Your Guide to the Best Natural and Artificial Grass for Dogs
 06/06/2019
Some of the best memories will probably be of your dog running around in the yard, rolling around in the golden sun and grassy stalks for hours.

Your heart swells as you watch them play in the grass, their tongues wagging with delight. Unfortunately, your happiness doesn’t last long when you notice the damage being done to your lawn. F

dead brown patches to uneven, muddy surfaces, dogs and other active pets can wreak havoc in your backyard. Instead of dealing with the aftermath, but there are ways to prevent this.

 

Not all grasses are created equal, some possess resilient characteristics that can stand up to rough play and pet excursions. From natural grasses to artificial turf for dogs, there are a few options that can fit your unique pet’s needs.

While you may think of natural grasses first, there is artificial turf for dogs that can surpass your expectations. 

Longer than their natural counterparts and requiring less maintenance, fake grass can stand up to hours of play with ease while looking and feeling like the real thing.

 

Before you uproot your entire lawn, it’s important to understand the factors of pet behaviors that can cause your grass to wither away.

Below, we describe pet habits that can ruin your landscaping, the type of grass that stands up to the challenge and a few backyard ideas for dogs to keep your pet happy and your lawn flourishing. Stop compromising the beauty of your lawn for the sake of your pet.

In this grassy world, you can have your cake and eat it too.

 

How Dogs Destroy Lawns
From frantically running after balls to peeing in the same spots every day, dogs tend to have, well, tendencies. Creatures of habit, dogs will run up and down the same length of the fence and relieve themselves in familiar areas repeatedly.

Leads to thinner threads of grasses in some places and brown, infertile spots in others. From excretions to carnal habits, your lawn may be in danger when exposed to the following elements.

 

1. URINE
 

 

 

Pet urine contains high counts of nitrogen, a colorless and odorless gas that in small amounts is generally safe for grass. Grass growth is dependent on this chemical but too much of it can have reverse effects and cause brownish yellow patches in otherwise green pastures. Pets urinate frequently, and normally in the same spots, making it difficult to grow grass in certain areas. Follow these tips to prevent urine from killing your grass.

 

HOW TO KEEP YOUR DOG’S URINE FROM KILLING THE GRASS
 

 

 

With significant training, you can teach your dog to relieve himself in specific areas to limit the number of burn marks on your lawn. Along with training, water down the area each time your pet relieves themselves. You can also turn your dog to be its own watering can, by training them to drink more water. Doing so will naturally dilute their pee, making it less harmful for the grass. It’ll also keep your dog healthy and well hydrated, especially on those long summer days. Placing dog rocks in their water bowl can also prevent future grass damage. These rocks purify their drink, removing tin and aluminum and gives your dog a cleaner, healthier release.

 

2. POOPING
 

 

 

Dog poop is never a good thing to have in your yard. Not only can it destroy a good pair of shoes, but it can also destroy your lawn. With lower levels of nitrogen, dog poop doesn’t have an immediate effect as urine but it’s still important to know how to limit your dog’s excretions and keep your lawn healthy.

 

HOW TO KEEP YOUR DOG’S POOP FROM KILLING THE GRASS
 

 

 

Remove it immediately! Luckily, it’s easier to spot a pile of poop and you’ll want to pick up their excretions as soon as possible to minimize any lasting effects. Hose down the area and dilute any residual nitrogen lingering around. Training your pet to release his excretions in designated areas can not only save your grass but limit the number of times you step in an unwanted surprise!

 

4. DIGGING
 

 

 

Hyperactive and healthy dogs love to spend time outside, but their overzealous nature can cause your yard to be filled with holes and dirt patches. A natural behavior, dogs instinctively dig into the ground for food, nutrients, or as part of a mating behavior. While it’s not something you can totally prevent a dog from doing, you can minimize the damage to your grass.

 

HOW TO KEEP YOUR DOG’S DIGGING FROM KILLING THE GRASS
 

 

 

Maintaining a healthy lawn can be your first line of defense when it comes to preventing digging damage. With the right fertilizers and mowing schedule, you can heal any uneven areas quickly. Keep spare chew toys laying around for your dog to tear up to his delight, preventing paws and teeth from sinking into the grass. Natural and artificial grass that can stand up to high traffic patterns and rough play can also be helpful when it comes to rigorous digging. We share some of our favorite pet resistant grass below.

 

5. RUNNING
 

 

 

Your dog is super active and you want to give them the freedom to run around with abandon. Unfortunately, their repetitive pawprints from running in circles and zigzags cause your grass to look limp and tired. It can also lead to patches when stalks get torn out of the ground from your canine’s rough play. Try these quick tips to keep your dog’s running from ruining your outdoor space.

 
HOW TO SAVE YOUR GRASS FROM ALL THAT RUNNING
 

 

 

Designating an area for unadulterated fetch can reduce your worries of an unsightly outdoor space. Block off an area where your pet can run around with ease, and nuzzle in the grass as much as they like. You can also change the running patterns of your pet by replacing open spaces with shrubbery. These visual barriers will prevent your dog from destroying weak areas. Resistant grass can withstand repeated movement is also another solution. You’ll find a few great natural and artificial grass for pets below.

 

6 Best Natural Types of Grass for Dogs
Landscaping is a lot of work, but if you’re already remodeling your lawn and want grass that will stand up to your canine’s chops and chaos, there are solutions. No matter the climate you live in or the dog breed you own, these green options can fit your needs.

 

1. KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS
 

Able to grow in various climates, Kentucky Bluegrass is one of the most popular hardy grasses on the market. Firm and able to recover quickly from a long day of play, this dog grass has a rapid growth rate and requires little time to heal. Forming a thick luscious turf, it’s excellent for most homes and pets.

 

2. PERENNIAL RYEGRASS
 

If you live in cooler climates, the Perennial Ryegrass is an excellent choice for those warm summer nights and even looks great during cool winters. With its ability to sprout quickly and develop a strong root system, this grass remains sturdy in most conditions. Because it can handle variable seasons, it flourishes in light shade and really thrives in the unobstructed sun. Keep in mind that this grass enjoys a lot of care like watering and fertilizing to keep its luscious appearance.

 

3. FESCUE
 

With the range of fescue grasses on the market, there’s a type for everyone. Able to grow with minimal sun and sturdy enough to stand up to your dog’s shenanigans, Fescue is a great resistant grass for your backyard. With high moisture absorbing qualities, this grass is considered one of the best grass for dogs, especially for larger breeds that urinate frequently and in larger amounts.

 

4. BERMUDA
 

Just like the name suggests, Bermuda grass is more of a tropical warm weather grass, thriving in hotter climates. While it can tolerate high amounts of sun, it also doesn't require much watering. If you're looking for a minimal maintenance natural grass that can tolerate rough play, Bermuda may be the best choice. Resistant to stress, its deep roots anchor it well against sports and pet play. Able to regenerate quickly and heal against any grass abuse, this grass remains a popular choice amongst homeowners.

 

5. ZOYSIA
 

Looking for a drought tolerant grass that's also sturdy enough to stand up to your pet's play? Zoysia may be the answer. While it may take a few years for the grass to solidify its deep roots, its durability is worth the wait. Perfect for warmer climates, Zoysia can withstand high heat and infrequent watering. With its dense bedding and soft feel, this dog grass will make your pet happier than ever before.

 

6. CENTIPEDE
 

Similar to Zoysia, Centipede grass is extremely tolerant to heat and doesn’t take much effort to upkeep. With a moderate tolerance for shade and shallow roots, this grass grows quickly in varying degrees of sun. Unfortunately, it’s not the type of grass that can thrive everywhere. Sensitive to alkaline soil and unable to grow properly in imperfect weather conditions, Centipede grass usually flourishes best in the Southwest states of the United States.

 

Is Artificial Grass for Dogs Right for You?
Natural grasses are great but have their downsides. For one, you'll have to replace it often depending on how aggressive your dog plays in the yard. It also requires regular maintenance which can eat into the time spent playing with your pet. Fertilizers harm your animal as well as the earth, making it an unfriendly guest in your backyard. Pet care is already expensive, and doubling your expenses with lawn upkeep materials can make you think twice about natural grass options. If you're looking to remodel your lawn so that it's pet resistant, it may be worth looking at artificial grass for pets. From saving time, money and the earth, some of the best artificial grass for dogs look and feel like the real thing with a host of added benefits.

 

MEGAGRASS ARTIFICIAL TURF FOR DOGS & PETS 

 
MEGAPET PRO ARTIFICIAL GRASS FOR DOGS & PETS
 

One of the best artificial grasses for dogs, MegaPet Pro has your dog’s needs in mind. With a super strong backing allowing for tougher turf, this grass is perfect for a dog grass pad or pet run. Able to sustain moderate traffic patterns, and virtually resistant to your pet’s most aggressive moves, these grass blades are curved, allowing for easier airflow and prevents your dog from overheating during playtime. With the ability to drain up to 23 gallons of liquid per hour, you won’t have to worry about a slippery spill stopping the fun. Enjoy playtime with your dog knowing that this resilient artificial grass is backed by a fifteen-year warranty and a lush life warranty of 25 years. You and your pet will be enjoying playtime long after the sun sets.

 

MEGAPET PLATINUM ARTIFICIAL GRASS FOR DOGS & PETS
 

For those larger dog breeds that urinate frequently, the MegaPet Platinum grass is one of the best choices for your large dog. With its ability to drain up to 92 gallons of liquid per square yard per hour, this pet grass will remain dry and play-ready even after frequent pet poop or urine. Cleanup is a breeze, allowing you to spend more time playing in the sun with your four-legged friend. Withstanding repeated heavy impact like trampling paws and sniffing noses, this dog potty grass bounces back quickly even after continuous zig-zagged running. An excellent choice for indoor and outdoor landscaping, the MegaPet Platinum synthetic grass for dogs performs gracefully under variable weather conditions and activities.

Available in field green and olive green, you’ll be able to keep your lawn and pet looking and feeling healthy for longer.