Even the most attentive pet owners can forget to clean the most frequently used items in their home: pet products. From bowls and beds to toys and collars, these everyday essentials accumulate bacteria, dirt, and food particles faster than many people realize. While you wouldn\u2019t eat off a dirty plate or sleep on an unwashed pillow for weeks, your furry family member probably does. Yet, their health can be compromised by the same hygiene-related illnesses and diseases that humans suffer from. Neglecting to clean pet gear<\/a> regularly isn\u2019t just a cosmetic issue; unclean items can lead to infections, skin irritation, digestive problems, and lingering odors.<\/p>\n Related: The 5 Best Pet-Safe Cleaning Products, All BHG Editor- and Expert-Approved<\/a><\/p>\n Dr. Liza Cahn<\/strong><\/a> is a small animal veterinarian and veterinary consultant at Embrace Pet Insurance.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n Scott Schrader<\/strong><\/a> is the founder of Cottage Care, a professional housecleaning company.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Here are the top pet items you probably don\u2019t clean often enough. Take expert advice on how\u2014and how frequently\u2014to tackle them.<\/p>\n Credit: Laura Moss<\/i><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Food and water bowls<\/a> are arguably the most important items to keep clean. Oddly enough, they\u2019re among the most neglected. Spoiled food and stagnant water become breeding grounds for bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella.<\/p>\n Dr. Liza Cahn, a veterinarian at Embrace Pet Insurance, says most of us don\u2019t clean our pets\u2019 bowls nearly as often as we should<\/a>. \u201cIt is recommended to clean water bowls and dry food bowls daily, while bowls used to serve wet food should be cleaned after each use,\u201d she advises<\/p>\n Dirty bowls can do more than make your dog sick. Bacteria can also cause mild skin irritation or gastrointestinal upset and may even pose risks to human family members. Standing water can attract mosquitoes and other bugs that leave larvae. Dr. Cahn recommends washing bowls just like you\u2019d wash your own dishes: with soap and hot water or by running them through the dishwasher<\/a>. Stainless steel or ceramic is best.<\/p>\n Keep a backup set of bowls on hand to use if there\u2019s a lag between washing and mealtime.<\/p>\nMeet Our Expert<\/h3>\n
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1. Food and Water Bowls<\/h2>\n
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