Updated: 4 May 2023
Is dog wee killing your grass?
Are you tired of seeing yellow patches of grass in your lawn caused by your furry friend’s urine? Don’t worry. You’re not alone! Many pet owners face this issue, but the good news is that you don’t have to choose between your dog and your garden. There are several ways to stop dog wee from killing the grass.
Why Does Dog Urine Kill the Grass?
Let’s start with the basics. What is it about dog urine that is so bad for the grass?
The main reason why dog urine kills grass is the urine’s nitrogen content. Dog urine is comprised mainly of nitrogen, which has a similar chemical makeup to bleach (and we all know what happens when bleach gets poured on any surface!).
It’s true that diluted nitrogen can benefit the grass and act as a fertilising agent. Too strong of a concentration, though, can burn and kill the grass, leaving behind unsightly yellow patches of dead grass. Hence, when your dog pees on your lawn, it causes yellow or brown patches, which can be unsightly.
Does this image look familiar??
Some dogs’ urine is more harmful to lawns than others. For example, female dogs tend to leave more lawn destruction in their wake than male dogs. This has to do with the way in which they urinate. Because female dogs squat, their urine gets deposited more heavily in one area. Since male dogs cock their legs, their urine gets sprayed over a wider area and causes less damage overall.
Yellow spots from dog urine can be more concentrated at certain times, too. When the weather is dry during the Summer months, for example, the dead grass becomes more noticeable. The same is true when female dogs are coming into season or when male dogs age out of puppyhood.
How To Stop Dog Wee Killing Grass?
Luckily, there are things you can do to prevent yellow spots or patches of dead grass from forming (and, no, they don’t involve making your dog wear a nappy!). Here are some steps you can take to stop your dog’s wee from killing the grass today:
1. Dilute with Water
One of the easiest ways to stop dog wee from killing the grass is by diluting the nitrogen concentration. After your dog pees, you can use a watering can or a garden hose to pour water on the area. It helps to dilute the nitrogen and prevent it from becoming too concentrated and damaging the grass.
2. Monitor In-Season Female Dogs
If you know that your female dog is in season, keep a close eye on her when she goes out in the garden to do her business. The hormonal change she’s experiencing will make her urine more toxic to plants.
After she urinates, be sure to dilute the area with fresh water. You might want to put her on a lead when you take her out, too. This will help you to prevent her from urinating in the same spot over and over again and causing excessive damage to the grass.
3. Keep Them Moving Or Designate a Toilet Area
Many people find that keeping their dogs (both male and female) moving when they go outside can help to minimise damage to their lawns. If the dogs are prevented from urinating in the same place repeatedly, the lawn is less likely to experience significant damage in one or two particular areas.
On the flip side, you might want to try designating a toilet area for your dogs. This could be an area of the lawn that’s out of view or something like the compost heap that you don’t mind having urine poured upon.
Lead them to this spot every time they go out so they can learn that this is where they’re supposed to urinate.
4. Introduce a Garden Pee Post
We all know how much male dogs love to pee on things! If you provide your doggy with a designated pee post that is easy to cock their leg on, you can entice them to focus their efforts away from the grass.
If you can train them to use the post, this can be a great and effortless option for protecting your grass without having to corral them when they go outside.
5. Use VetIQ Green-Um Lawn Burn Solution
Using lawn burn solutions like VetIQ Green-UM Lawn Burn Solution can help to neutralise the nitrogen content in your dog’s urine and prevent damage to the grass. This natural dietary supplement contains ingredients that bind and control the nitrogen waste products in your dog’s urine, protecting your lawn from damage. It also contains essential vitamins to promote your pet’s overall health.
5. Encourage More Water Consumption
Encouraging your dog to drink more water can also help to reduce the nitrogen concentration in their urine. Dehydration can cause urine to become more concentrated and, as a result, damage the grass. Make sure your pet has access to clean and fresh water at all times, especially during hot weather.
How to Repair Your Grass
If your grass is already damaged from dog wee, there are also steps you can take to repair it, including the following:
- Rake the yellow patches to remove dead grass
- Apply ground limestone and water
- Cover the areas with new topsoil and grass seeds (there are some grasses that are more resistant to nitrogen that you could try!)
After you’ve done this, keep watering your lawn on a regular basis (but not too much!) to help the grass seeds take root and grow and then apply the tips above to protect it them from your dog’s wee in future.
Get Your Grass Back on Track Today
As you can see, there are lots of strategies you can use to stop dog urine killing the grass in your garden. Keep these tips in mind and be sure to check out Green-Um Lawn Burn Solution.
It’s rated 5-stars because it is a natural supplement that works wonders for nourishing your dog and boosting their health, as well as helping to protect your grass from their wee, keeping it looking green and lush.
Are you struggling with yellow or brown patches on your lawn? For over 15 years our customers have had great results from Vet IQ Green-UM Lawn Burn Solution, which is a natural product that helps prevent yellow spots appearing on your lawn.
