What is that common saying about water?
Water is life.
Water is essential for your pet and giving your dog alkaline water will be the best fit when you want to add that extra oomph of health benefits.
So, can dogs drink alkaline water?
Yes.
Alkaline water is safe for your dog if it has an 8.5-9 pH medium alkalinity.
It causes chemical changes in their bodies that encourage them to consume more water, resulting in greater hydration.
Alkaline water also helps them have more energy and less stinky poo.
Before giving your dog alkaline water, you have to understand its health benefits, when it’s not fit for your dog, and how you can make some at home.
This article will tackle all that in detail.
Why choose alkaline water for your dog?
Alkaline water is derived from ionized water or has its pH levels raised.
The pH level measures how acidic or basic water is and ranges from 0-to 14, with seven as the neutral number.
Water with a pH of less than 7 is acidic, while higher than seven is alkaline.
Alkaline water pH ranges between 8-and 9.
It also contains essential minerals and negative oxidation-reduction potential (ORP).
ORP measures how oxidizing or reducing water is and is either high (positive) or low (negative).
Water with negative ORP doesn’t contain dangerous contaminants like Lead and Mercury, making alkaline water safe and healthy.
You can choose to give your dog two types of alkaline water, natural and artificial, and they have significant differences.
Artificial alkaline water vs. natural alkaline water
If you are to choose between artificial and natural alkaline water, go for natural alkaline water for your dog.
The chemical makeup of natural alkaline water is different from artificial alkaline water.
Natural water gets its alkalinity from running through nature and picks up alkaline minerals from the porous rock that will benefit your dog.
Mother nature solely takes credit for its high pH level.
A machine processes artificial alkaline water.
It undergoes electrolysis; a process whereby water ionizers use electricity to split water molecules bringing about alkalinity.
The pH level is high in alkaline water, but it doesn’t contain the essential minerals vital for your dog’s health like in natural alkaline water.
A lack of these minerals will lead to mineral deficiency in your dog’s body.
Ensure you give your dog mineral-rich alkaline water that contains calcium, magnesium and potassium.
Essential minerals in alkaline water.
Calcium – 99% of calcium is stored in your dog’s bones and ensures they are healthy.
It’s also good for teeth, muscle building and function, a strong heart, and a healthy nervous system.
Potassium – Categorized as an electrolyte, it is vital in the functioning of electrical charges in your dog’s heart, nerves, and muscles.
Potassium also helps create energy and keep a balance of pressure with sodium.
Sodium – Helps balance the pressure in your dog’s cells, regulates water intake, and encourages your pet’s water intake.
Sodium also maintains nerve and muscle cell function.
Magnesium – Aids in the development of your dog’s bones, produces energy at the cellular level, and promotes a working nervous system.
Benefits of alkaline water for your dog
- The potassium bicarbonate in alkaline water helps reduce the odor of your dog’s mouth.
- Alkaline water has small molecules that can penetrate deep into tissues providing long-lasting hydration, making your dog energetic over long periods.
- Dog’s stomach can become acidic when digesting food, creating acid reflux. If you have ever experienced this, you know how uncomfortable it is. The pH of alkaline water neutralizes the stomach acid, making digestion much easier for your dog.
- The minerals in alkaline water will prevent the wearing out of joints in your dog by ensuring its cartilage is healthy. Arthritis can be a thing of the past when you introduce alkaline water to your dog’s diet.
- Alkaline water can contribute to a healthy fur coat for your furry friend by reducing hair loss. Continuous intake of alkaline water will prevent acidic sebum from being stripped and flush out harmful free radicals reducing hair shedding in your dog.
Can you make alkaline water at home?
Yes.
Buying alkaline water each time you want to give your dog some is avoidable when you learn how to prepare it at home.
It will help you save a lot and be beneficial to the environment.
The different ways of preparing it are:
- Add baking soda- Mix ½ a teaspoon of baking soda into a gallon of water. Shake the water thoroughly and ensure the baking soda dissolves before the dog drinks it. If your dog is on a no-salt diet, you should avoid this method since baking soda is high in sodium.
- Adding pH drops in water- Ph drops are liquid drops with concentrated essential minerals and electrolytes. They come in small handy bottles, are flavorless, and you need a few drops to each glass of water to increase its pH. The best part is they are affordable.
- Buying an ionizing water pitcher- This alkaline filter pitcher will reduce chlorine and other toxins present and add some alkaline mineral hydrates to the water. The water should be left to sit for five minutes in the pitcher before giving your dog to drink.
- Using lemon- The acidity can have an alkalizing effect when digested. It raises the pH level in the body above 7. Mix a small amount with your dog’s water and let him enjoy it.
What to consider before giving your dog alkaline water
With all the benefits alkaline water can have on your dog, you have to keep the following in mind:
- If your dog is nursing, don’t give it alkaline water. When the puppy is nursing, it will absorb excess calcium from the mother’s milk leading to hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia will make the dog weak, increase its water intake and urination and contribute to loss of appetite. Purified water will be best during this period.
- Don’t give your dog alkaline water while it’s on medication. Alkaline water increases the body’s metabolism hence won’t be appropriate if you want your dog to absorb the drug at a set rate. If you must give your dog the water, ensure it’s one hour before or after medication.
- Dogs with diabetes, kidney failure, bowel obstruction, or urinary tract infection shouldn’t drink alkaline water as it will aggravate the situation.
Frequently asked questions (FAQS)
When is the best time to give my dog alkaline water?
The best time to give your dog alkaline water is an hour before or after meals.
Alkaline water can neutralize the stomach acids needed leading to slow digestion in your dog.
Can I give my dog tap water?
Yes, you can give your dog tap water.
Tap water is a safe, cost-effective and readily available option, so there is no harm.
Is refrigerated water safe for dogs?
Yes, refrigerated water is safe for dogs.
Research says that icy water won’t harm your dogs.
Your dog won’t bloat or die after taking cold water on a hot day.
You can even give your dog ice as treats for them to chew.
Is electrolyte water good for dogs?
Yes, electrolyte water is good for dogs.
Electrolyte water won’t harm your dog if given occasionally.
It contains salt and essential minerals that can benefit older, sick, or weak dogs.
Conclusion
Alkaline water is safe for your dog, and it has multiple health benefits, such as strong joints and increased energy levels.
Ensure the alkaline water has a pH level of 8-9.
If you purchase it from the store, ensure it contains the essential minerals your dog needs.
A happy and healthy dog is what your furry friend will be after drinking alkaline water for a long time.
Unfortunately, handicapped dogs are much more likely to be ignored when a family is picking out their new pet. Handicapped pets need more care than non-handicapped pets, so it is understandable why they are often harder to rehome.
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