Top Lawn Tips for Dog Urine Burn
If you’re tired of the "polka-dot lawn" look, here are the most effective ways avoid them and fix them.
Dilution is the Solution
- The most immediate way to prevent a burn is to dilute the urine.
- The 90-Second Rule: If you see your dog go, pour a watering or spray a hose over the spot immediately.
- It flushes the dog wee past the grass roots before it can affect the plant.
Hydration
- A well hydrated dog has more dilute urine.
- Fresh Water: Ensure they always have access to clean water.
- Wet Food: Adding a splash of water to their kibble or switching to a high moisture fresh food can naturally lower the nitrogen concentration in their output.
Create a "Designated Spot"
- Training your dog to pee in a specific area is the only 100% effective way to keep the main lawn green.
- The Setup: Use pea gravel, rock, or wood mulch in a corner of the lawn as their personal spot.
- Use treats and praise when they use their "spot." It takes patience, but it can really help.
Choose Pet Resistant Grass
If you are re-seeding, look for tougher varieties:
Warm Season Grasses:
- Kikuyu: Tough and fast-growing, ideal for heavy dog activity.
- Couch: Durable, sun-loving grass that thrives in Australian climates and repairs quickly.
Cool Season Grasses:
- Tall Fescue: Robust, drought-tolerant, with deep roots for resilience.
- Perennial Ryegrass: Fast germination and repair, fine texture, and moderate traffic tolerance.
Pro Tip: If you already have a yellow spot, rake out the dead grass, add a topsoil, and oversow the patch.