Does Dog Pee Kill Your Grass?

Dog urine on grass is a common problem for dog owners. The urine from dogs can cause unsightly spots in the lawn and kill grass. There are many things you can do to protect grass from dog urine damage.

Is Dog Urine On The Grass Really The Problem?

Believe it or not, dog urine is not as damaging as many people believe it is. Sometimes you may blame the dog for brown or yellow spots in the lawn when in fact it is a grass fungus causing the problem.

To determine if dog urine is killing the lawn or a grass fungus, simply pull up on the affected grass. If the grass in the spot comes up easily, it is a fungus. If it stays firm, it is dog urine damage.

Another indicator that it is dog urine killing the lawn is that the spot will be a bright green on the edges, while a fungus spot will not.

How Can You Protect Grass from Dog Urine?

To protect your grass from dog urine, start by training your dog to use a specific spot in the yard for potty breaks. This method helps contain the damage to one area, making it easier to clean up and prevent widespread lawn damage. If your dog is small enough, or if you have a large enough litter box, you can try litter box training your dog as an alternative. Additionally, consider training your dog to go during walks in public areas like parks, ensuring you follow local clean-up laws and do your part in maintaining a clean environment.

How Can Changing Your Dog’s Diet Help Protect Your Lawn from Dog Urine?

Adding salt to your dog’s food encourages them to drink more water, which dilutes the harmful chemicals in their urine. Ensuring your dog stays hydrated by providing enough water is also crucial, as concentrated urine can cause more harm to your lawn. Additionally, reducing the amount of protein in your dog’s diet can help minimize urine damage. However, before making any dietary changes, consult your vet to ensure these adjustments are safe and appropriate for your dog’s health.

Can Dog Urine Resistant Grass Protect Your Lawn?

If you're re-seeding your lawn, you may want to consider planting dog urine-resistant grass varieties, such as fescues and perennial ryegrasses, which are more resilient. However, it's important to note that while these grasses are hardier, they won't completely prevent damage from dog urine. They will still be affected, but the damage will take longer to show, and the grass will be better able to recover.