Lawn Tips for Dog Owners

If patches of yellow grass are present where the dog plays, then flush those areas with water to eliminate the salts and nitrogen.

Dog owners must take extra care of their lawns since pee and poop can adversely affect the grass. Also, some lawn treatments could hurt the pup and should be avoided.

Here are some essential tips for dog owners to ensure pets are safe and that the grass is healthy.

Reseed the lawn with grass that’s damage resistant

There are different types of grass, with some being more damage resistant than others. Pick a robust option. If bare patches arise due to wear and tear or urine spots, consider replacing the grass with a better option.

Handle dog waste promptly

Due to high nitrogen levels, dog waste can damage the grass if absorbed into the soil. This makes it hard for grass to cellular respire and photosynthesize, causing burns. The wisest thing is to dispose of the waste immediately. Furthermore, watering areas where the dog pees will flush excess nitrogen from the soil and prevent damage.

Mow the lawn grass higher

If the grass is taller, the roots are deeper, meaning a hardier lawn. Allowing the grass to grow tall allows it to toughen and mature, making it more resistant to dog activities.

Use less fertilizer

Some lawn fertilizers contain nitrogen for healthy growth. However, dog waste also contains nitrogen. When combined with the fertilizer, the lawn is negatively affected.

Stay alert for any yellow spots

If patches of yellow grass are present where the dog plays, then flush those areas with water to eliminate the salts and nitrogen. Also, adding some soil treatments can stop the damage. To avoid reseeding, don’t allow the yellow patches to die. However, if the patches turn brown, the grass is already dead.

Avoid chemical treatments

Chemicals such as fungicides, pesticides, or weed killers can harm the dog if ingested. Avoid such substances to keep the dog safe. Go for commercial organic products or home remedies.

Handle foxtail weeds

Foxtails are a type of weed that grows on the lawn in summer. These are common in the western parts of the U.S., but other species are found in each state. The seeds have barbed heads that can embed in a dog’s skin. If not pulled out promptly, they can cause infections or puncture blood vessels and vital organs.

Avoid toxic plants

When picking landscape plants, ensure they are dog friendly. Check the list of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

Get help from professionals

To protect your dog, always enlist the services of a lawn professional. Experts can advise on the best lawn products and practices and ensure your pets have a safe space to enjoy.

Epic Lawns LLC provides top-quality lawn care and landscaping installation and maintenance to property owners in St. Charles, St. Louis, and Lincoln Counties. Call Epic Lawns at (636) 445-0824.