cleanup.
After thinking about your dogs’ needs, think about your own.
If you have any arthritis in your hands ceramic dog bowls may be too heavy and easily dropped. These bowls will break if they fall.
While plastic is inexpensive, dogs also like to chew them and they will need to be replaced often.
Stainless steel bowls are perfect for dogs and owner alike. They are easy to clean, they won’t break if you drop them, and they are not heavy at all.
You now have enough ideas to find the particular dog feeding station that is good for your breed of dog and you.
Rockwall Veterinary Hospital agree, yes, ceramic dog bowls are stylish and can be made to match your home, but they are also expensive. These things may be important to you but I am sure they are not to your dog. All your dog needs is a durable, safe, clean dog bowl that has food and water.
Dogs spend a lot of time drinking water, so this bowl gets a lot of use, even more than his food bowl. These two items get used more than anything else your dog has. We as their owners, or more importantly because we love them, need to make sure that they have the right bowl, and that they are kept clean, so our dogs stay healthy. The wrong bowl, even an expensive ceramic dog bowl, can be harmful to their health.
Ceramic dog bowls may be a terrific pick because:
1.Even bottoms stop them from being knocked over
2.They also feature designs that that compliment your dcor
3.They are safe in the dishwasher or easy to clean by hand
4.They come in a good range of sizes
If the ceramic dog bowl is for a child’s dog you will want to be very careful. A child will not notice small cracks in the bowl, and these cracks can hold bacteria which is harmful to your dog. They also break when dropped and this can be dangerous to your child.
Various things to think about before buying a ceramic dog bowl:
1. Do you have a big dog
2. Snout – small or extended
3. Ears – floppy or short
These few items will make a difference in your purchase because:
1.If you have a large dog you will need a large dog bowl
2.If your dog has a short snout they will not be comfortable eating out of a deep bowl and if your dog has a long snout they will need a deep bowl
3. Long furry ears can get into your dogs food and water. If not cleaned after every meal and drink your dog can get ear mites.
Ceramic dog bowls can also be placed into a dog feeding station that raise the bowls off of the floor. Raised dog bowls are especially important for large dogs. Without them large dog breeds will need to have their heads and necks pointed towards the floor when they eat or drink. This can cause digestive problems for your dog.
As Your dog starts getting older they can have joint problems from bending to eat. Putting your ceramic dog bowl into a raised feeding station will alleviate the pain.
In closing, Ceramic dog bowls are fine for your dog. Just remember to check for any cracks and be careful if a child is going to handle the ceramic dog bowls.