Training

How to Protect Grass from Dog Urine

Keeping your lawn green (without brown or yellow burn spots from urine), can be tough. But, don't fret. Here are 4 simple tips to keep your lawn looking its best.

How to Protect Grass from Dog Urine

If you're a dog parent, you know that keeping your lawn green (without those brown or yellow burn spots), can be a challenge.

After all, you wouldn't want those nosey neighbors giving you "the look" because your grass isn't up to snuff. 

Luckily, we've got some great tips to keep your lawn looking its best while also keeping the spring in your pup's step!

FYI: Not All Grass is Created Equal!

When it comes to grass, it's not just important to know how it looks. It's also important to understand how the grass will respond to heat, moisture, and soil conditions. Oh, and your pup's pee.

The Purdue University Extension service says animal urine can damage ANY grass. The worst pee-related damage is usually seen in places with less moisture in the soil. Hot, dry climates are also more prone to the worst burns. In these cases, urine can turn the grass brown.

Fescue and perennial Ryegrass are two hardy types of dog-resistant grass seeds, and of course, there’s artificial turf. Regardless, experts say it's best to keep the real grass cut at least two to three inches rather than keeping it very short.

With that out of the way, here are some handy tips to keep in mind!

1. Water, Water, Water

Keep a watering can or a hose in the backyard. After your dog does their business, tend to the business of keeping the lawn green by watering the yard in that spot. This may not prevent the damage, but diluting the nitrogen and salts in the urine help prevent brown patches. Keeping your dog hydrated also keeps your pooch healthy.

2. Create Designated Areas

Some dogs like to do their business in the same area. Training can also yield that behavior. If that's the case, select landscaping in those areas that is less likely to suffer the impact of urine damage.

This "hardscape" like stone mulch or grass alternatives like clover can be just the ticket to prevent damage to premium parts of your lawn.

3. Potty Breaks + Exercise = Pawfect

The best way to avoid grass burn and lawn disease in your yard is to avoid your own space entirely. 

Now... that doesn't mean you should sneak over to a neighbor's lawn to let Fido do their business. But, we're sure you know that. ;)

Instead, take your female or male dogs on a walk around your neighborhood, or even a nearby dog park if there's one in your area. That way, it's a great exercise, a new change of scenery, and most of all... neat new places for your pup to pick out for their next pee.

4. Try a Urinary Health Supplement 

Zesty Paws Stay Green Bites™ support urinary tract health, immune function, and canine gut health.

These soft chews include Cran-Max®, a clinically tested concentrate made from cranberries shown to promote optimal urinary system health, a six-strain blend of digestive enzymes, and DL-Methionine, an amino acid that may help reduce the nitrogen levels in dog urine to reduce lawn burn.

That's all for now! But hey, we’re always interested in your stories and, of course, see photos of your besties living their zestiest lives! Go ahead and share them with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest using #ZestyPaws.

If you’d like to learn more about our collection of products, you can also reach out to us directly at 1-800-738-0661 or bark@zestypaws.com.