You just brought home your new furry baby and now you’ve found that your energetic pup is knocking over their water or food bowl as they excitedly eat and play. Spilled food and water all over the kitchen floor is no fun to clean up – not to mention it can be a potential safety issue if baby decides to investigate.
If you have both a new baby and pup in the house, keeping their eating areas tidy and secure is key.
In this post, we will share how to baby proof dog bowls. From small adjustments to their placement to purchases that provide stability, we will outline techniques to contain those spills and keep all hands and paws out of harm’s way.
Why is It Important to Baby Proof Dog Bowls?
1 . To Protect Your Baby
Babies are curious little creatures and they love to explore their surroundings. They have a natural instinct to put things into their mouths, especially when they are teething. If you have a dog at home, chances are that you also have dog bowls filled with food and water for your furry friend.
These bowls may contain leftover bits of food or any other residue that may be harmful to your baby if consumed. Baby-proofing dog bowls ensures that your little one stays safe from any potential danger.
2 . To Prevent Germ Spread
Dogs are messy eaters and they tend to spill food and water around their bowls while eating. This can create a breeding ground for bacteria, which can then spread to your baby’s hands when they touch the bowls. By baby-proofing the dog bowls, you can prevent your child from coming into contact with potential germs and keep them healthy.
3 . To Avoid Accidents
Dog bowls can be a tripping hazard for babies who are just learning to walk or crawl. If your baby accidentally trips over a dog bowl, they may get hurt or even choke on the food or water. By making sure that dog bowls are safely out of reach, you can prevent accidents from happening and keep your baby safe.
4 . To Teach Good Hygiene Habits
By baby-proofing dog bowls, you are also setting a good example for your child to follow in terms of hygiene habits. You can explain to them why it’s important to keep their hands clean and not touch dog bowls, as they may contain germs. This will help instill good hygiene practices in your child from a young age.
5 . To Avoid Dog Food Allergies
Babies have delicate digestive systems and can develop allergies to certain types of food. If your baby accidentally consumes dog food, it may trigger an allergic reaction or cause digestive issues. By baby-proofing dog bowls, you can prevent your child from coming into contact with dog food and avoid any potential allergies.
12 Tips on How to Baby Proof Dog Bowls
1 . Try to Keep Dog Bowls Out of Reach
One of the best ways to baby proof dog bowls is by keeping them away from your curious little one. This can be done by elevating them to a higher surface that your baby cannot reach, such as on a countertop or shelf. Alternatively, you can place the bowls in a room that your baby does not have access to.
2. Use Non-Slip Mats
Another way to prevent accidents with dog bowls is by using non-slip mats underneath them. These mats will help keep the bowls stable and minimize the risk of spills or tipping over. They are also easy to clean and can be placed in the dishwasher.
3. Invest in a Spill-Proof Bowl
If your baby is particularly adventurous, you may want to consider investing in a spill-proof bowl for your dog’s food and water. These bowls are designed with lids and special mechanisms that prevent spills and minimize messes.
4. Supervise Mealtime
It is important to supervise your baby and your dog during mealtime. This will not only ensure that your baby stays safe around the dog bowls, but it also allows you to keep an eye on your furry friend’s behavior.
5. Use a Baby Gate
A baby gate is another effective way to block off access to the room where your dog bowls are kept. This can be particularly useful if you have a larger dog that may accidentally knock over the bowls while playing.
6. Train Your Dog Not to Jump on Furniture
If your dog has a habit of jumping on furniture, it is important to train them not to do so. This will prevent them from accessing elevated surfaces where their bowls may be placed.
7. Teach Your Baby Not to Touch the Dog Bowls
Along with training your dog, it is important to teach your baby not to touch the dog bowls. This can be done by consistently reinforcing the message and redirecting their attention to a safe activity.
8. Use Covered Bowls
Covered bowls are another option for preventing spills and accidents with dog bowls. These bowls have a lid that can be securely fastened and are also designed to prevent your baby from reaching inside.
9. Keep Dog Bowls Clean
Keeping dog bowls clean is important for both your pet’s health and your baby’s safety. Make sure to wash them regularly with hot water and soap, and disinfect them if needed. Also, make sure to scoop up any food or water spills immediately.
10. Try a Raised Feeder
A raised feeder is another option for keeping dog bowls out of reach from your baby. These feeders are elevated and usually have an attached stand that keeps them stable. They also help with digestion for larger dogs.
11. Create a designated Mealtime Area
One effective way to baby proof dog bowls is by creating a designated mealtime area for your pet. This can be a specific room or corner of the house where you can place their food and water bowls, along with other mealtime necessities.
12. Consider Keeping Dog Bowls Outdoors
If weather permits, another option is to keep your dog’s bowls outdoors. This will not only keep your baby safe from potential accidents, but it also gives your dog a chance to enjoy their meal in the fresh air. Just make sure to keep an eye on them and bring the bowls back indoors when they are done eating.
Whether you choose one or multiple methods, implementing these tips can help ensure a safe and hassle-free environment for both your baby and your furry friend. Remember to always supervise mealtime, keep dog bowls clean, and teach both your baby and your dog appropriate behaviors around the bowls.
By following these tips, you can successfully baby-proof your dog bowls and create a peaceful coexistence between your little one and your pet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Precautions Should I Take When Baby Proofing My Home?
When it comes to baby proofing, the top priority is keeping your little one safe. Babies are naturally curious creatures and can easily get into things that could harm them
Therefore, as a parent or caregiver, it’s crucial to go beyond the obvious areas such as electrical outlets and cabinets to make sure your home is entirely baby-proofed. Along with securing cabinets and covering electrical outlets, you should also take precautions when it comes to your pets.
How Can I Baby Proof My Pet’s Bowls?
One of the main areas that parents may overlook when baby proofing is their pet’s bowls. Pets can be possessive and territorial over their food and water source, which can make it challenging for your baby to get near the bowls without causing a fuss. The best way to prevent any potential issues is by taking proactive steps to baby proof your pet’s bowls.
What Are Some Ways I Can Baby Proof My Pet’s Bowls?
Some simple and effective ways you can baby proof your pet’s bowls include:
- Elevating the bowl: One of the easiest methods is to elevate the bowl so that your baby can’t reach it. This works well for larger dogs, who won’t have any issues reaching their food or water.
- Using a pet gate: Another option is to use a pet gate to create a barrier between your baby and the bowls. This method is particularly useful if you have small dogs or cats that can easily jump onto a chair or table to reach their bowls.
- Putting up a visual barrier: If you prefer to keep your pet’s bowls on the floor, you can put up a visual barrier such as a piece of cardboard or baby gate. This way, your baby won’t be able to see the bowls and won’t be tempted to play with them.
Conclusion
All in all, there are many ways you can baby proof your dog’s food and water bowls. Whether you opt for higher or lower bowls, lifestyle accommodations or plastic guards, there is sure to be something that works for your family. And you’ll love the peace of mind knowing that your home and lovable pet lives coexist without worry.
Now you know how to baby proof dog bowls! Plus, your furry pal will appreciate being able to get his snacks as expected instead of having their bowl moved around to baby-proof it. Considering the parenting challenges you are already faced with everyday, take one thing off of the list and try these tips out today to make meals a little easier on everyone.
