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Choosing Your Pet's Dishes

March 1, 2021

Dishes are one of the first things you’ll need to buy for your furry friend. And while this isn’t particularly difficult, there are some things for you to keep in mind when shopping. Here, a Leesburg, VA vet discusses choosing your pet’s bowls.


Material

Plastic is going to be cheapest, but it can develop small cracks over time, which can harbor germs and bacteria. This can also be an issue with ceramic bowls. Stainless steel is the most durable option.


S  ometimes pets are allergic to certain materials. Of course, if your furry pal develops a rash on his chin or cheeks, the first thing to do is consult your vet. That said, changing bowls may help with this.


Height

Height is another thing to consider. When Fido eats off the floor, he has to strain his neck and back. Your pooch may benefit from having elevated dishes. 


Storage

You can now find bowls that incorporate storage. Some of these will make feeding Fido quite convenient. Others work in tandem with smart homes, so that you can feed your pet on a programmed schedule. However, these can be a bit clunky to clean. Check reviews before buying.


Special Features

Does your dog gulp down his whole dinner, and then retch it up, only to want to repeat the cycle? Look for dishes that slow Fido down, giving his stomach a chance to digest his food.


Portable Dishes

Do you and your canine pal like to go on hikes? If so, consider getting Fido some collapsible plastic dishes. These fold up to fit in your wallet, and are lightweight enough to easily take with you. 


Outdoor Dishes

If Fido has a yard to play in, he’ll also need to have bowls outside. One cute option is to get a plant urn, and put his water bowls in that. You can also get a cute fountain, and use a solar-powered filter to keep the water clean.


Cats

So what about Fluffy? Many of the things mentioned above also apply to our feline friends. Another factor that may come into play is whisker sensitivity. Some kitties hate it when their whiskers touch the sides of their bowls! This is why some cats drop their food onto the floor. Look for shallower dishes.


Do you have questions about your furry friend’s dishes? Contact us, your local Leesburg, VA pet clinic, today!