Click to Skip Ahead
Nutrition is becoming a real spotlight these days when it comes to our pets. As pet parents, we strive to learn all we can about the best products and ways we can keep our dogs nutritionally sound.
Since water is the main source of hydration for our dogs, we want to make sure they’re getting a healthy option. You might have heard about alkaline water, but you might wonder if it’s safe for our canine friends.
Alkaline water should be safe for healthy dogs in small amounts, but the potential benefits have not been studied. Health benefits of alkaline water in humans have been claimed, however, there is no clear scientific evidence of them. In this article, we’re going to explain what alkaline water can potentially do for our dogs’ bodies and if you should avoid it.
Why Can Dogs Have Alkaline Water?
Healthy dogs can safely drink small amounts of alkaline water. This type of water has a higher pH level than regular water, usually 8.0–9.0. While regular water has a pH of 6.5–7. Currently, there are no studies that have assessed the safety or the benefits of regular consumption of alkaline water in dogs, and therefore, its use should be evaluated by your veterinarian.
Potential Benefits of Serving Alkaline Water to Dogs
Before pouring alkaline water into your dog’s bowl, it’s important to understand what to expect. If you’re hoping for immediate, miraculous results, you may be disappointed.
Currently, there is no scientific evidence proving the benefits of alkaline water for dogs. In humans, a 2019 study found that daily ingestion of alkaline electrolyzed water improved gastrointestinal health, leading to better stool quality. However, with the current knowledge, it’s best not to offer your dog alkaline water for every bowl refill, as the potential risks of consistently drinking high-pH water in dogs remain unknown.
Alkaline Water Can Neutralize Excess Acidity
Alkaline water usually has a pH of between 8 and 9. Because alkalinity is the opposite of acidity, alkaline water is thought to naturally reduce the amount of acid in the body over time. High levels of stomach acid can cause all sorts of unwanted gastrointestinal signs, like:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Ulcers
- Acid reflux
- Abdominal discomfort
- Heartburn
- Decreased appetite
It Delivers Electrolytes and Minerals
Alkaline water can have alkaline minerals to change its pH. This may help improve digestion and boost metabolism.
Potential Dangers of Alkaline Water for Dogs
Of course, if your healthy dog has a few leaps of alkaline water, it won’t hurt them, but they shouldn’t drink it on a daily basis. Why’s that? Research has shown that a few areas of alkaline water are doing more harm than good.
Alkaline Water Could Interfere with Medications
Since alkaline water has a higher pH than regular water, it may affect the absorption of certain medications. However, this has not been fully proven, as the stomach’s highly acidic environment is designed to maintain its pH balance, even after consuming alkaline water.
When in Doubt, Call the Vet
We are lucky to have such awesome professionals on standby, ready to help us with our canine pals. So, if you just aren’t sure about all this alkaline water business, ask your vet for an explanation of the benefits and downfalls.
Your vet might have some additional information or experience that can provide a solid opinion. Plus, with your individual dog, there may be other factors to consider that are directly related to their health.
Make Sure Your Dog’s Water Bowl Is Clean Daily
No matter if you choose to give your dog spring water, filtered water, tap water, or a mix of all, having a clean water bowl is the most important thing. These bowls can quickly grow bacteria and all sorts of other funky stuff, which can lead to icky sickness.
So, the type of water you offer your dog is slightly less important than the cleanliness of the bowl! Wash your dog’s water bowl every few days thoroughly or even opt for a water fountain to provide filtration.
Conclusion
Now, you understand the details of offering alkaline water to your dog. Remember, most studies of alkaline water have been done in humans, not dogs, and there still isn’t a lot of information available. It can potentially have its benefits over time. However, it can also potentially cause negative effects in high quantities or over time.
Before ever making changes to your dog’s diet, you should always consult with your vet to determine the best course of action.
Featured Image Credit: Gorodenkoff, Shutterstock
