You’ve spent your hard earned money on a beautiful yard for your whole family, including Buddy, to enjoy. The issue? While we all certainly love to see our dogs running full speed in the yard, chasing after a tennis ball, we don’t want to see unsightly spots in the lawn due to dog urine.
Dog Urine or Grass Fungus?
While dog urine doesn’t have the best reputation, it is not as damaging as many people believe it to be, and is often mistaken for a grass fungus. Should you spot a yellow or brown spot in your lawn, first check to make sure that it is not in fact, a grass fungus. To determine if the spot is caused by urine or fungus, simply pull up on the affected area. If the grass comes up easily, it is a fungus. If it stays firm, it is urine damage. Another indicator that the culprit is dog urine, not a grass fungus, is that the spot will be a bright green on the edges, whereas a fungus will not have definite edge.
Protect Your Lawn From Dog Urine
1. Potty Training Your Dog Properly
The simplest way to protect your lawn is to train Buddy to do his business in one part of the yard. It will contain the damage to one section of the yard while also making it easy to clean up after your dog. You can also train your dog to do their business on daily walks (and enjoy the health benefits for the both of you!). Just remember to clean up after Buddy. If you don’t want to step in it, chances are no one else does either.
2. Change Your Dog’s Diet
Being more conscious of your dog’s diet has many benefits, and not just for your dog. By adding a pinch of salt to your dog’s food it will encourage them to drink more, thus diluting their urine. The more concentrated the urine is, the more damaging it is. So, should you find multiple urine damaged areas, it might not be a bad idea check with your veterinarian to make sure your dog is properly hydrated. We recommend discussing this option with your vet before any actions are taken
3. Be Aware Of The Type of Grass You Have
If you are still trying to determine what type of sod/hydroseed is right for you, consult with a professional to find the type of grass right for you and your pet. Contact our professionals at Bell’s Sod and Hydroseed to help get you the perfect lawn for your family, even the four-legged members.