We have automatic dog waters for our dogs that stay outside while we are at work; truck drivers gone 4 days out of the week. We clean the automatic waters the day we leave, but when we return on the 4th day, to bring them inside, their water bowls are turning green.
Is there something safe to put in the water, that won't hurt our dogs? For winter they have heated trays for bowls to sit on and dog heaters in both dog houses.
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Scrub them good with bleach based cleaner then rinse well fill with water keep out of direct sunlight and avoid putting under trees that are heavy pollinators! and put a piece of copper in it like copper pipe in the waterer
I think it is antimicrobial so it will keep the water cleaner. That is the reason some people use copper bowls for their pets too.
OK, so you're gone four days of the week and you keep your dogs outside! You're kidding, right? And you ask about the green gunk in their water? You shouldn't have any dogs! People think all they have to do is feed and water their dogs. I hope you don't have children!
It acts as an anti-microbial to keep the water clean and avoid a slimy build up.
Here is an article that talks more about it:
Making sure you have the right bowls help(ceramic & stainless).Also there bowls should be changed out daily to prevent disease and other issues.
Are you using metal bowls? They seem to stay cleaner longer than plastic. I would start there.
My best suggestion is that--if possible--you have someone you trust stop over at least once a day to check on the pups. I say this will all due respect, but systems fail and having a person check, ideally once a day could avert a tragedy.
I know my example is a cat, but several years ago when cat sitting I did my TWICE daily check and one of the little guys had had a stroke between the morning and evening visits. I was able to get him to the emergency vet on the spot and get him the care he needed. Had the owner gone with a once a day or even and every other day check in, this poor guy may have suffered and passed without anyone knowing for 24 to 48 hours. That would have been awful.
So for your situation, besides checking for general health and well being, a human can see if something goes wrong with the water dispenser (clean it daily) or the food or take action if the power goes out and the back up power goes out and the heat system fails. Having eyes on the pups--even once a day--can allow action can be taken to avert tragedy.
Sending good wishes for safe travels always!
Plastic does allow algae to collect in the water much faster than metal bowls do. Plus you can add a tablespoon or two of apple cider vinegar to the water to prevent algae from forming in the bowls. Apple cider vinegar will not harm the dogs at all and is very good for them. I use it here for my dogs and from time to time add a teaspoon in the little dogs food and a tablespoon in the bigger dogs food. This helps with their digestive system and also controlling fleas on them. Check it out it is a good way to keep the water clean and also healthy for your dogs.
Is it safe to put vinegar in cat's water also?
This is what I do for the automatic water dish outside for my canines (adding apple cider vinegar to the water). It WORKS too. Zero algae forms and I have noticed my senior's breath is better as are both of my canines coats.
Stainless steel water bowls help resist algae growth. Also, you will need to scrub the water bowls clean and re-fill with fresh water.
Do you have a neighbor that can help once every other day to change out the water?
Bowls have to be washed and refilled daily. I would hire a teenager to do it.
Stainless steel bowls have been tested and proven to grow less algae than other materials. Who feeds your dogs? I assume someone must feed them daily. If not have someone come and check on their water on at least a daily basis.
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