Anyone who has a Labrador retriever knows how messy they can be when it comes to the way they drink water. If you don’t watch where you are going, you can find yourself stepping in a slobbery mess. Not only can this be bothersome, it can also cause you to slip and fall, resulting in injury. However, you can do more than just be careful about where you step to keep your Labrador’s drinking area cleaner.
An Indoor/Outdoor Mat
Instead of allowing the water to slop over the side of the bowl onto your floor, the use of an indoor/outdoor mat will keep the mess in one place. As long as you remember not to walk on the mat, you won’t need to worry about stepping in a sloppy mess. This type of mat is also easy to clean so you can keep the area under control.
An Elevated Bowl
Elevated bowls can serve many benefits for your Labrador retriever. However, one of the best benefits you will see is the assistance these types of bowls provide you to keep the area cleaner. An elevated bowl is more difficult, if not impossible, to tip over. It also allows the dog to drink more comfortably, avoiding much of the mess he makes when he lifts his head.
Keep a Schedule
Many people leave water out for their dog to drink all the time. This means you can never know when to expect a mess. However, if you establish a schedule on which you give your Labrador retriever water, you will reduce the mess he can make. You can always give him water if he obviously needs it at other times.
Reuse Old Towels
Whether you have been using paper towels or using some of your good towels to clean up the mess, you are better off keeping a stock of old towels you would otherwise discard to clean up the mess. Keep one of these towels near your Labrador’s bowl at all times. If you stick to a drinking schedule, you can use this towel to wipe off your dog’s mouth and chin to keep him from dripping all over the kitchen.
The mess Labrador retrievers can make when they drink can be a real hassle and a hazard. However, you can take steps to reduce the amount of mess by using an indoor/outdoor mat, scheduling drinking sessions, keeping an old towel on hand for quick cleanup and using an elevated bowl.
