How To Keep Toddler Out Of Dog Water Bowl

It is really difficult for parents to keep a toddler out of the dog water bowl because these toddlers have no boundaries and can be a little bit high-energy. Related: Pets and toddlers — How To Keep Toddler Out Of Dog Water Bowl in the home While you’re busy trying to keep your curious toddler out of trouble, having both little kids and pets requires a significant amount of preparation to avoid mess, maintain fresh air quality and most importantly safe environment.

“Toddlers are the kind to get super drawn to the water bowl because the dogs are so big, and in a clean water bowl, it’s potential mess-making, and that can be a risk, potentially contaminating the water or preventing the dog from getting their fill. In this article, we will discuss some tips on how to prevent your toddler from playing the dog water bowl to keep a clean environment for both your kiddo and fur baby.

Why Are Toddlers Drawn to the Dog’s Water Bowl?

You set a bowl of water out for your dog, and your toddler is beelining toward it in seconds. Why does this happen? A few reasons:

• Sensory play: Exploring with water can appeal to toddlers. Nonsensical, curious behaviours, like touching, splashing, and observing how it moves, are vital experiences that help them understand the world.
• Imitation: Little kids often want to mimic what pets (and adults) do, including drinking from bowls or examining their food.
• Curiosity: If you want to give a good reason why toddlers are so curious, it’s because anything “off-limits” looks more interesting to them.
• Accessibility: Unlike cups up on the counter, dog bowls are always easy to reach at the ground level.

Although a quick splash may seem harmless, there are legitimate reasons to keep children out of pet water. Spilled water makes for slipping hazards, and communal bowls can be breeding grounds for germs or bacteria, particularly if your toddler insists on drinking out of it or swapping toys with your dog. However, there are some practical things you can do to establish boundaries and make your home as safe as possible for your children and your pets.

Simple Solutions for Toddler-Proofing the Dog Water Bowl

When it comes to keeping toddlers out of the dog bowl, consistency and creativity are key. Here are proven strategies to minimize mess and keep everyone healthy.

Move the Bowl to a Safer Location

Move It Out of Reach

In some cases, the best option is to move the feeding station:

• Use baby gates: If you have a large enough gated-off area in your home, you can put the dog’s food and water in one of those gates to which your pup only has access.
• Raised platforms or furniture: Place the bowl on a raised platform if your dog is tall enough to get to it—but not your toddler.
• Other rooms: If your home is laid out appropriately, put the dog’s bowls in a laundry or mudroom and close the door using a childproof handle cover.

Pro-tip:

Ensure your pet can always access their water when you’re not actively supervising your toddler.

Schedule Supervised Access

If you can’t completely separate your child from the bowls, try supervised access:

• Offer water breaks: Put the bowl down only when your toddler is not in the area. Pick it up after your dog drinks.
• Feed and water when your child naps or is occupied: Take advantage of nap times, playpen breaks, or screen time to give your dog meal and water access.
• Tag-team with another adult: If possible, schedule “dog time” for when another adult is present to watch your child.

Create a Visual Barrier

Toddlers respond well to visual boundaries:

• Use a pet feeding mat: A large, brightly colored mat can tell your child, “This area is off limits.” Over time, they’ll associate the mat with a no-go zone.
• Pictures and stop signs: Tape a child-friendly “stop” sign near the dog’s station and explain what it means.
• Furniture placement: Arrange furniture or an ottoman to obstruct access.

Invest in Toddler-Proofing Products

A couple of useful child safety products can go a long way:

• Dog bowl stands and covered feeders: Some pet stores sell covered water dispensers or feeders that snap shut or take a little extra dexterity to get into.
• Weighted, spillproof bowls: These stay in place better, and they’re harder to tip over, which minimizes mess if your toddler does get close.
• Non-skid bowls: To reduce splashing, use bowls with rubberized bases.

Set Boundaries and Teach “No”

Consistency matters when setting limits:

• Redirection: Whenever your child goes for the bowl, lightly guide them toward something else more sensory appropriate, whether it be a toy that lights up or plays music, a water table or a bowl of water designated for messy play (see below).
• Repetition: Calmly repeat the boundary every time. “That’s the dog’s water. We don’t play there.”
• Praise and reward: Whenever your toddler walks away or leaves the bowl alone, provide praise or a small reward.

Offer Safe Water Play Alternatives

Since water play is so alluring, consider providing fun alternatives that promote safe exploration:

Bathtub water play: Allow your toddler some extra time to hang out in the tub, which is equipped with spoons, cups , and floating toys.

• Sensory bins: Fill bins with water, ice cubes, and/or water beads and let your child play with you supervising.
• Outdoor water tables: Outdoor water tables are great for the backyard or the balcony
• Spray bottles and sponges: Create a “cleaning station” where your toddler can spray and wipe, with you supervising.

When you harness their fascination for them into age-appropriate play, your toddler learns that there are more enjoyable ways to inflict with water than splashing around in the pup’s water bowl.

Clean Up Promptly and Watch for Hazards

There will be spills and messes from time to time:

• Always keep a towel around: Use towels in the pet feeding area to soak up spills right away.
• Non-slip mats — Use non-slip mats under or around the feeding station to minimize the risk of sliding.

Look out for mould: Clean bowls regularly to prevent bacteria or mould from growing.

Consider Your Dog’s Well-being

“Not only is it about your toddler’s own safety, but your dog also needs to have access to clean water and a stress-free area on a routine basis:

• Watch your dog for stress: If your pet appears anxious or refuses to drink, reassure them and give them private access as much as you can.

No negative connotation: Do not rebuke your dog for guarding the food bowl or water bowl from your child. Separation is key.

Recommended Products to Help Keep Toddlers Safe

LumoLeaf No-Spill Dog Water Bowl

The LumoLeaf No Spill Water Bowl is a 35oz pet water bowl that prevents spills when drinking. Its floating disk mechanism slows down your pet’s drinking pace, helping to reduce gulping and vomiting. The anti-slip base offers stability, so it’s great for use at home or on the road in RVs and SUVs. The bowl itself is easy to clean (pop the floating disk off and rinse or load it on the top rack of the dishwasher). It is great for messy drinkers; it helps keep floors dry and is a water cleaner. ​

Ray Allen Spill Proof Dog Water Bowl

The Ray Allen Buddy Bowl (BB1-BLA) is a rugged, spill-resistant dog bowl for active dogs. The unique design includes a floating disk that slows your dog’s drinking speed, which helps prevent excessive gulping that can lead to choking hazards. It is made of premium materials, durable, and wear-resistant. The non-slip base can be used during travel or in vehicles without the worry of the container tipping. The Buddy Bowl: Easy to clean and maintains pet hydration without the mess.

Decflow 1.2 Gallon Dog Water Bowl

Available in a massive 1.2-gallon capacity, the Decflow 4.5L Dog Water Bowl will make sure your pet has fresh water for days on end. It features a clear floating disk that regulates water flow for more gradual drinking that deters gulping and spills. Its spill-proof feature ensures that your floors stay dry, while its incorporated activated carbon filter purifies water by eliminating odors and debris. Made of durable BPA-free stainless steel, this bowl is rust- and stain-resistant, making it perfect for home or travel. The anti-slip base can keep this feeder stable enough to accommodate medium to large dogs and multiple pets.

What If My Toddler Actually Drinks the Dog’s Water?

Accidents happen. If you find your toddler drinking out of the bowl, don’t freak out. Usually harmless, but check the following:

• Assess for potential toxins: Make sure there’s nothing hazardous in the bowl (e.g., cleaning chemicals, spilled food).
• Wash the bowl: Scrub with soap and hot water.
• Monitor for GI symptoms: If your child gets vomiting diarrhea or is certain that something is not right, contact your pediatrician.

Fortunately, most kids will make a silly face and move on!

Additional Safety Tips for Pet Owners with Kids

• Teach gentle pet interactions: Teach your child to be kind to animals and not to disturb their food and water areas.
• Devote yourself to pet health: Wash dishes each day and maintain up-to-date vaccinations.
• Set a good example: Drink from the cups and tell them, “Bowls are for dogs, cups are for people.”

Conclusion: How To Keep Toddler Out Of Dog Water Bowl

A little effort and patience can go a long way in protecting your toddler while keeping your dog hydrated and happy. Whether you’re playing around with new feeding locations, practising consistent boundaries, or purchasing smart pet gear, you should know that this challenge is totally relatable and completely solvable.

Consider small victories, such as a dry floor or a water bowl left untouched, and be sure to give priority to your child’s curiosity as well as your dog’s comfort.

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FAQs: How To Keep Toddler Out Of Dog Water Bowl