What Are Dog Rocks? How They Work and Why Kiwi Dog Parents Love Them
If you love your pup but don't love the patchy brown marks popping up on your lawn, you might be wondering: what are Dog Rocks, and can they really help? At Petdirect, we get pet — and that includes understanding the not-so-cute side of pet parenting too. This blog will uncover what Dog Rocks are, how they work, and why they’re a favourite natural solution for Kiwi dog parents who want lush grass and happy pups.
What Are Dog Rocks and What Do They Do?
Dog Rocks are 100% natural volcanic stone sourced from Australia. When placed in your dog's water bowl, they help reduce impurities like tin, ammonia and nitrates in your dog’s drinking water, which means fewer of these lawn-burning elements end up in their urine. The rocks don’t change the pH of your dog's urine or affect their health but instead filter out elements from their water that contribute to brown patches on your grass.
It's an easy, chemical-free way to protect your lawn while keeping your furry mate hydrated and healthy. Just place the rocks in your pet’s water bowl and replace them every two months. That's it — no sprays, no training, no fuss.
How Do Dog Rocks Work?
Dog Rocks act like a natural water filter. When submerged in your dog's water bowl, they filter out impurities such as nitrates and tin. This reduces the amount of harmful substances in your dog’s drinking water — and consequently in their urine — helping to prevent those dreaded yellow patches where your dog pees.
Remember, Dog Rocks won’t fix existing burn marks. But they are great for preventing new ones. If your lawn is already looking a bit sorry, you might want to pair Dog Rocks with a lawn repair treatment while you wait for your grass to bounce back.
Are Dog Rocks Safe for Your Dog?
Yes, Dog Rocks are completely safe. They don't add anything to your dog's water. They simply help remove dissolved minerals and impurities. This means your pup enjoys the same tasty water, just minus the lawn-burning elements. They’ve been tested and used by thousands of dog parents around the world with no side effects reported.
For peace of mind, always follow the instructions on the packaging and make sure your dog has access to fresh water daily. If your dog has any existing kidney or urinary issues, or you’re unsure about their suitability, it's a good idea to discuss it with your trusted vet.
How to Use Dog Rocks Properly
To get the best out of Dog Rocks, here’s how to use them effectively:
- Rinse the Dog Rocks under tap water (don’t wash with soap).
- Pop them into your dog’s main water bowl — ideally one that holds around 2 litres.
- Top the bowl up with fresh water daily, but don’t remove the rocks each time.
- Replace the rocks every two months to maintain full effectiveness.
For best results, top up the bowl rather than fully replacing the water each day. If you do replace the water completely, try to do so when your dog is least likely to drink, such as before bed.
If your dog drinks from multiple water sources, like a fountain or outdoor dish, be sure to have rocks in each one. You could also consider using a smart water fountain to encourage hydration and make sure Dog Rocks are always doing their job.
Other Ways to Keep Your Lawn Healthy
Dog Rocks are a fantastic start, but pairing them with good lawn care habits can make a visible difference. Here are a few pet-friendly lawn tips:
- Encourage your dog to use one area of the garden for toilet trips.
- Water the area frequently to dilute urine.
- Consider feeding your pup high-quality, digestible dry food, which may help with urinary health.
- Explore calming products if your dog pees frequently due to anxiety.
- Use odour removers to keep outdoor areas clean and dog-friendly.
We know our lawns are an extension of our homes in New Zealand — from backyard BBQs to fetch-filled Sundays — and keeping them green and gorgeous just feels good.
Greener Grass With Less Hassle
Dog Rocks are a simple, all-natural way to prevent those unsightly lawn burn spots caused by your dog’s urine. They’re safe, fuss-free, and fit seamlessly into your pup’s routine. At Petdirect, we’re all about smarter solutions for everyday pet parenting — because we get pet, and that means we get you too.
Explore Dog Rocks and other natural health solutions for your dog today. Plus, when you shop with us, you can earn Airpoints™, enjoy exclusive treats with Pet Perks, and even set up Autodeliver so your lawn stays green year-round without lifting a paw!