Can Dogs Drink Alkaline Water?
Water is vital for all living creatures. As it is essential for us, it is equally important that our pets have clean water.
Alkaline water has many benefits for humans: лower acid reflux in the body and higher antioxidant activity. It also provides more energy and nutrient absorption. Alkaline water is okay for humans, but what about dogs?
In most cases, alkaline water can be safe for dogs. It might cause chemical changes that could lead to your dog drinking more water, resulting in better hydration. Alkaline water can also increase your dog’s energy and reduce its poo stink!
Alkaline water may not be safe for dogs on medication or when nursing and before and after their meals.
What is Alkaline Water?
A pH between 8 and 9 is considered alkaline water. On a scale from 0 to 14, the pH level indicates how acidic or alkaline a substance is. A pH level of 12 would indicate that the substance is very alkaline, while a pH of 1 would indicate that it is highly acidic.
The pH of regular drinking water is usually seven or neutral.
Although pH is a good indicator of acidic and alkaline water, it is not the only one. Alkaline water, for example, also contains alkaline minerals like calcium, potassium, magnesium, and bicarbonate. It also has an oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) of negative.
Water is vital for humans and animals alike, so give your pet water with minerals. Water is responsible for keeping your pet’s body functioning at peak levels, just like humans.
Water is not all the same. Tap water can often be treated with harmful chemicals such as fluoride, chlorine, and heavy metals. These impurities may make us avoid tap water, but we don’t even think about it when we fill our pets’ bowls.
Minerals are abundant in natural alkaline water. They are absorbed as the water flows down streams and through rivers. Artificial alkaline water might be different, especially if it has been ionized.
Although the dog can detect alkalinity in water, the body might not be able to identify minerals. Artificial alkaline water could trick your dog’s body into believing it contains calcium and magnesium when in fact, it doesn’t.
The body might become confused and begin depleting its mineral reserves leading to a mineral deficiency.
We recommend that your dog only drink mineral-rich, alkaline water, which has high levels of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and others.
Are Alkaline Waters Safe for Dogs?
Dogs can drink alkaline water safely as long they don’t use it to ingest medication and they don’t take alkaline water right before or after eating.
Alkaline water can provide benefits for dogs:
Long-Lasting Hydration
Alkaline water has smaller molecular structures than regular water, allowing it to penetrate deeper into the dog’s tissues and provide better and long-lasting hydration. This will ensure your dog is energetic for long periods.
Lower Acidity In The Body
Dogs’ metabolic systems are similar to humans.
Dog’s stomach produces acidic waste while digesting food, which could cause acid reflux in dogs and lead to health problems. Alkaline water, which has an acid-neutralizing pH, can help with this problem.
Higher Energy Levels
Regular intake of alkaline water can improve our health and appearance. Dogs have a similar body structure to humans, so the same applies.
Regular intake of alkaline water will make your furry friend look younger and more energetic.
Cures hair loss (Alopecia)
Alkaline water is used to treat hair loss. It fights microbial growth, which causes Alopecia.
Alkaline water also helps to reduce the loss of acidic serum and flushes away harmful free radicals, which are leading to this process.
Helps With Joint Issues
As dog’s age, we all know that they can develop joint problems. Alkaline water can help maintain cartilage health and prevent the wear down of joints.
Treats Pet Allergies
Pet allergies are becoming more common due to the increased use of corn products and other unnecessary ingredients in pet food. Because it contains calcium (known as the rival of allergies), ionized alkaline water can be used to treat allergies.
When Dogs Shouldn’t Drink Alkaline Water?
If a dog has diabetes, kidney disease, or bowel obstructions, it should not consume alkaline water. If your dog is pregnant or nursing, it should not consume the product.
Do not give alkaline water to your dog if it requires surgery or has a urinary tract infection because this can worsen the situation.
Do Not Give Alkaline Water To Dogs Taking Medication
Do not give your dog alkaline water an hour before or after giving medication.
Alkaline water will help boost your dog’s metabolism, allowing it to get more out of everything. This is why it might be a good idea to give your dog filtered drinking water along with its medication.
Do Not Give Alkaline Water To Nursing Dogs
Animals are more likely to absorb calcium if they drink alkaline water during nursing. The result could be Calciuria (calcium in the urine), which is a potentially dangerous condition.
This is why vets recommend pure water for dogs that are nursing.
Do Not Give Alkaline Water With Food
Dogs might be unable to digest well, as alkaline water may cause dogs to have slower digestion if it is given with their meals.
You should not give your dog alkaline water for more than an hour before or after a meal. However, you can give your dog filtered or purified water during this time.
Conclusion
Alkaline water could provide multiple benefits for your dog, such as better flexibility, longer-lasting hydration, and increased energy. If you decide to give alkaline water to your dog, make sure to follow the above tips.
Related: Can Dogs Drink Sparkling Water?
FAQ’s
What is the pH balance of a dog’s normal pH?
On the pH scale of 0 to 14, the skin pH for dogs is approximately 7.5. Huma skin is approximately 5.5.
Related: 23 Dog Skin Conditions (And How To Cure Them)
Do dogs drink distilled water?
Although a small amount of distilled water can be beneficial for your pet, it should not be used as the only source of water. It can cause serious side effects and may even prove fatal. Distilled water is low in minerals, which can lead to low blood sugar levels.
Do dogs need to drink filtered or tap water?
You can give your pet water from the tap, but it can also drink filtered or bottled water from the fridge. Animal specialists agree that pets should always drink pure water.
Which kind of water is best to give your dog?
Tap water is a safe, cost-effective, and easy option for dogs. According to the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, tap water is as safe as bottled water as long as it’s clean.
Do dogs like cold water?
Experts in medicine say cold water is good for dogs which dispels the myth that cold water can kill a dog on a hot day.
Dogs don’t bloat when they drink ice water on hot days. Coldwater can be used as a treat or can be placed in the water bowl.
You can also freeze toys and treats on ice to allow your dog to chew on.
Can dogs drink electrolyte water?
The electrolyte water is safe and beneficial for dogs, as well as for older canines who are sick or weak.
The water’s essential minerals and salt might help to replace something that the dog may have lost due to their condition.
Can dogs drink chlorinated tap water?
Although chlorine is safe at normal levels, chlorinated water should not be used as your pet’s only source of water.
Dogs should not drink from pools after “shock” treatment.
Further Reading:
- How Do Dogs Drink Water?
- Pedialyte For Dogs. Can Dogs Take Pedialyte?
- Can Dogs Drink Powerade? Is Powerade Safe For Dogs?
- Can Dogs Drink Gatorade?
- Can Dogs Eat Ice?
