No matter how adorable your dog is or how well it plays fetch, it can feel less like your best friend when it damages your lawn. While it’s not your pup’s fault that its pee kills grass, proper lawn care can fix the damage.
Instead of just sprinkling grass seed over the affected area and hoping for the best, take the time to do it right. Start by raking up dead grass and using a lawn aerator. This guide will discuss how to stop dog pee from killing grass and how to repair any damage for a healthy lawn.
How to Repair a Dog-Damaged Lawn
Rake Up Dead Grass
Begin by raking up as much dead grass from the damaged areas as possible. While it might be extra yard work, this step creates a blank canvas for new grass seed. A dethatching rake is ideal, but any yard rake will suffice.
Saturate with Water
The nitrogen in dog urine turns grass brown, and some of it lingers in the dead grass areas. Thoroughly soak these patches to flush out excess nitrogen that could hinder new growth.
Aerate the Area
Aerate the dead patches to stimulate root growth, allowing more air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the soil. This promotes a healthier lawn. For small areas, a manual lawn aerator works best.
Add Topsoil
Before reseeding, add a layer of topsoil or compost (about an inch or two) to the affected areas. This gives your seeds a solid base. Use a rake to mix it in with the existing soil.
Reseed the Patches
Sprinkle grass seed over the affected area and rake it for even distribution. Use the same type of grass seed as your lawn, or a general patch repair mix if you’re unsure. Water daily for a week or two, and avoid mowing until the grass is about 3 inches tall.
How to Prevent Dog Damage to a Lawn
Once your lawn is repaired, you’ll want to prevent future dog urine spots.
Dilute Urine
Follow your dog with a hose or watering can and water the area where your dog pees to dilute the urine, reducing the chance of damage.
Keep Your Dog Well-Hydrated
Dehydrated dogs produce more concentrated urine that is more likely to damage grass. Ensure your dog is well-hydrated to help improve the situation.
Add Lawn-Protecting Minerals to Your Dog’s Water
Instead of using supplements that alter urine pH and risk kidney stones, use dog urine neutralizers for lawns. These minerals neutralize nitrogen and ammonia in your dog’s water, reducing lawn damage without changing urine pH.
What You Need to Repair and Protect a Dog-Damaged Lawn
Pennington Smart Seed Sun and Shade Grass Mix A versatile seed mix suitable for lawns with varying sun exposure, including Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescue, tall fescue, and perennial ryegrass.
Scotts EZ Seed Patch & Repair Sun and Shade Mix Ideal for patching and repairing lawns with any sun exposure. The included mulch aids in growth.
Bully Tools Leaf and Thatching Rake A durable, lightweight rake with a fiberglass handle and spring steel tines, suitable for removing dead grass and other yard tasks.
Yard Butler Manual Lawn Coring Aerator Perfect for small areas, this manual aerator enhances air, water, and nutrient penetration to boost growth and root strength.
Dog Rocks Natural minerals that neutralize nitrogen and other compounds in your dog’s drinking water, reducing urine burn on lawns without altering urine pH.
Flexzilla Garden Hose A reliable, weather-resistant garden hose that lasts for years. Available in lengths from 3 to 100 feet to suit various yard sizes.
By following these steps and using the right tools, you can repair and protect your lawn from dog urine damage, ensuring a lush and healthy yard.
