You know that one patch of grass in your backyard that just constantly looks yellow and dead? Like, you have tried everything to save it but it was just unsuccessful? Well, hate to break it to you but your dog’s pee is actually causing the problem. As much as we love our pets, even while peeing on our lawn, you might still be bothered by it. But don’t worry, because there are ways on how to stop dog urine from killing all of the grass in your beautiful backyard.
How to stop dog urine from killing grass
The one problematic component of your dog’s pee that will keep killing your grass no matter how much care you take of it are nitrates.
If you didn’t pay too much attention in chemistry class you might be confused on what nitrates are. Nitrates are a set of compounds that involve nitrogen and oxygen molecules. They are naturally found in your dog’s pee, but also your lawn fertilizer.
ALSO READ How To Clean Dog Toys: Tips And Tricks
Too much nitrogen compounds will kill grass and make it turn that yellow color.
To prevent these ugly spots on your lawn, you have two options:
- Train your dog to not pee on your lawn
- Reducing the levels of nitrates
How to train your dog to not pee on the lawn
Dog pee on the grass either to park their territory or because they actually have to relieve themselves. If you don’t take your dog on walks often enough chances are that he will sneak out to your backyard and pee there.
ALSO READ Three dog-safe cleaning solutions you can make at home
If you catch your dog peeing on your grass, it’s most likely already too late. However, you can still command NO and take him for a quick walk if he still has some unfinished business.
You can also invest in a pee post. These pee posts emit pheromones that will encourage your dog to lee near it. That way your canine will stay away from your actual lawn.
Reducing nitrates
If these methods aren’t working too good for you, maybe you should tackle the nitrates instead.
ALSO READ Can You Feel A Microchip In A Dog?
To lower the concentration of nitrates in your dog’s pee, make sure that he is well hydrated. Just like with human, good hydration will make the pee more diluted. That way less nitrates will land on your grass. Always make sure that your dog has enough fresh water to get him through the day.
How can I fix the dead grass on my lawn?
Even if all of these steps were a success, the yellow stains that you previously had may still stay yellow. The nitrates have a long-term effect on your grass, however there are a few simple steps you can do to fix it.
First of all, if you so want to change your whole lawn, pick a grass that isn’t so sensitive to urine. Kentucky Bluegrass and Bermuda are the most sensitive to urine, while Ryegrass and Fescue are the least.
ALSO READ Should I Wake Up My Puppy To Pee At Night?
You can try using a lawn repair treatment on the yellow spots of your lawn. These treatments use organic enzymes and soil to flush the nitrates out.
Fertilizer and water might also help. The right fertilizer combined with regular watering can help your grass to be green again.