What are Dog Rocks?
Dog Rocks are small porous rocks that are placed in a dog’s water bowl. They work by filtering out minerals and metals like magnesium, calcium, and iron that are often present in tap water. These minerals get absorbed into the rocks instead of being ingested by the dog.
The main purpose of Dog Rocks is to reduce yellow spots, called urine burn, on lawns caused by a dog’s urine. The minerals in tap water get concentrated in the urine, which causes the grass to brown. By using Dog Rocks, the minerals are reduced, resulting in less discoloration of the lawn.
Dog Rocks look like tiny pebbles and are made of a porous zeolite material. They are designed to be safe for dogs to ingest if accidentally swallowed. The rocks simply need to be added to the dog’s water bowl and replaced every 2-3 months.
How Do Dog Rocks Work?
Dog Rocks contain an ion exchange resin that helps prevent urine burn spots on lawns. The rocks absorb certain minerals like magnesium and calcium that dogs excrete in their urine. By absorbing these minerals, Dog Rocks help neutralize the pH of the urine so it is less acidic and less likely to damage grass.
The ion exchange resin in Dog Rocks attracts positively charged minerals like magnesium and calcium ions. When a dog urinates on a lawn treated with Dog Rocks, the rocks absorb some of these minerals before they hit the grass. This helps balance the pH and prevents urine “burn” spots.
Dog Rocks must be replaced regularly as the ion exchange resin becomes saturated. Over time, the rocks will absorb enough of the minerals from your dog’s urine that they won’t be as effective. Replacing them ensures the resin can keep working to prevent lawn damage.
When to Start Using Dog Rocks
The best time to start using Dog Rocks is when you first bring home a new puppy or dog. Getting them accustomed to having the rocks in their water bowl from day one will help tremendously with housetraining.
Dog Rocks work by making the urine of dogs and puppies less acidic. This makes the urine less damaging to lawns and vegetation. However, the rocks take some time to start being effective after being ingested. It takes about 2-3 weeks for them to start noticeably working in the dog’s system.
By putting the rocks in the water bowl as soon as you bring home your new puppy or dog, you ensure the rocks will have time to start working before the dog’s urine damages your lawn. The dog will ingest the rocks during those first couple weeks while you are housetraining, allowing the rocks to become effective by the time the dog is eliminating regularly outside.
Starting the rocks from day one prevents “spots” of burned grass in the lawn during those initial housetraining weeks. It sets your puppy or dog up for lawn-friendly potty habits right from the beginning.
How Often to Change Dog Rocks
Dog Rocks should be replaced every 2-3 months for optimal effectiveness. The rocks contain a natural mineral that helps prevent the buildup of salts and minerals that lead to urine burn spots on lawns. Over time, the minerals in the rocks can become depleted and less effective at altering the pH of the water.
A good rule of thumb is to replace the rocks whenever the water stops tasting fresh. If you notice an increase in urine spots on the lawn, or the dog’s water starts to have a mineral taste, it’s time for new Dog Rocks.
Dog Rocks come with enough rocks for 2-3 months. If you have multiple dogs, or larger dogs that drink more, you may need to replace them more frequently. The rocks should be replaced altogether, rather than just adding new rocks to the old, depleted ones.
Many pet owners opt to buy Dog Rocks in bulk packages of 6 or 12 months’ supply. This helps reduce costs and ensures you always have fresh rocks ready when it’s time to change them.
Signs It’s Time to Change Rocks
Dog Rocks will gradually lose their efficacy and color over time, as their negative ion charge gets used up. There are a few signs that indicate it’s time to replace your dog’s rocks:
Rocks Losing Color: When new, Dog Rocks have a deep purple or blue color. As they absorb minerals, they will fade and turn lighter in color. Once they become very pale or white, their ion exchange capacity is diminished and it’s time for a change.
Water Smells/Tastes Stale: Dog Rocks work by removing minerals and impurities from water. As the rocks near the end of their lifespan, they won’t be as effective at this process. You may notice the dog’s water starts to have a stale smell and taste – this means the rocks need replacing.
Ideally, Dog Rocks should be changed every 2-3 months to maintain their efficacy. If you notice either of these signs, it’s definitely time swap them out for a fresh set.
How to Change Dog Rocks
Changing your dog’s Dog Rocks is a quick and simple process. Here are the steps:
- Remove the old Dog Rocks from your pet’s water bowl.
- Rinse out the water bowl to remove any sediment or buildup.
- Add the new Dog Rocks as directed on the package.
Generally, you’ll want to use 3-5 rocks per bowl, depending on the size of the bowl. Add enough rocks so they cover the bottom of the bowl. The rocks do not need to be fully submerged in water.
Be sure to discard the old rocks, as they lose effectiveness over time. Do not reuse old Dog Rocks.
After adding fresh rocks, fill the bowl with fresh water and you’re all set. Over time, you’ll notice less staining and odor from your pet’s water bowl.
Where to Buy New Dog Rocks
Dog Rocks can be purchased from several retailers, both online and in physical stores. Here are some of the main places to buy new Dog Rocks when it’s time to replace them:
Pet Stores
Many national and local pet supply chains carry Dog Rocks, such as PetSmart, Petco, and Pet Supplies Plus. Check with your local pet store to see if they stock them. The advantage of buying in person is you can see the product firsthand.
Online Retailers
Popular online stores that sell Dog Rocks include Chewy, Amazon, and EntirelyPets. Buying online provides convenience and quick shipping straight to your door. Prices and availability may vary between retailers.
Wherever you choose to purchase, look for the official Dog Rocks brand to ensure you’re getting the real product. The company also offers a subscription program on their website that will automatically ship new rocks when it’s time to change them.
Dog Rock Alternatives
If you’re looking for an alternative to Dog Rocks, there are a few other products that aim to reduce urine burn spots in lawns:
WaterSoft pellets – These are another type of bowl additive made from sodium-free potassium chloride. The pellets work by softening your dog’s urine to prevent those unsightly yellow patches. WaterSoft pellets need to be replaced every 2-3 months. They are safe for dogs and easier for owners to use compared to applying lawn treatments after the damage has been done.
Yucca schidigera extract – Yucca is a plant extract that some studies have shown can help reduce urine odor and nitrogen content. Yucca powder or capsules can be added to your dog’s food to work from the inside-out. However, the effects may not be as potent as a direct bowl additive.
Barley straw extracts – Much like yucca, barley straw extracts are thought to alter the nitrogen content in dog urine to prevent lawn damage. However, there is limited evidence on the effectiveness and required dosages for dogs.
Overall, WaterSoft pellets are the most comparable alternative to Dog Rocks in terms of convenience and proven results for reducing lawn burn spots from dog urine. Both products use all-natural ingredients and the same ion-exchange mechanism to soften urine before it hits the grass.
Are Dog Rocks Safe?
Dog Rocks are formulated from a natural mineral compound that is considered non-toxic and safe for pets when used as directed. The active ingredient has been inspected and registered by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority as safe for residential use around pets. The manufacturer also states that the rocks contain no heavy metals or poisons that could harm your dog if ingested.
However, some precautions should still be taken when using Dog Rocks. It’s recommended to supervise your dog when first introducing the rocks. Make sure they don’t try to eat or play with them. The rocks could pose a potential choking hazard if swallowed. It’s also a good idea to keep the rocks tucked away in the water bowl and out of reach between uses.
With proper supervision, Dog Rocks do not appear to pose any serious safety risks. If you have any concerns, consult your veterinarian before use. But overall, when used as directed, Dog Rocks provide a safe alternative to medications for controlling urine pH in dogs.
The Bottom Line
Dog Rocks are an innovative product designed to reduce the burn marks left by dog urine in your lawn. By placing the rocks in your dog’s water bowl, an all-natural reaction occurs to target the compounds in canine urine that damage grass.
While Dog Rocks can last for up to 2-3 months before needing to be replaced, their effectiveness does start to decline over time. For best results, it’s recommended to change out the Dog Rocks every 2-3 months. Replacing them on this schedule will ensure the rocks are working at peak performance to keep your lawn green and healthy.
Some signs it may be time for new Dog Rocks include returning lawn burn marks, a buildup of residue or cloudiness in your dog’s water, or reduced water consumption. Dog Rocks are an affordable way to get months of protection at a time, so following the suggested replacement schedule is easy to maintain.
With regular Dog Rock replacement, you can relax knowing your lawn is protected while still giving your pup plenty of fresh water. Changing out the rocks consistently every 2-3 months will lead to the best results using this innovative dog urine solution.