How to Keep Biofilm Out of a Dog's Water

There could be bacteria building a walled fortress called biofilm in your dog's water dish right now. Bacteria are microscopic and even though you can't see them at a glance, you can see the layer of film in your dog's dish.This film can be hard to clean if the dish has been neglected, and until you remove it your dog is being re-exposed to bacteria and infection every time it gets a drink. Taking precautions, testing your water and practicing good hygiene can help you get rid of this problem and protect your dog's health.

Things You'll Need

  • Water testing kit
  • Scrub brush
  • Antibacterial soap
  • Paper towels
  • Fresh water
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Instructions

    • 1

      Test your water with an at-home kit or call a professional. If the test shows high bacteria levels you will want to clean your pipes. This can be done at home with tablets or chemicals, but severe cases should be serviced by professionals. Minimal or low levels that aren't dangerous can be treated with a water filter.

    • 2

      Empty out the water and rinse your dog's water bowl out each morning under the faucet with dish soap. Scrub the sides and rinse away any soap residue. Dry the bowl with a paper towel.

    • 3

      Fill the bowl back up with fresh water from the faucet or a filtered source. Don't use water that was in the bowl previously, or water that has been stagnant for a long period of time.

    • 4

      Place the water bowl in an area that is not exposed to extreme temperatures or filth. Algae and bacteria grow quickly in warm temperatures, and water that gets dirty quickly is more likely to develop biofilm.

    • 5

      Clean the area around your dog's bowl regularly. Biofilm can stick and grow to any type of surface that's wet.