Yes, dog bowls are breeding grounds for harmful bacteria and germs that could put your dog at risk. These germs could also put you and your family at risk, so it’s important that you clean the bowls at least once a day.
Use your better judgment and determine whether the bowls need cleaning more often than that. If your dog has had a particularly messy mealtime, you might want to be safe and clean the bowl twice a day.
Also, make sure that there are no soapy bubbles left over after washing as this could harm their stomachs as well. Sanitizing the bowls should always be done with a product that is specifically made for dog food bowls.