I'm seeing questions about plastic bowls causing problems for dogs. My dogs have eaten out of plastic bowls for 20+ years and haven't ever had any problems.We use old plastic bowls from, say, Chinese take out, etc. We don't do it often, but we save the bowls as they come with plastic lids and make great storage containers. They also make great dog dishes.
Plastic can harbor bacteria, which can cause skin irritation in some animals. If you're not reusing the same bowls over and over, or they are getting adequately washed between each use, it's not usually an issue. Cats often have more trouble with plastic bowls than dogs.
Hi Troll, My sweet boxer started developing bumbs on her mouth and lips, around the age of 3. The vet told me the plastic bowls I used might be the cause. I switched to steel bowls and voila!! No more bumps and irritation. I washed her bowls every day. I really think the plastic caused it.
The only problems I've heard about plastic bowls is because bacteria spreads easily in plastic. I don't really see it as a huge issue as long as the bowls are washed regularly, especially the water bowl. I've never had a problem, but I switched to metal bowls anyway...
I have never heard of a plastic water dish turning a dog's nose pink, and I really don't think that is the case. I use stainless steel dishes for my dog's food and water though, because they are easier to clean and don't scratch. Plastic scratches, and bacteria can grow in the grooves of the scratches and infect their food or water. It also tends to stain and hold onto smells, which I don't like. There is also some evidence that some plastic dog dishes leech out chemicals into the water, so your dog could potentially be drinking trace amounts of chemicals in the water. Stainless steel wipes out clean with a warm cloth, doesn't scratch, doesn't hold smells, and doesn't leech chemicals which is why I prefer it. Interestingly, my dog refuses to drink water from a plastic water bottle, and I think it is because of the chemicals in the plastic. She will drink water from any other source - a stainless steel water bottle, a hose, a pond, anything... except for a plastic water bottle.
Just because a condition affects one dog, doesn't mean it will be a problem for all dogs. Some concerns with plastic include: --dogs chewing the dishes and ingesting plastic pieces --plastics can get small cuts in the surface and harbor bacteria --plastics may leach possibly hazardous chemicals into the food or water --plastics can cause an acne-like condition on the chins of some dogs and cats I'm guessing you are frequently changing out the bowls and not using a 20-year-old plastic Chinese take-out container. I prefer stainless or human-grade glazed ceramic bowls. Personal preference. I did think the plastic bowls I used caused my black dog's beard to turn a reddish color, but I can't prove that. If your dogs aren't having any problems, seems like this works for you!
