The sanitize function just super heats the water or drying cycle to kill all germs. I got this on a dishwasher I've had less than 2 years. It wasn't a function on my original dishwasher. At that time, I washed the dog dishes by hand with paper towels I would toss away.
I can see where a person with an immune system compromise would need to use extra caution.
When I grow my third ear, I'll let you all know.
My dog dishes are either stainless or Corningware. I did use plastic for a while, but noticed that it turned Mac's beard red. I also had the cutest Mickey Mouse/Pluto dishes that I put away when all the lead paint scares happened. Cass eats so darned fast that I need a special bowl for her, but everytime I get ready to buy special dishes for her, I realize I don't have any shelf space for them so I keep using my dishes for her. I have one shelf in the cabinet for dog dishes, vitamins, medications. It is overkill now with only one dog.