Anna Hartz
Many dog owners treat their pets like family members. Dogs sleep on couches, ride in cars, and sometimes even eat scraps from the dinner table.
That also means their bowls often end up in the kitchen next to plates, glasses, and cutlery. But some people still wonder whether it is actually safe to wash dog bowls in the dishwasher together with human dishes.
That question recently came up in a Danish science column. A reader asked whether bacteria from a dog’s mouth could spread inside the dishwasher and create health risks.
Low risk
Experts say the short answer is yes, dog bowls can go in the dishwasher, according to Videnskab. Still, there are a few things people should keep in mind.
Dogs carry a lot of bacteria in their mouths. They lick their paws and fur. They sniff the ground during walks. Some dogs also eat things they find outside, including animal waste or dead animals. Because of that, their mouths are exposed to far more bacteria than most humans.
Clarissa Schwab, a professor at Aarhus University, explained that dogs also have biofilm on their teeth. This is a layer made of bacteria, saliva, and food remains.
Even so, experts say the risk for healthy people is low. Dishwashers already contain many microorganisms, and the washing process is designed to clean and disinfect dishes. Hot water, soap, and long wash cycles help kill bacteria effectively.
Be aware of low temperature programs
Food microbiology expert Susanne Knøchel said people should ideally use a hot dishwasher program between 65 and 80 degrees Celsius when washing pet bowls. She also suggested rinsing or scalding the bowls before putting them in the machine.
Lower temperature programs may not remove all harmful bacteria or parasites. That can be more important in homes where someone has a weak immune system.
Some people still prefer washing pet bowls by hand. Schwab said warm water and soap are usually enough if the bowl is cleaned regularly. Daily cleaning is recommended, especially for food bowls.
The experts also admitted that opinions on this topic often depend on whether someone owns a dog or not. Dog owners are usually less worried about sharing space with their pets’ dishes.
In the end, experts agree that washing a dog bowl in the dishwasher is generally safe. Just make sure the machine runs hot enough and check that the bowl itself is dishwasher safe before using it.
