What are Dog Rocks?
Dog Rocks are a product designed to reduce lawn burn from dog urine by altering the pH of dog urine. The product consists of a bag of small, smooth river rocks made from a proprietary blend of minerals. The rocks are placed in a dog’s water bowl, and as the dog drinks the water, the minerals from the rocks get absorbed and create an alkaline urine pH.
Dog urine typically has a pH around 6.5, which is acidic enough to burn grass and leave unsightly yellow patches on lawns. The minerals in Dog Rocks raise the urine pH closer to neutral or 7, which reduces the burning effect. This allows the lawn to stay lush and green instead of getting damaged from dog pee.
The concept behind Dog Rocks is similar to products like Yucca schidigera supplements that aim to neutralize dog urine acidity from the inside out. However, Dog Rocks take a simpler, external approach by altering the dog’s drinking water rather than having the owner administer a supplement.
The rocks quickly infuse the water with minerals and the effects can be seen in as little as 2-3 days. The stones last for a couple of months before needing replacement. Dog Rocks are an easy, low-maintenance way to stop lawn burn without changing dog food or medications.
How Do Dog Rocks Work?
Dog Rocks contain a blend of minerals like calcium carbonate and magnesium oxide that are designed to dissolve slowly when placed in a dog’s water bowl. The makers of Dog Rocks claim that as these minerals dissolve in the water, they make the water more alkaline. Specifically, Dog Rocks are supposed to raise the pH of the water to between 7 and 8.
The idea is that when dogs drink alkaline water created by the Dog Rocks, it will change the pH of their urine as well. Dog urine typically has a pH between 5 and 7, which can burn and damage grass when dogs go to the bathroom. By making the water more alkaline, Dog Rocks supposedly raise the pH of the dog’s urine to between 7 and 8. At this higher pH, the urine is less likely to burn or kill grass.
So in summary, Dog Rocks claim to work by dissolving in a dog’s water to make it more alkaline, which then changes the pH of the dog’s urine to be less acidic and harsh on lawns.
Do Dog Rocks Reduce Lawn Burn?
One of the purported benefits of Dog Rocks is reducing ugly yellow or brown spots on the lawn caused by dogs urinating. Some dog owners claim the rocks change the pH balance of their pet’s urine, making it less acidic and reducing lawn burn.
There are few scientific studies examining the effectiveness of Dog Rocks for reducing lawn burn. The company claims the rocks work by filtering out magnesium, calcium, and potassium ions as the dog drinks water, making the urine more neutral. However, the exact chemical process has not been independently analyzed.
Anecdotal evidence from pet owners is mixed. Some reviews on sites like Amazon report Dog Rocks eliminated or reduced lawn burn spots within 4-6 weeks of use. They suggest the rocks are an affordable and natural way to save your lawn. However, other owners say they did not notice any difference even after months of use.
Without controlled scientific testing, it’s hard to say if Dog Rocks truly prevent lawn burn. The reviews indicate they may work for some dogs, but not a guaranteed solution. More research would be needed to fully evaluate their effectiveness.
Do Dogs Dislike the Taste of Alkaline Water?
Dogs have different taste preferences and sensitivities compared to humans. Their taste buds are less receptive to sweet flavors and more attuned to amino acids like glutamate, which produces a savory “meaty” taste. Dogs also have a high tolerance for salt and alkaline compounds. So while alkaline water may taste unpleasant or bitter to humans, dogs generally do not mind or dislike the taste.
There is little evidence that alkaline water affects dogs’ drinking behavior or leads to dehydration. Most dogs seem perfectly happy to lap up alkaline water, especially if they are thirsty. The alkaline minerals infused by Dog Rocks are at low concentrations and do not drastically change the pH or taste of water.
Of course every dog has unique taste preferences. Some picky pets may avoid alkaline water if they strongly dislike the taste. Monitoring your dog’s water intake is advised when first using Dog Rocks to ensure they are drinking normal amounts. However, most dogs adjust to the subtle mineral taste and continue happily hydrating with alkaline water.
Are Dog Rocks Safe?
Dog Rocks are made from natural minerals that are considered safe for dogs. The main ingredients are zeolite, calcium carbonate, and magnesium carbonate. These minerals have been used in various products for pets and livestock for many years without any known safety issues.
There are no known risks of overconsumption with Dog Rocks. The minerals bind to acids in the dog’s urine to help neutralize and reduce brown spots in the lawn. Only small amounts of the minerals are needed for this effect, so even if a dog consumed a large number of Dog Rocks, it is unlikely to cause harm.
Most veterinarians consider Dog Rocks to be safe for use as directed by the manufacturer. The minerals they contain are naturally occurring and non-toxic. As with any supplement or product given to pets, veterinarians recommend monitoring your dog’s health and behavior when first using Dog Rocks to ensure no adverse effects.
Overall, Dog Rocks appear to be a safe option to help reduce lawn burn marks from dog urine without the need for pharmaceuticals or dramatic changes to your dog’s diet. As always, consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns before giving your pet a new supplement.
How Long Do Dog Rocks Last?
The lifespan of a single Dog Rock can vary quite a bit depending on how much water your dog drinks. Dog Rocks are porous volcanic rock that slowly release minerals into water to make it more alkaline. Over time, the minerals in the rocks get depleted.
For a medium sized dog drinking a normal amount of water, one Dog Rock will typically last around 2-3 months. Small dogs may get 4-6 months of use per rock, while large breed dogs may only get 1-2 months. The more water that flows over the rocks, the faster they will get used up.
To extend the effectiveness of Dog Rocks, it’s recommended to store them properly when not actively being used. Keep them in an air-tight container to avoid evaporative loss of minerals. Storing in the refrigerator can also prolong their lifespan. Just be sure to take them out and let them reach room temperature before adding to your dog’s water bowl.
Ultimately the length Dog Rocks remain effective depends largely on your individual dog and its water consumption habits. Expect anywhere from 1-6 months from each rock with proper use and storage.
Alternatives to Dog Rocks
Dog Rocks aren’t the only option for altering the pH of your dog’s urine to prevent lawn burn. Here are some other products and home remedies you can try:
Specialty Dog Foods and Supplements
Some dog foods and supplements are formulated to create urine with a more neutral pH, reducing lawn damage. These include Prescription Diet w/d Canine, Royal Canin Urinary SO, and NaturVet pH Balance tablets. Check with your vet before changing your dog’s diet.
Lemon Juice or Vinegar
Adding a bit of lemon juice or vinegar to your dog’s water bowl can help neutralize the pH. Start with just a teaspoon per bowl and monitor your dog’s reaction. Too much can upset their stomach. Reapply daily.
Alkaline Water Additives
Products like PetAmi Dog Urine Neutralizer or LawnGard Dog Urine Neutralizer can be added to your dog’s water to alkalize their urine. Follow package instructions closely.
Resistant Grass Seed
Instead of trying to change your dog’s urine, you can re-seed patches of dead grass with a blend specially designed to withstand dog urine, like Scotts Dog Spot Repair Grass Seed. This is best done in early fall when grass grows vigorously.
Reviews of Dog Rocks Effectiveness
Dog Rocks have received mixed reviews from pet owners regarding their effectiveness at reducing lawn burn. On sites like Amazon and Chewy, they have an average rating of around 3.5 out of 5 stars. Positive reviews mention that Dog Rocks did seem to gradually reduce the brown urine spots on their lawn over 2-3 months of use. Many pet owners say their grass is greener and healthier after using Dog Rocks in their dog’s water. The rocks are reported to last a long time, often over 6 months before needing replacement.
Negative reviews focus on the fact that Dog Rocks did not completely eliminate lawn spots, only reduced them. Some pet owners felt the product was overpriced for the moderate results. There are also reports of dogs disliking the taste of the treated water and not wanting to drink it. Satisfaction seems highest among owners who used Dog Rocks patiently over several months, had reasonable expectations on effectiveness, and took other steps to improve lawn health beyond just reducing urine pH.
Cost of Dog Rocks
Dog Rocks are relatively affordable, especially considering their potential to save money on lawn repairs and vet bills over time. Each Dog Rock costs around $1-2, while a package of 40 rocks usually runs $40-60 depending on the seller. Considering each rock can treat 2-3 bowls of water per day and last up to 2 months, this breaks down to just pennies per day.
Compared to some alternatives like prescriptions or supplements that need continual refills and reorders, the upfront cost of Dog Rocks can be cheaper long-term. Purchasing a reusable package of rocks instead of disposable products also creates less waste.
Dog Rocks can be purchased online through the official website, Amazon, Chewy, Petco, and other major retailers. Buying directly from the Dog Rocks website offers bulk discounts for larger packages up to 280 rocks. Vet clinics and pet stores may also carry them in smaller packs.
Overall, Dog Rocks provide an affordable and effective solution to curb lawn burn for just $1-2 per rock. Their reusable nature makes them a budget-friendly option compared to liquids, powders, or medications over time. Look for the best deals on bulk packages online or check local pet retail stores.
The Bottom Line
In summary, Dog Rocks are rocks made from a naturally occurring mineral called zeolite that are added to your dog’s water bowl. The zeolite filters out nitrates and softens the water, making it more alkaline. This helps prevent urine spots on lawns by neutralizing the nitrogen in your dog’s urine. Most evidence indicates Dog Rocks do seem to reduce lawn burn effectively when used properly.
The alkaline water does not appear to have any negative effects on dogs’ health or cause them to dislike the taste of their water, based on reviews from pet owners. The rocks are non-toxic and made of all natural materials. Each set of Dog Rocks can soften water and last for 2-3 months before needing replacement.
There are some alternative products like water softening liquids that can alter dog urine pH, but Dog Rocks provide a simple and long-lasting rock solution. Numerous customer reviews show Dog Rocks work well for reducing lawn spots. They are affordably priced at around $40 for a starter set.
Overall, Dog Rocks appear to be a safe and effective solution for preventing urine burn on lawns. The rocks are easy to use by simply adding them to your dog’s water. While Dog Rocks require replacement every few months, they provide a simple method to neutralize dog urine without the need for lawn chemicals or training changes. Most dog owners seem highly satisfied with the urine spot reduction results from using Dog Rocks.