One of the most enjoyable parts of owning a dog is shopping for accessories. Your four legged family member will need a leash, collar, bowls for food and water, and toys. There is such a wide range of dog products to choose from, you’ll have no trouble finding the right gear for your dog.

One of the most important purchases you’ll make is a bowl for your dog’s food and water.  Before you make your choice, there are some things you may need to take into consideration.

Firstly, let’s look at your dog’s breed. Dogs with long pendulous ears, such as those from the Spaniel family, often dip their ears in their dinner as they eat. That’s not such a problem if you feed your dog kibble, but if their meal consists of canned meat, casseroles or other types of wet food, those ears can get quite messy! Think about purchasing a “Spaniel bowl” which is wider at the bottom and narrow at the top, so your dog’s ears stay right outside the bowl as they eat or drink.

Does your dog have a sore neck or back? You may want to buy it an elevated bowl. These are often made of stainless steel and are raised off the ground. That way they don’t need to bend down to eat.  These bowls are also helpful for dogs that have difficulty swallowing; gravity will help the food move down to their stomach.

If your dog doesn’t have any such requirements, there are still choices to be made.  Do you buy a plastic bowl, or a stainless steel bowl? What about those pretty decorated ceramic bowls? There are advantages and disadvantages to each.

Plastic bowls can be quite stylish, such as those made by Dogue Plastic, and they are available in a variety of sizes. They’re often inexpensive, and depending on their shape, they can be hard to tip over. Their main disadvantage is that if your dog likes to chew, you may find yourself replacing their bowl on a regular basis. Also, some dogs are sensitive to plastic and the skin on their chin and muzzle may become red and irritated.

If you’d like your bowl to match your decor, a ceramic bowl is your best option. You can choose a colour and pattern that co-ordinate with your home. These bowls are very heavy and aren’t likely to be knocked over. Their main disadvantages are that they are fragile and will crack if dropped, and they can be expensive. However if you’re looking for a sturdy bowl to stay in one spot and hold your dog’s water, a ceramic bowl might just be what you need.

Many people prefer to use stainless steel bowls, because they’re lightweight and easy to clean. They often have a rubber rim which prevents them slipping and sliding across the floor. There are no real disadvantages to this type of dog bowl, except perhaps the price. They are often more expensive than plastic bowls, but will last you a long time.

Automatic bowls are very handy if your dog is unattended for a large part of the day. Having said that, make sure you just use them for water, and not for food. If your dog has free access to food and the bowl is automatically topped up when it is empty, they will end up with a weight problem!

No matter what type of bowl you choose, there is one other bowl that every dog owning family should buy. Travel bowls are small fabric bowls which fold up into a neat package that can be attached to your belt. They’re perfect for taking on those long walks to allow your dog to have a drink when they are thirsty.