Does your dog’s pee turn your lawn into a patchy mess of yellow spots? You are not alone! Dog urine contains nitrogen and ammonia that can burn your grass. While nitrogen is an essential component in fertilizer, too much of it in one spot can damage the grass, leading to yellow or brown patches.
But you can have a healthy dog and a beautiful green lawn at once. Here’s how to prevent damages caused by dog urine and keep your yard looking its best.
Let’s understand the chemistry behind it!
Why Does Dog Urine Turn Grass Yellow?
Nitrogen is one of the necessary components in healthy soil. However, excessive concentration can cause damage or kills the grass and turn it yellow or brown. On the other hand, dog urine contains a high amount of nitrogen that can cause grass burns. Along with nitrogen, salts and other nitrogenous compounds in dog urine can also be responsible for grass damage.
When urine is highly acidic or alkaline, it can change the pH levels of the soil and damage the grass in those areas of the yard where your dog urinates.
How to Keep Your Grass Green
You don’t have to choose between your dog and your lawn. Here are some easy ways to keep your grass looking great:
Train Your Dog to Use One Spot
Teach your dog to pee in a specific area of your yard. This way, most urine is concentrated in one place, not all over the lawn. You can use gravel, mulch, or even fake grass in that area to prevent damage.
Water the Area After Your Dog Pees
Pour water into the area where your dog urinated to reduce the nitrogen concentration of that spot and save your lawn from getting damaged.
Keep Your Dog Hydrated
Make sure your dog drinks plenty of water. When they are well-hydrated, their pee is more diluted and less harsh on the grass.
Balanced Diet & Supplements
Provide your pets with a balanced diet that contains all the essential nutrients. Add supplements to their treatment regime. Some dietary supplements help reduce the nitrogen or pH levels of the dog’s urine. Always talk to your vet for dietary and suitable supplement recommendations for your pet. .
Plant Tougher Grass
Some grass types, like fescue or ryegrass, are more resistant to dog’s urine. If you are reseeding or planting a new lawn, consider using these varieties.
Lessen the use of Fertilizers
Nitrogen is naturally present in the soil in small amounts and its concentration increases with fertilizers. To prevent damage to your lawn, consider using low-nitrogen fertilizers or reducing the frequency of use.
Can You Fix the Damage?
If you are already dealing with yellow spots, don’t worry—you can fix them! Here’s what to do:
- Take away the dead grass in the affected area
- Water the area to dilute any remaining nitrogen
- Reseed the spot with grass seeds, making sure that the grass type is good and resistant to your dog’s urine
- Keep the area moist until the grass grows back, and consider temporarily fencing it off so your dog doesn’t use it again until fully restored.
Key Takeaways
Everyone loves a lush, green lawn but it doesn’t mean you have to compromise on your dog’s needs. With some adjustments, like training your dog, watering the lawn, and using the right products, you can keep both your grass and your dog healthy.
