| Dog bowls are one of the most common items used | | | | toys. But it's a nice way to dress up your home and |
| by all dog owners. Every dog needs a bowl for food | | | | make meal time more fun for both you and your |
| and water. But there's nothing "common" about | | | | dog. You can personalize dishes by having your dog's |
| personalized dog bowls! You can find beautiful bowls | | | | name put on them or you can have something like |
| for your dog with all kinds of designs. Here are some | | | | "Food" and "Water" put on the bowls. |
| things to look for if you're considering custom dog | | | | If you happen to have multiple pets then |
| dishes. | | | | personalization can be a good way to keep your |
| 1. Materials. Most experts agree that ceramic or | | | | dogs' dishes separated. That way Barney won't be |
| stainless steel make the best choices for dog dishes. | | | | eating out of Betty's bowls and vice versa. Your |
| Stainless steel has the advantage when it comes to | | | | dogs may not be able to read their names but you'll |
| being easy to clean and disinfect. They are easy to | | | | know which bowls are which! |
| find and inexpensive. However, stainless steel pans | | | | 3. Artwork. Customized bowls today often come |
| are usually somewhat lacking when it comes to looks. | | | | with exciting and interesting artwork designs. The |
| Stainless steel bowls can be engraved but it takes | | | | artwork often has a dog theme which can be fun or |
| special engraving tools and most stores don't carry | | | | playful, geometric, colorful, something with bones or |
| this kind of equipment. | | | | another dog emblem. There are all sorts of designs |
| Ceramic dishes for your dog have some excellent | | | | available. You can choose something that you think |
| benefits. Heavy bowls are hard for dogs to tip over. | | | | represents your dog, something that appeals to you, |
| Bowls that have been glazed will not hold food | | | | or something that would appeal to your dog if he |
| particles or odors from previous meals. They're easy | | | | could choose. You're free to choose whatever you |
| to clean and disinfect, especially if you use a | | | | like. |
| dishwasher since ceramic materials are | | | | Artwork and personalization are usually done on |
| dishwasher-safe. If you use a dish with a "lip" or rim it | | | | ceramic bowls. Many are hand-painted and fire-glazed. |
| will keep food from coming out of the dish when | | | | These bowls do cost more than stainless steel bowls |
| your dog eats - something that can be very helpful if | | | | but they are beautiful, durable dishes that can really |
| you have a dog that's a messy eater. Ceramic bowls | | | | dress up your dog's meals. Will your dog notice the |
| are also chew-proof which is great if you have | | | | difference in his dinnerware? Who knows. But you will |
| puppies or a dog who tends to chew on the bowl. | | | | notice. If you like the idea of personalized dog bowls |
| Ceramic dishes are easy to personalize. They can be | | | | then there's no reason why you shouldn't indulge |
| painted and decorated in lots of designs and colors. | | | | yourself and your dog with a set. |
| It's not hard to add a dog's name to a dish by special | | | | While you're looking at personalized dishes for dogs |
| order. Many companies sell customized dog bowls | | | | you may also want to consider ceramic treat jars. |
| these days. | | | | There are some labeled "Cookies" or "Biscuits" which |
| By contrast, plastic bowls can present a problem for | | | | are nice for dogs. They may even match your dog's |
| many dogs. Lots of dogs develop allergies to the | | | | bowls. |
| chemicals in plastic bowls which can result in pimply | | | | If you're buying customized dishes you should make |
| break-outs on their faces or other signs of allergies. | | | | sure that non-toxic paints have been used. You don't |
| In some cases dogs which eat out of plastic bowls | | | | want your dog to eat from a dish that could contain |
| can develop a "snow nose" which is a pale pink nose | | | | any dangerous chemicals. In most cases a glazed |
| instead of a typical dark nose. This loss of | | | | ceramic bowl or dish won't be a concern since the |
| pigmentation is a reaction to the chemicals in the | | | | firing process will cover the paints used. However, if |
| plastic. Plastic dishes are also harder to clean and | | | | you're purchasing plastic bowls that have paint at the |
| disinfect; they can be chewed; and they don't last as | | | | surface you will want to be certain that the paint is |
| long as stainless steel or ceramic bowls which can last | | | | non-toxic. |
| for years. | | | | Many people enjoy personalizing their dog's |
| Plastic bowls are also easy to customize. They can | | | | belongings. Dogs often have lots of possessions, |
| be painted and decorated in various colors and | | | | including coats, sweaters, rain gear, collars, leashes |
| designs. Check at the store where you make your | | | | and so on. All of these items can be personalized. If |
| purchase to see if they offer this service. | | | | you're purchasing some of these items you may |
| 2. Personalization. Personalizing your dog's dishes is a | | | | want to look for products that can be personalized |
| way to show your dog that he's special. No, it's | | | | or ask the store if the product can be customized |
| probably not a necessity but neither are treats or | | | | for your dog. |