As a dog owner, you want your pet to be happy and healthy. And as a lawn owner, you want your yard to be green and lush. But it’s not always easy to achieve both goals.
Dogs love to play in the grass, but they can do serious damage if they’re not kept on a leash or otherwise monitored at all times. And even when they are on a leash, they can still wreak havoc on your lawn if they happen to get loose from time to time.
Here are seven ways you can protect your grass from dogs:
How Do Dogs Damage The Lawn?
Dogs can sometimes do more harm than good when it comes to the health of your lawn. Here are some things that dogs do that can hurt your grass:
- They urinate on the lawn. This is the number one way that dogs affect your grass negatively. When they pee on the grass it causes an increase in nitrogen levels that leads to an overgrowth of weeds.
- They dig holes in the lawn. Dogs love to dig holes in the ground as much as they love rolling around in mud puddles so they’re inevitably going to be digging up some of your turf at some point or another.
- They leave droppings behind them everywhere they go. A healthy dog can produce about 1-2 pounds of waste per week which means if you don’t clean up after them regularly there will be poop everywhere.
How to Grow Grass with Dogs
Choose dog-friendly grass
The first step is to choose grasses that are resistant to dog urine and feces. There are many different types of turfgrass and mixes, so it’s important to do some research before you make a final decision. Ask your local lawn care professional which types of grasses they recommend for pets.
Avoid allergenic grass types
If your dog has allergies, avoid using allergenic types of grass such as Bermuda and St Augustine grasses, which tend to spread by rhizomes or stolons (creepers). This means that once established, these types of grasses can spread rapidly throughout your yard. These invasive plants also produce pollen that can trigger allergic reactions in some dogs.
Aerate the lawn for a rapid recovery
If there are patches of dead grass in your lawn after having been urinated on by dogs, one way to help revive them is by aerating your lawn. Aeration allows air and water into the soil, which helps nourish dying grassroots. You can rent an aerator from a local hardware store or hire someone to do it for you if you don’t want to spend money on equipment or hire labor yourself.
Hose down dog pee
While it may seem strange to hose down your lawn with water when your dog has just peed on it, this method is actually very effective. The water dilutes the urine, which makes it easier for your grass to absorb it. This helps prevent damage to the grass blades and roots, which can make them more susceptible to disease and other problems.
Peeing on your lawn does not make it more acidic, so you don’t need to worry about that. However, if you notice that the urine is yellowish in color, then it may be too acidic for your grass. In this case, watering down after each accident may help neutralize the pH level in your soil and protect your grass from being damaged by acidic urine.
Use dog-friendly fertilizers
Even if you don’t want to use chemical fertilizers on your lawn because of environmental concerns or worries about pet safety, there are still some organic options available that are safe for pets and humans alike.
The best thing about organic fertilizers is that they’re usually much less expensive than their chemical counterparts. Just be sure to read all labels carefully before using any fertilizer product around animals or children.
Fill in bare patches promptly
You may find that after the first few months of having your dog on the lawn, some spots begin to look sparse and patchy. These bare areas are often caused by dogs digging or rolling around in the grass, which causes small patches of soil to be pulled up.
To fill in these bare patches quickly and easily, simply till them into the ground using a rototiller or garden tiller. The tilling action will help break up any clumps of dirt caused by digging or rolling around in the grass, which will allow new seeds to take root more easily than if they were left alone without any disturbance at all.
Fill in bare patches promptly
Dogs tend to prefer the same spots over and over again when they relieve themselves. This means that if your dog has been urinating in one place for some time, he’ll eventually create a bare patch in your lawn. To keep this from happening, fill in these bare patches with grass seed every spring or early summer before the dog gets out of control and creates too much damage.
FAQs
Does dog urine affect grass?
Yes, dog urine can affect the grass. The high nitrogen content in dog urine can burn the grass and create yellow or brown patches. The urine acts as a concentrated fertilizer, and if not diluted or managed properly, it can cause damage to the grass.
What is the quickest-growing grass seed?
There are several fast-growing grass seed varieties, but some of the quickest-growing options include perennial ryegrass and Kentucky bluegrass. These seeds germinate quickly and establish a lawn relatively faster than other grass types.
What grass is most tolerant of dog urine?
Tall fescue grass is known for its tolerance to dog urine. It has deeper roots and can handle the nitrogen in the urine better than some other grass types. Planting a lawn with a blend that includes tall fescue can help minimize the damage caused by dog urine.
How to grow grass from seed?
To grow grass from seed, follow these general steps:
- Prepare the soil by removing debris and weeds and loosening the topsoil.
- Spread the grass seed evenly over the soil using a seed spreader.
- Lightly rake the seed into the soil, ensuring good seed-to-soil contact.
- Water the area gently and keep the soil consistently moist until the grass germinates and establishes.
How long to keep a dog off grass after seeding?
It’s best to keep dogs off the grass for at least 2 to 4 weeks after seeding. This allows the new grass seedlings to establish their root systems without being disturbed or damaged.
How to grow grass fast?
To encourage faster grass growth:
- Choose fast-growing grass seed varieties like perennial ryegrass or Kentucky bluegrass.
- Ensure the soil is well-prepared with proper nutrients and good drainage.
- Water the grass regularly, but avoid overwatering.
- Consider using a starter fertilizer specifically designed for new grass growth.
How to grow grass where dogs pee?
To grow grass in areas where dogs frequently pee:
- Choose grass seed that is tolerant of dog urine, such as tall fescue.
- Water the area thoroughly after each urine incident to dilute the urine.
- Train your dog to pee in specific spots away from the newly seeded areas.
- Consider using designated pet-friendly lawn products that neutralize urine odors.
How to grow grass on dirt?
Growing grass on bare dirt follows the general process of growing grass from seed (as mentioned earlier):
- Prepare the dirt by clearing debris and leveling the surface.
- Spread the grass seed evenly over the dirt.
- Lightly rake the seed into the soil for good seed-to-soil contact.
- Water regularly to keep the soil moist until the grass establishes.
Can grass seed kill dogs?
Grass seed itself is not toxic to dogs, but if ingested in large quantities, it can cause gastrointestinal issues. The more significant concern is with the sharp awns or bristles found on some grass seed heads. These can become embedded in a dog’s paws, ears, eyes, or throat, leading to discomfort, infections, or serious health problems. It’s essential to keep an eye on your dog and seek veterinary care if you suspect any issues.
How to keep a dog off grass seed?
To keep a dog off grass seed, you can:
- Use temporary fencing or barriers to block off the newly seeded area.
- Supervise your dog and redirect them to designated potty spots away from the seeded area.
- Keep your dog indoors or on a leash when going outside to prevent access to the freshly seeded area.
How to protect grass from a dog running?
To protect grass from a dog running, consider the following measures:
- Create designated pathways or running areas for your dog using hardscaping materials like gravel or mulch.
- Train your dog to use specific routes to minimize wear on the grass.
- Choose more durable grass varieties that can withstand regular foot traffic
- Ensure your dog gets enough exercise to reduce excessive running and wear on the lawn.
