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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think it's fine to let the dog lick plates in the dishwasher?

401 replies

Randomtasks · 14/12/2020 17:12

Dog is only a puppy so it's only just become an issue but he likes to lick the dirty plates etc that I've put in the dishwasher.

It doesn't bother me at all, they are getting washed after all but DH tells me it's rather gross. Is it?!

I'd normally ask my mum this kind of thing as she's shit hot on manners but her dogs have always done a dishwasher pre wash!

OP posts:
LilMidge01 · 14/12/2020 19:36

I think its more that the dog might lick something harmful for it would be my concern, not that its gross as its getting washed anyway

nicky7654 · 14/12/2020 19:36

I stopped my two doing this just in case they accidentally licked a knife. Not worried about licking the food off plates and they can do that with plates on the floor. They love a leftover shepherd pie 😂

fleurbelle · 14/12/2020 19:36

My kids lick plates.
My Frenchie doesn't get a look in.

AlternativePerspective · 14/12/2020 19:37

How do you know they used mouthwash before drinking or eating😂 well you don’t, but presumably if they’d just been eating shit you’d be able to smell it on their breath....

30yearoldpensioner · 14/12/2020 19:37

I don't 'let' my dog do this but she will get right in there if I leave the door open. The noise of the clattering plates and cutlery as she's going full force in there drives me up the wall! We do feed her her own food fyi

SchrodingersImmigrant · 14/12/2020 19:38

@AlternativePerspective

How do you know they used mouthwash before drinking or eating😂 well you don’t, but presumably if they’d just been eating shit you’d be able to smell it on their breath....
Well no. Because it could have been a day before and the galss has already been washed. It's a bum licking secret😁

(I am only joking here of course, but it's a similar principle. It's washed after)

balancingfigure · 14/12/2020 19:38

I wouldn’t worry about the hygiene as the dishwasher will sort and our dog often licks plates on the floor. However I don’t let her lick plates in the dishwasher as I think she is then likely to sniff around it even when it’s clean so the dishwasher is just a no go. She likes to lick our legs when we come out of the shower so maybe similarly attracted to clean dishes!

Itscoldouthere · 14/12/2020 19:39

I love my dog, but no way, I hate seeing dogs licking plates and dishwasher ready stuff.
My DH doesn't even like me putting the dogs bowls in the dishwasher with human stuff, they are washed seperatly.
My dog is allowed to sleep on my bed though, so I'm not super fussy about him being stinky etc, ( I know lots of people wouldn't like or allow sleeping on the bed).
I just think food is different and I don't want him to think it's ok to have food from a plate, it could encourage sterling food, my dog only gets food in his bowl or as reward based treats.

Frazzled2207 · 14/12/2020 19:39

When I was growing up this was standard procedure. To the extent that sometimes it wasn’t immediately obvious if they machine had been on or not.
As long as it’s before the wash it’s fine but obviously you need to be careful that the dog isn’t eating anything he shouldn’t

30yearoldpensioner · 14/12/2020 19:39

I don't 'let' my dog do this but she will get right in there if I leave the door open. The noise of the clattering plates and cutlery as she's going full force in there drives me up the wall! We do feed her her own food fyi

TwoLeftSocksWithHoles · 14/12/2020 19:40

i believe that there is bacteria in dog (and cat) saliva that can survive boiling water, but I don't suppose you were going to invite me round for a meal so it doesn't really matter to me, it's you who'll be sniffing other dogs bottoms or burying your poo in the garden. Grin

ktp100 · 14/12/2020 19:41

EEEEEEEEEEEWWWWWWWWWWW!!!

Fuck that!!!

SchrodingersImmigrant · 14/12/2020 19:42

Tbf saliva apparently has some antibactetial properties by itself. That's why wound licking helps (often).

AlternativePerspective · 14/12/2020 19:43

But it’s not the same though is it. As a general rule people don’t lick their plates before you wash them. Most people with any table manners eat with a knife and fork.

It really isn’t comparable to allowing the dog to lick the plates.

Ultimately the kinds of people who let the dogs lick the plates/the cats on the worktops/wash their toilet seat/mooncup in the dishwasher have pretty low cleanliness standards...

tiredqueen · 14/12/2020 19:43

That is disgusting 🤢

Spidey66 · 14/12/2020 19:43

@LisaLee333

I know someone who got salmonella poisoning from mixing pet plates with human plates, but heyyyy, crack on. Salmonella is just sooooo lovely to have!

Oh yeah YABU @Randomtasks It's fucking foul letting your animals anywhere near stuff you EAT from, and mixing the crockery and stuff.

WTF is wrong with some people? Such low hygiene standards. Probably expect the NHS to look after you if you get ill though eh? Although, this type probably thinks they're entitled to the care, coz they pay N.I. contributions! Hmm

Huge relief to see two thirds of people think YABU. More people with common sense than not!

Since I've had my dog, 18months, I've had one cold. That's it. I get stomach pains sometimes, but that's explained by gallstones, which i didnt get from my dog licking my plates which are then cleaned and dried at a high temperature. My husband hasn't even had that. So don't worry, the NHS won't need to look after any dog licking plate illness in our house, but thanks.
Girlyracer · 14/12/2020 19:44

Why would you want any animal to develop this habit in a house? Bizarre.

SchrodingersImmigrant · 14/12/2020 19:46

Ultimately the kinds of people who let the dogs lick the plates/the cats on the worktops/wash their toilet seat/mooncup in the dishwasher have pretty low cleanliness standards...

Only thing I agree with here is the cats on worktop. Dishwashers takes care of the rest so in the end hygienically there is simply no issue outside of our heads.

silentpool · 14/12/2020 19:46

I think its nasty to be honest. I've always avoided giving pets human food as I can't stand begging or stealing food off plates.

Dementedswan · 14/12/2020 19:46

I wouldn't personally, because that teaches the dog its ok to lick plates... next they will be licking your plate while you are still eating

Wheresmykimchi · 14/12/2020 19:48

@SchrodingersImmigrant

Ultimately the kinds of people who let the dogs lick the plates/the cats on the worktops/wash their toilet seat/mooncup in the dishwasher have pretty low cleanliness standards...

Only thing I agree with here is the cats on worktop. Dishwashers takes care of the rest so in the end hygienically there is simply no issue outside of our heads.

Oh no I couldn't put a moon cup in there
pessimistiquerealistique · 14/12/2020 19:49

www.cuteness.com/13724366/is-it-safe-for-dogs-humans-to-share-plates

Spidey66 · 14/12/2020 19:49

www.nhs.uk/conditions/food-poisoning/

Nope....nothing there about salmonella being caused by the dog licking a plate.

LolaSmiles · 14/12/2020 19:49

My dogs will try but they get told no. I don't want them eating anything that would make them unwell or cutting themselves. If there's spare gravy then it goes in their bowls for them.

It wouldn't bother me on a hygiene level as the dishwasher is hot enough. I'm more bothered about going to houses that allow their cats on every surface.

12345ct · 14/12/2020 19:50

@Nore

I think that's absolutely revolting.
One million percent this. 😱🤮🤢
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