Health · Public Health & Disease · 1 day ago
UNAM warns dirty pet bowls can grow microbes that cause infections
A UNAM veterinary academic warned that biofilm can affect pets when their food and water bowls are not cleaned regularly.
Biofilm is a community of microbes that grows on damp or poorly cleaned surfaces, including bowls and toys.
These microbes can cause mouth, stomach or breathing infections in dogs and cats.
Some bacteria that can form biofilm are also linked to human infections, but that does not mean those infections come from pets’ bowls.
Washing bowls at least once a day can help prevent biofilm, and bowls should be washed after each use when they contain wet food.
Owners should also clean pet toys regularly and use a separate sponge or brush for bowls.
UNAM academic Ylenia Márquez Peña warned that dirty pet food and water bowls can develop biofilms that may cause infections in dogs and cats.
Biofilms are communities of fungi, bacteria and organic matter that grow on damp or poorly cleaned surfaces.
They can also form on pet toys, and may cause oral, gastrointestinal or respiratory infections.
Márquez Peña advised washing bowls at least once a day and after each use when they contain wet food.
Biofilms are linked to human infections in various settings, but the article says this does not mean those infections originate from pets’ belongings.
- Who
- UNAM academic Ylenia Márquez Peña issued the warning to pet owners.
- What
- Biofilms can form on dirty bowls and other damp surfaces and may cause infections in pets.
- When
- The articles were published on October 24, 2026. Biofilm formation can begin within hours.
- Where
- On pet water bowls and food dishes, as well as toys and other damp surfaces.
- Why
- Moisture and poor hygiene allow communities of fungi, bacteria and organic matter to grow.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Bacteria and fungi begin colonizing the surface, according to Márquez Peña.
Biofilm formation can begin, although maturation time varies with the microorganisms and environmental conditions.
The academic recommends washing pet bowls, and washing them after each use when they contain wet food.
- UNAM academic
- Ylenia Márquez Peña
- Biofilm components
- Fungi, bacteria and organic matter
- Potential infections
- Oral, gastrointestinal and respiratory
- Bowl-cleaning advice
- At least once a day; after each use for wet food
- Bacteria named
- Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli
3 sources
What people are saying
The biofilm is very present in the water dishes or food bowls of our companion animals if we do not clean them frequently or daily.
This community of microbes begins to develop in them immediately after companion animals use them because bacteria and fungi begin to colonize, and over time more and more are created.
The biofilm matrix is composed mainly of water, proteins, nucleic acids, lipids and other substances. Therefore, moisture is a factor that favors its formation and growth.