Month: January 2020

German shepherds are one of the top dog breeds. They are cute, cuddly, and intelligent. And, like any other dog, you are going to have to do the difficult job of crate training.

However, German Shepherd crate training doesn’t have to be that difficult. It can actually be quite the bonding experience to see your new fluffy friend become so well-adjusted to their own feelings and intuition. The first time you see them get spooked and watch them run to the safety of their crate is a good feeling. 

To get past the difficulty of crate training, you just need to have the right mindset, tips, and the right crate.

Reasons to Crate Train Your German Shepherd

The most obvious reason for crate training your new dog is to keep the dog contained. But that is a very broad reason that does not really have an explanation or give any reasoning behind it. In this section, we will go over some reasons why crate training your puppy is so vital. 

House Training

Keeping your pooch in their crate and immediately letting them outside when you come home or when you wake up in the morning will help aid in house training them. Dogs will do their best to avoid soiling the dens, so use this to your benefit. 

However, be aware of your dog’s size, age, and where they’re at in their training. For example, don’t leave a puppy in a crate for a long time and not expect an accident. They are puppies with small bladders and will need to be let out often.

This will also prevent dogs from getting destructive or getting into things when you are away. 

For grown German shepherd dogs, they can easily get onto kitchen counters and other places, so having a safe place to keep them when you are away is helpful.

Dogs are Den Species

Many wild animals retreat to a den of their own at night or during resting times. This is true of wild dogs, like wolves and coyotes, and even of domesticated dogs. 

Dogs retreat to small, but not too small, spaces of their own. These spaces should feel like a safe sanctuary to them where they won’t be tugged on by children or where they can hide when the house gets busy or noisy.

Trips and Car Rides  

When you need to take your pup to the vet or going on trips, having him used to the crate will make these trips much easier. Crate training will also give him a little piece of home to hide inside if he gets nervous when in unfamiliar places. This will also be the case if you will be flying with your dog.

Unexpected Moments

During those unexpected moments in life, having your pup crate trained can be incredibly helpful. For example, if your dog gets injured and needs to remain still after surgery, being in their crate can help keep them stress-free, safe, and stationary.

If you have visitors come over, your dog may feel safer simply hanging out in their crate while the humans hang out elsewhere throughout the house.

Overall, the crate is a place for a rambunctious German shepherd to feel safe and comfortable.

Choosing the Right Crate

Your dog’s crate will essentially be their home within your home. That sounds important, right? That’s because it is. So, with that in mind, let’s go over measurements and other important considerations you should make before getting that crate.

Size 

Comfort is a key factor when shopping for a crate for your furry friend. You will want to make sure that your dog has enough room to relax and stretch their legs. Enough room to stand above and to turn around, so they can get cozy with their favorite toys before a nice nap. 

The bottom of the crate should be padded with something like a blanket, towel, or even a bed-sized for the crate.

You can measure your dog from a standing position to see what a good cage size would be and start from there. Lengthwise, you will want to go from the base of their tail to the tip of their nose. When your dog is sitting, you will want to measure from the floor to the top of their head while they are sitting straight up. Make sure to add about 4-6” for each measurement to give your dog some room in the crate.

Material

Crates are made from so many different material types: wood, metal, plastic. Plastic tends to be cheap and does not last very long. These may be a good starting crate for house training, but you may want a better material when you buy a new one for your growing pup.

Wood looks nice and you can find some classy looking pieces that fit well into every room in your home. Many wood crates blend wood with metal framing for added sturdiness. 

Wood crates are often on the pricier end of the spectrum, but that is often due to their quality. Solidly built all around, these crates often have a flat roof on top that can be used as a tabletop for decorations or to store your dog’s toys or food bowls.

Wire crates are often preferred since they are sturdy yet portable. These crates are often mid-range in price and can be purchased commercially or specialty. 

We suggest wire crates for their practicality; for instance, you can easily move these into the back of a car for a vet visit when needed without needing a different crate. 

Doors 

Some crates have one door entry, while others have a side door and the main door entry in the front that is larger. For skittish dogs that tend to hide against the back, having that extra door can be helpful when you need to get to them quickly.

Tips for Crate Training

Along with proper training, there are some helpful tips to get you going with training your German shepherd to love their new crate.

Crate Placement

Make sure that the crate is not placed where cold drafts or uncomfortable heat sources your dog can’t escape will hit them. Also, make sure that it is placed out of the way of heavy foot traffic. Again, you want to make sure that they can sleep peacefully and comfortably here, so being awoken to heavy footfalls constantly may interfere with training.  

Fresh Water

If you are locking your dog in the crate, then you need to ensure that your pet has access to plenty of freshwaters. You can get crate mounted bowls so the bowl won’t take up ground space for your pup to lay down.

Toys

Keep some of your dog’s favorite toys in the crate to help keep them entertained and stave off boredom.

Puppies

If you are crate training your new German shepherd puppy, please remember to take that precious puppy out to pee and poop right before bed. Don’t give treats, food, or water for a couple of hours before bed unless they have a medical condition that requires it.

Barking and Crying

All those sad whines and cries they make must be ignored. You know you have taken them out, they are taken care of, and out of harm’s way. In order for them to get accustomed to their new home and crate, you have got to ignore all those barks. If you did miss a step in the nighttime routine, try to wait for a quiet moment before letting them out so you don’t reinforce their barking.

Product Review

Along with the right tips and mindset, you have to have the right tools. While there are a lot of crates out there, we do strongly recommend the MidWest Homes for Pets dog crate. We will explain why below.

MidWest Homes for Pets Dog Crate

MidWest Homes for Pets has created a nice den-like crate with accessories that benefit your dog from pup to adulthood. The divider panel allows you to adjust the size length of the living area as your little friend grows. This is especially beneficial for puppies who get overwhelmed easily and want to curl up.

The wire cage has two doors with heavy-duty slide bolt latch locks that keep the crake locked firmly in place. One of the best parts about this crate is the plastic bottom. It is easy to remove and super easy to clean, so accidents aren’t a major hassle to clean.  

Fold this crate up when you need to take it on the road and carry it with easy to hold plastic handles.

Pros

• The wireframe is durable and strong
• Plastic pan is easy to clean and remove
• Great crate for your pet to grow with
• Folds up and easy to carry around

Conclusion

Crate training your German shepherd will be quite a new experience for you, but you can make it an exciting one with the right tools and mindset. Since domesticated dogs are still keen on dens, crates are a great way to make them feel at home within your home. Make sure that you get a proper-sized crate and place it in a good location in your home, and your pup will be sure to love their little private area.

Dogs tend to pull a lot when on a leash.  It is just a natural instinct for them. They get excited to be going outside for walkies and see what is going on in the world. 

As pet owners, we know the importance of having the daily exercise that will keep our pets in good physical shape, adding to their health and keeping them with us for years to come.

In order to make the daily walk pleasant for both pet and owner, we have found that the best dog training vest is the Rabbitgoo Dog Harness. It has changed the event from a chore to a pleasure by training your pooch not to pull. 

Having a dog that constantly pulls makes daily walks an unpleasant experience.  The dog shows the physical exertion of the constant straining, with the exaggerated panting and even foaming at the mouth. 

You are concerned that the outdoor walk is having the opposite effect of a healthful activity, it is putting undue stress and strain on your pooch. It is also a challenge for you, and you have concerns about being able to control them. 

Best Dog Training Vests

Will they pull the leash away from you and run into traffic?  Will, they hurt themselves with all the effort put into pulling against the collar?

It seems like most of the walk is done with you yelling your dog’s name. The words Stop! and No! are in competition for how many times they can be said in the first few minutes of the walk.  None of it is fun.  

Rather than being a bonding, enjoyable time for both owner and dog, it becomes a tug of war that raises your blood pressure and encourages you to cut the walk short. 

And yet as essential as the daily walk is for your dog’s life and it is vitally important that they get the exercise they need to stay fit, there is another aspect of the daily walk that needs to be considered.

You might have been working away from home all day, or otherwise occupied with life.  For Fido, daily walks ARE life. 

You know with your own pooch that they have an internal clock that tells them when the usual time rolls around for the high point of their day. They will sit by the door, start to whine or sit in front of you with a “don’t you know what time it is” stare.

Think of how it is for them always having to wait for us.  If they could open the door themselves they would in a heartbeat.  This daily walk is when they can get out and see what is going on.  

Much like we talk to friends and co-workers, listen to the radio or read the newspaper, going for a walk is just like reading the newspaper for your dog.  

They see if anything is new in the neighborhood.  They pick up the scent of the boxer two streets over and know that he has already made his way past the phone pole on the corner.  

It is exciting to see the chattering squirrels in the tree across the street because you just never know…today might be the day you get to catch one.  

A patrol of the world outside his home is essential to a dog.  He gets to re-establish his position as protector of his domain by ascertaining if there are any new threats and reminding old ones who is boss.  

Your pooch doesn’t put anything past that arrogant cat, knowing he will try to make a move on your territory.  And your pooch will be ready when he does. Just strolling down your street puts that cat on notice. 

It is a slice of heaven, this daily exploration.  It does not matter if the view is the same, the path well-trodden, and the trip seems uneventful…to you.  To him, it is a treasure trove full of information and sensations and scents.  

It is excitement and adventure at its best, and when he truly feels like he is doing his “job” of gathering crucial information.  Bliss, pure and simple!

Your pooch is doing his best to look out for the most treasured thing he owns…you.  We have compiled a list of the 5 best dog training vests to help you look out for him. 

Rabbitgoo Dog Harness No-Pull Pet Training Vests

Our expert choice as one of the best training vests is the Rabbitgoo dog harness which features a no-pull design.  You will have better control of your furry friend in this harness. And the harness itself will train your dog, how great is that?!

Once you have the harness on your pup, attach the leash to the front clip on the vest. Each and every time your dog pulls, they get turned around instead of going forward. 

How annoying for them!   Being the smart pooch they are, they soon learn not to pull. 

The Rabbigoo vest is made of a soft and breathable padding that will fit snugly around your dog’s body.  This will give your dog a sense of being secure and at the same time comfortable.  

The breathable material is made out of quality fabric, and will not be heavy on your dog.

Once your smart pooch has learned not to pull against the harness, there is also a back D ring on the vest that your leash can be secured to.  

Two neck and chest straps allow you to make adjustments to the vest so that it fits your dog comfortably.  The two side buckles ensure that the vest can contain your dog and prevent them from making an escape. 

Hopefully, you will never need it, but the vest also has a sturdy top handle which enables you to gain instant control of your pooch.  The vest also has reflective strips to provide greater visibility. 

Please see the Rabbitgoo instructional video below, it will show you how easy the vest is to use.

RUFFWEAR – Front Range, Everyday No Pull

The runner up on our list of 5 Best Dog Training Vests is the Ruffwear.  It is both a lightweight and durable vest.

Ruffwear believes that every dog is an explorer, and have designed their dog gear to enhance the experiences of dogs and their owners. 

The vest has been designed for easy on and easy off, which makes it nice for your pooch.  It has a no-pull design along with a V connection on the back that you can hook your leash to on the day your dog stops pulling. 

Ideal for training, reinforced webbing on the vest stands up to your dog trying to pull while being comfortable for the pooch.  The strips of material across the chest and belly are foam-padded to provide equal load distribution of the vest.

The fabric is bright (except for the black), making it highly visible and is available in six different colors.  The reflective trim on the fabric helps your dog to stand out against the landscape during the day and at night. 

The vest has four points of adjustment to make sure you get a comfy fit.  There is a nice addition of an ID pocket to store dog tags or contact information. 

Please see the Ruffwear instructional video below for more on their product. 

Pawaboo Dog Safety Vest Harness Training Vests

We know that our furry friends love to go for a walk, but who has not seen an ecstatic pooch hanging their head out of a car window with a blissful expression on their face?

When you are going on a trip or a quick run to the store, your canine buddy would love to ride along with you.   Just as your human passengers buckle up, so too should your pooch. 

The Pawaboo Safety Vest is specially designed to keep your pup securely fastened in the back seat of your vehicle.  The safety vest will prevent your dog from jumping from the car window after that tempting cat. 

Knowing that your buddy is secure, you will have more peace of mind and be less distracted while chauffeuring your pooch around town. 

The fast release buckles on both sides of the vest makes it easy to put on and off while still giving your dog some range of movement and flexibility, and protecting them against sudden stops. 

The vest itself is made of oxford fabric, 100% polyester, and is durable and lightweight in addition to being soft.  The chest plate is padded for extra comfort and the fabric is breathable. 

You can also attach a leash to this safety vest once you have reached your destination or for transferring your pet from car to home. 

An added bonus is that this vest comes in nine different color choices. 

Please be aware that this vest does not fit all models of cars. See the Pawaboo Instructional video below for more information. 

Kurgo Dog Harness

When you need something that is lightweight, the Kurgo Dog harness is good for every day.  The harness has five easy adjustable points on the harness to ensure a comfortable fit for our dog. 

The quick-release buttons make it easy to take on and off and saves on the impatience both you and your dogs feel when trying to get a harness secured. 

The front of the vest has a D ring that helps with no-pull training and also has a back harness ring for regular walking. 

Although it is not crash tested, the harness comes with a ten-inch car seat belt tether that attaches to your car seat belt system.  As we have mentioned before, this can help keep your pet restrained and cut down on the distractions the driver might experience. 

The harness comes in four different colors and five sizes.  Kurgo products come with a hassle-free lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects. 

Please see the video from Kurgo below.

Voyager Step-In Air Dog Harness Training Vests

This Voyager dog harness comes in an astonishing 16 different colors!  This is another lightweight harness that is made with a soft breathable mesh.  The mesh will keep the dog cool on hot days and provide a layer of insulation on the cooler mornings. 

The Voyager evenly distributes the pressure from the leash around your dog’s chest to prevent choking. 

Getting ready for your walk will be easier with this step-in harness.  You walk your dog into the harness with their front legs and pull the harness up.  Use the hook and loop fastener to hold the harness in place, and then secure the buckle on top. Attach your leash and you are ready to go. 

The vest has a strong closure to keep your dog from escaping and heavy-duty metal D rings for extra security.  

Please see below for a customers review of the Voyager step-in harness. 

In Conclusion

Training Vests for our dogs are a good idea for several reasons.  The first being the size of the dog.

A large dog can be strong and hard to control.  The harness gives you more command over your pet.

Even smaller dogs benefit from a harness as they tend to be a bit more fragile and prone to injury.  The harness helps because it disperses pressure from the neck to the back and the body, which reduces the stress on their necks. 

We have probably all had the experience of being tangled in the leash when our dog decides to jump and twirl their way down the sidewalk.  Again, you will have more control of your pet when he is in a harness. There are some harnesses, like the Rabbitgoo we mentioned earlier, that has a sturdy top handle which would be helpful in a twirling situation. 

Your clever pooch can also escape a collar much easier than he can do a Houdini in a harness. You just have more control whether you are training or walking your dog when they are in a harness. 

There are a lot of options out there to help keep our beloved pooches safe and secure.  Whatever you choose, do so with their comfort in mind. And be sure to go on those daily walkies so that your pooch can read the newspaper! 

There are certain qualities of protection dogs, and these qualities will be important to know if you are looking for a good guard dog.  It is also important to make the distinction between a guard dog and a watchdog. Getting the right dog for the wrong reasons will present its own set of difficulties.

Using dogs as guardians dates back to ancient times. Archaeologists have uncovered Roman mosaics showing dogs on chains at the front of homes to warn intruders that a menacing animal was on guard. 

Published in 29 BC, ‘Georgics’ was written by one of Rome’s great poets, Virgil. In that work, Virgil referred to the guard dogs that watched over houses and livestock when he wrote “Never, with them on guard, need you fear for your stalls a midnight thief, or onslaught of wolves, or Iberian brigands at your back.”

But what about today?  What should you look for in a good guard dog in this day and age? Know what purpose you want the dog to serve.  There can be confusion between a watchdog and a guard dog. 

What Should You Look For In Protection Dogs today?

A watchdog is one that is alert and will raise the alarm, barking loudly whenever someone enters your property. The job of a guard dog is to protect you and stop intruders entering your property in the first place. 

 Airedales, Bostons, Cairns, and other breeds of terriers make good watchdogs, as do poodles and spaniels.  These breeds are known for their watchfulness and will alert their owners upon seeing any unusual activity.   

Other breeds of dogs, besides being watchful,  have a natural instinct to protect their home and family.  These types of breeds tend to be loyal, fearless, strong, and make the best guard dogs. 

Protection dogs are typically larger in size and protect property by being intimidating or even engaging (biting) anyone they perceive as a threat. 

These breeds can include the German Shepherd, Rottweilers, the Bullmastiff, and Doberman Pinschers. 

History has seen watchdogs being used in tandem with guard dogs, to great success. The Lhasa Apso helped in guarding Buddhist temples and monasteries in Tibet about 800 years ago. It was such a renowned watchdog that it was known as the “Bark Lion Sentinel Dog” 

The Lhasa Apso was paired with the Tibetan Mastiff guard dog whose large size and aggressive temperament made them a perfect team. 

In looking for a good protection dog, there are certain attributes that are a must.  We have listed those traits below.

1. Courage

  A dog needs to be brave enough to face danger. The majority of the time, the danger will be larger than the dog and so the dog must be willing to stand up against a larger opponent. 

2. Loyal

The dog’s allegiance must be clear to them, otherwise they will allow anything and anyone through the front door.

3. Intelligent

 Not only must the dog be smart enough to follow commands, they also must be smart enough to distinguish between something that is a real threat and something that is just out of the ordinary. 

4. Intelligent

The protection dogs need to identify with their home and want to protect it. 

5. Affectionate

This one seems off the mark, but a good guard dog will love the people and place that it is protecting. 

The Breeds Below Make Some Of The Best Protection Dogs:

Rottweiler

This dog has all of the attributes listed above.  They are very loyal, calm, and courageous. A Rottie is known as an instinctive guard dog, being powerful and strong. Very territorial and protective, he can be aggressive with other dogs.  They usually are fond of, and protective over children. The Rottweiler is very intelligent and learns quickly. While he makes an excellent guard dog, they might not make the best watchdog, as they do not bark much. 

Doberman Pinscher

These dogs can make a protective family pet but need a very loving and stable environment.  A Doberman is a people dog and will show devotion to those that care for them. They are very intelligent, perceptive, and sensitive. They are highly trainable but need you to be a firm leader, or they will assume the role.

This is a breed that will require obedience training.  They must also be kept active and exercised on a daily basis. They can be prone to behavioral issues because they are so intelligent and have lots of energy. If you choose this breed of dog, make sure you have the time commitment that they will need and deserve. 

German Shepherd

Here is another loyal and brave breed of dog.  A German Shepard rarely backs down if confronted.  He is very intelligent and learns quickly. He is strong and athletic. The courage and trainability of a German Shepherd makes them the world’s number one police and military dog.   He will be very protective of your home and family.

This is also a breed that needs to know who is boss. If you don’t make that clear, he will take on the role himself and become overly territorial and protective.  Establish the rules from the beginning and stick with them. This breed needs exercise and mental stimulation every day. If he does not get this every day, he will become bored and that might lead to destructive behavior. 

A German Shepherd is also known as a “one-man” dog, as he will bond with one family member that he respects and trusts. He is an excellent guard dog. 

Bullmastiff

These are a large and powerful dog, both loyal and protective.  They want to be with you at all times and don’t do all that well without the attention that they crave. Quiet dogs will bark loudly if they sense a threat. If you are going to have other dogs, you need to socialize them early, as Bullmastiffs are not always good with other dogs. 

While being good guard dogs, they can be territorial to a fault. These dogs are faithful, intelligent, fearless, and famous for the unconditional love that they show their owners. That being said, another thing that a Bullmastiff is famous for is their slobber. Be prepared to wipe it off of every known surface, and person, that they encounter. 

They do not require a lot of exercise and can live pretty much anywhere as long as they have the company and attention they desire. 

Dogue de Bordeaux

Here is another proficient drooler. The DDB makes an excellent guard dog, but they do not attack without reason. Socialize them when they are young, as it is their tendency to be wary of others. Owning a DDB is a commitment that will be significant emotionally.  They are a dog that will be very affectionate to you and wants to be with you all the time, both day and night.

They can also be stubborn and will think for themselves. Couple that with intelligence and you get a dog that needs to start obedience training early.  That being said, the DDB can compete in carting, conformation, weight pulling, tracking, water rescue and search and rescue. They possess a dominant nature that can be aggressive with other pets.

This breed also needs exercise on a daily basis or they will get bored.  The DDB will need your love and attention, otherwise it will not be a happy pooch. 

Giant Schnauzer

A giant schnauzer is naturally territorial and can be intimidating to look at. He is also a barker and can be loud and demanding.  This breed is good at telling friend from foe almost instinctively. They are energetic and good-natured, needing to be stimulated both physically and mentally.  They are high energy and will require hours of exercise a day. A giant schnauzer loves to learn and will want to please you, although they can be stubborn.

This breed has a high prey drive, and will go after any fast-moving critter, and not easily give up the game.  A caution with this particular dog breed is that they require constant care, attention, and love. If the dog does not get enough of this, he can become a real problem. 

Conclusion:

We have listed a few of the breeds of protection dogs that make for a good guard dog.  It is also our belief that a dog is only as good as its master. Any pet requires time and energy, and a dog that is trained to defend their property can require even more training and handling.  

Be careful when buying or training a guard dog, as with anything, there are consequences if not done properly.  Do your research before choosing a dog, and look to accredited sources for assistance with training. Throughout history, these dogs have proven to be loyal trusted companions.  We need to make sure that we show that same respect to them.

10 Facts About Alkaline Water and Dogs

As dog parents, we want what’s best for fur babies. Sometimes what we want differs from what they need. The best thing we can do is gather as much information we can and weigh the pros and cons. We have listed below facts and information that you need to make an informed decision on giving your pet alkaline water.

What is Alkaline Water?

Water is a combination of hydrogens and oxygen hence, H2O. In water, pH is a measure of the number of hydrogen ions. When we use the term “alkaline water” it means that the water has less hydrogen or higher pH. Water’s pH can range from 0 to 14, with 7 being a balanced acid and alkaline. If water pH is below 7 it is acidic, if it’s higher than 7 it is alkaline.

Most reported benefits to dogs

• Alkaline water can encourage a dog to drink more, leading to better hydration.
• Using acidic water when grooming your pet can give them a smoother, shinier and softer coat.
• Poos stink less
• Increased energy

Should not be given with medication

Drinking alkaline water causes a reaction in the dog’s digestive system. They will absorb and digest everything faster than normal. Any kind of medication should be released at a medically prescribed rate in their system. It is better to give dogs filtered water when they are about to take medication.

Not good for nursing dogs

Alkaline water contains basic minerals such as calcium, magnesium or bicarbonate. If we give dogs water with a high pH level while nursing, the pups might get too high a dose of calcium. Reportedly, purified water is best for nursing dogs.

Before and after meals

When dog food is being digested, the stomach acids are at work, and it is best to let them do their job naturally. It is advisable not to give alkaline water 30 minutes before and after meals.

Some dogs prefer alkaline water

Dogs possess up to 300 million olfactory receptors in their noses, compared to about six million in humans. The part of a dog’s brain that is devoted to analyzing smells is, proportionally speaking, 40 times greater than ours. (source: A nose for odors)

Chlorine in tap water can be unrecognized to humans, but imagine what it is like for dogs who have a super sense of smell.

Here is a video of a dog choosing alkaline water over tap water.

Youtube video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZV91eeI8OQ

Avoid HIGH Alkaline water

As we know,  things should always be done in moderation. Water with high alkalinity has a high mineral content which can be harmful to a dog’s health.

Crystals in dog urine

This is the single negative effect found when giving alkaline water to dogs. If the dog’s pH level gets too low or too high, they can develop different kinds of crystals in their urine. If you really want to be certain, you can have your dog’s urine checked periodically to ensure that it is within normal range. Your dog’s pH should be between 6.0 and 7.0 tops.

Alkaline water is good for washing dogs

There are some who consider alkaline water as a miracle hair rinse. It provides the correct acidic pH level our dogs need. An acidic water rinse will leave our dog’s hair softer, shinier, and healthier. Alkaline water for dogs is not just for drinking but also for hygienic purposes.

Treatment of metabolic acidosis

There is an actual medical study that shows evidence that alkaline ionized water helps in the treatment of metabolic acidosis that can lead to renal failure in dogs. After conducting intensive research, the study considers alkaline ionized water as a safe strategy in the management of metabolic acidosis.

Further understanding…

There are different kinds of alkaline water for dogs

1. Distilled Alkaline Water: When tap water passes through the distillation process, it becomes slightly alkaline
2. Ionized Alkaline Water: Ionization is another process that could help turn regular water into alkaline water.
3. Alkaline Additives:  Adding some ingredients to raise the pH level of the drinking water creates another form of alkaline water. These ingredients include baking soda, lemon, and store-bought pH drops.
4. Purified Water: This type of water has the most common pH level of 7.
5. Low Alkaline Water
6. Mid Alkaline Water
7. Standard Alkaline Water

If you decide that alkaline water would be beneficial for your dog, you should choose which kind to use. There are several products online that you can choose from. We found an alkaline water pitcher that is the most popular among alkaline water drinkers. The Ehm Ultra Premium Alkaline Water Pitcher is a water ionizer pitcher that produces easily-absorbable alkaline water for dogs. It helps them get,  and stay, hydrated faster and more effectively. 

The Elm Ultra Premium Alkaline Water Pitcher

Check it Out

Conclusion

Is alkaline water beneficial for dogs?

There are many variables at play in this question.  A definitive answer would be biased in certain situations. But here’s one thought, water is the most basic and the most important component in staying healthy. It is the source of vital nutrients, that both humans and dogs need. 

You can start giving your dog water with a lower level of alkaline. If you see no harmful side effects, you can gradually raise the pH level. As in everything else, things must be done in moderation. Never go beyond the recommended pH level, there are no additional benefits above 9.0 maximum pH level for long term drinking. As long as you stay within the normal range of 8 – 8.5 (as per EPA standard) your dog should be fine. However, make sure to check with your veterinarian. 

The two most important things to remember when giving your furry friend alkaline water; 

1. Alkaline water must never be taken with medication.
2. No alkaline water 30 minutes before meals and after meals.

Our dogs are more than just pets, they are our companions. We want to provide them with the best possible means to achieve a healthy life so they can stay with us longer. After getting all the facts and information about alkaline water and if you feel this would benefit your dog, make sure you check with your vet.