It is very important that you provide water along with every meal so as to maintain an adequate meal schedule for your dog. Sadly, keeping water in a bowl alongside the meals is bound to create spills, splashes, and make a mess during the process of eating. However, with the right choice of bowls and their placement, this can be done with ease.
Choose the Right Water Bowl
Selecting the correct type of bowl will ensure that the eating area is always clean and neat. A bowl that is wide and has a strong bottom will be very hard for the dog to overturn while drinking. It is best to use stainless steel bowls due to their strength and easy maintenance. Bowls that reduce spillage play a key role in maintaining extra water.
It is necessary to note that the bowl selected must be of an appropriate size so as to avoid unnecessary problems. A small-sized bowl will force the dog to keep on moving the bowl to refill it since the amount of water held in it is not enough. The proper sized bowl that holds enough water without moving is important. The bowl must be always placed near the area where the dog eats regardless of the kind of dog food eaten.
Keep Water Near the Feeding Area
The placement of the water bowl in the specified area will aid in containing spills. The use of an easily washable mat beneath the two bowls can also prevent any spillage since it is easily removable and washable without having to wash the entire floor. This is applicable in cases where there is a problem with dogs moving their bowls during feeding or drinking.
Another solution involves positioning of the feeding area away from busy areas. The positioning of the bowl in such places means that it may get kicked, knocked, or moved. A corner with ample space for the dog to feed comfortably is ideal. It also helps in keeping apart the feeding stuff for the dogs from other pets’ food such as that of cats.
Refresh Water Regularly
It is important to provide the pet with access to water all the time and not only before or after the meals. The water in the bowl becomes dirty due to the dirt, dust, hair, and food remains in case the bowl remains on the floor for some time. Hence, cleaning of the bowl is essential for providing the pet with clean water.
The importance of frequent cleaning is the same as the importance of frequent refilling with water. It is essential to wash the bowl with dish soap and then to rinse it before filling with clean water. The owners of the pets that eat oil or crumbly food like acana dog food should pay more attention to cleaning. Additional bowls can become handy.
Manage Spills Quickly
However, regardless of the amount of preparation, some dogs will splash the water while drinking. Spilling the water immediately after it has happened will help avoid spread of moisture across the floor. Having an absorbent cloth at hand close to the feeding area will simplify this process. In the case of bigger spills, it is recommended to remove the mat and clean the floor beneath.
Moreover, owners have to look at the area from time to time instead of waiting until the puddles appear on the floor. Some water can be accumulated underneath the bowls or the mat without being noticed by the owners. It is also worth mentioning that checking the area regularly will help avoid long-term effects of moisture on the floor.
Maintain a Simple Feeding Routine
Maintaining a good routine will help make both the process of feeding and cleaning easier. Filling the water bowl, checking after the meal and cleaning up any spillage of cat food or dog food instantly can be done as part of an everyday routine. Having the bowls along with all other accessories such as the cleaning items in one particular place will save a lot of time spent in looking for them.
Feeding areas also need to be cleaned more often. Cleaning the bowls, the mat, the surrounding surfaces and the floor will help avoid minor problems becoming major ones. With such activities in place, the owners will always have fresh water and a clean house at the same time.
The addition of fresh water for each meal does not have to make the household messy. This is achievable by selecting a stable bowl, having a washable mat, positioning the station properly, and immediately cleaning any spills. Cleaning the water bowl also ensures hygiene standards are met. By following a proper routine, the provision of fresh water during meals will not be a problem for the owners.
