We love our dogs. Over half of American homes have one, and it’s not hard to see why. The companionship is one we’ll brag about to our friends until they get tired of hearing about it. However, if there is one major downside old Fido is known for, it’s creating brown spots on the lawn. Clients often ask us if there are any remedies to preventing their dog from killing their grass. Thankfully, we do have a few tips to help keep your pet happy and your lawn green.

Tips for Preventing Your Dog from Creating Brown Spots in the Grass

Many dog owners think it’s the acidity of a dog’s urine that puts their grass on death’s doorstep. Since the brown spots occur where your dog pees, it’s easy to pinpoint urine as the culprit. However, high levels of nitrogen created by a high protein diet is what is truly to blame for turning your lush green lawn brown. Not acidity.

Here are a few ways to combat the effects of nitrogen on your lawn without disrupting your dog’s diet:

Dilute the Urine

When your dog is done doing its business, dilute the spot where they peed with the hose. You’ll also want to keep your dog hydrated. This second piece of advice is great for both your lawn and your dog! Good hydration helps maintain their bodily function while lessening the concentration of nitrogen in their output—if you know what we mean.

Choose a Hardy Grass Type

Certain types of grass, such as Bermuda or Kentucky Bluegrass, are more sensitive to the levels of nitrogen they receive compared to other types, such as Fescue and Ryegrass. Talk to one of Blue Landscaping’s professionals about which type of grass is best for your home. We’ll help you determine the answer based on your climate and landscape.

Reduce the Amount of Times You Fertilize

For some individuals, this may sound counter intuitive. After all, fertilizer helps your grass grow green, right? Well, you’re partially right. Fertilizer’s main purpose is to help grass and plants thrive. However, it also contains high levels of nitrogen. Combine that with your dog’s contributions, and it could very well have the opposite effect.

However, if fertilizer is a necessity to keep your property healthy, it may be time to turn to the one guaranteed way to protect your lawn: designated “pee spots.”

Create a Designated “Pee Spot” for Your Dog

This tip involves a little bit of construction, but can be a lot of fun. Create a non-grassy “pee” area made with artificial turf or mulch. You can spruce it up however you like if you want to make it more visually appealing. Wooden borders or small plants can give it more of an aesthetic appeal. Then with a little repetition and a lot of positive reinforcement, teach your pup how to use this spot to do their business. They’ll catch on after a few tries, and your lawn will thank you in the long run!