Grasses grow everywhere, and you hardly take notice of this ever-growing greenery at any other time. Pet parents take for granted that their dogs will enjoy having a lawn. Our canine buddies will just roll around the grass or run out to relieve themselves when you have a yard.
For most owners, they hardly ever notice whether their lawn has tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass or other perennial grass. It is true most of the time, but did you know that there are specific types of grass that can tolerate your fur baby more than the others?
Looking deeper into the connection between canines and grass, we've discovered that there are specific types of grass that are ideal for homes with dogs. Yes, dogs will do their best to please their owners. If your pet seems not to like to do their thing on the grass, it is easy to overcome this behavior or fear. However, your pet may be allergic to the kind of weed you have on your lawn. This would dissuade them from enjoying your turf and from spending time on it.
But before diving into the best grass for dogs, you must know the characteristic of this plant that will suit your lifestyle and your pet. If you can find several of these excellent characteristics in one grass type, then you can expect to have a growing turn that will make you and your buddy extra happy.
What To Look For In The Best Grass For Dogs?
Most pet parents find themselves getting frustrated about growing a garden, especially if there are several doggies at home. One of the causes of their concern is having bald spots in the turf. To avoid this, you need a look at specific qualities of grass that will stand up with your pets' habits. Some grasses grow faster than the others, and they are those with a distinctive texture that dogs love. Here are some of the top characteristics you should consider -
- Speed of Growth - you need to have a type of pet grass that will proliferate, regrow, and recover patches wherein your dogs or pups have torn apart while they are growing up. With this type of weed, you can keep your turf looking good without any gaping holes.
- Tolerant of Canine Feces and Urine - most pets are comfortable to relieve themselves on your lawns; thus, finding a type of grass with good absorption qualities is essential. Although the underlying ground will also make a difference, a turf that absorbs quickly will also help minimize odor.
- Deep Rooting System - grass types with the deep rooting system is vital in keeping your lawn looking good while keeping your pups happy. Canines tend to dig up plants and weed, including the roots. The best lawn for dogs should have deeper roots to make it hard for pets to dig them out. It will continue to grow and tolerate even areas with high traffic.
- Well-Matched to the Climate - make sure to choose grass species that are suited to your climate and sun exposure in your property. It will take on the stresses of having a dog and survive better despite any weather condition.
- Try Organic - we've previously talked about grass for dogs to eat, and to lessen the chances of allergic reactions or exposure to toxic chemicals, you might want to try buying organic. Your pooch will surely munch on your tall fescue or Kentucky bluegrass once in a while because it is a very common habit for them. With organic dog grass to eat, you can help improve your pet's metabolism and reduce the risk of constipation in canines.
Types Of Grass That Are Pooch-Proof
Experts on lawn care have several recommendations for the best types of grass for homes with pets. You can purchase grass seed of these types for propagation in your lawns. Among them, here are the top choices.
- Kentucky Bluegrass - is one of the enduring types of grasses available. It thrives in different growing locations, a rapid growth rate, capable of quick recovery after being trampled, and hardy nature. Thus, it is an excellent choice for pet owners. Additionally, it also looks attractive and gives lawns a better curb appeal.
- Perennial Ryegrass - has a robust root system that allows it to grow quickly. This type of grass is one of the best choices for homes in cooler climates where they are most suited.
- Fescue - this type of grass has several varieties, and homeowners can choose one that is well-suited for their climate. It is a hardy grass with excellent water-absorbing qualities. This grass will take on any indignities that your dog with let out. Like perennial, tall fescues are also able to grow in shaded spots.
- Bermuda - this grass is a common choice among tropical areas and warmer climates. It does not need supplemental water and is hardy. It can tolerate high traffic areas and stay in good shape even when trampled on repeatedly. However, like other grass types, it also needs a break to recover and recolonized barren spots.
- Zoysia - is a luxurious but hardy pick for grass types when you have a pet. It is also very popular because of its thick texture. Zoysia is hardy and drought-resistant, but it does require several years of growth to have a stable hold.
Doggie Issues That Destroy Your Lawns
Your canine buddy is your constant happy pill. They give you a lot of good vibes whenever you are feeling down. However, they can sometimes be the cause of your stress too! Dogs can wreak havoc on your lawn in many ways. You have to take steps to prevent your pet from harming your turf. Additionally, you may also take note of how your doggie destroys your lawn so that you will know how you can prevent it. So, here are some of the most common ways canines harms your gardens.
Your pooch is bound to pee in your lawn several times a day. It is especially true if you live in homes with access to the yard. Dog urine contains several ingredients, including urea. This substance includes nitrogen, which might be helpful for grass and plants in producing new tissues and for healthy growth.
PeeingHowever, extreme amounts of nitrogen may burn your plants or your turf. It will result in patches of grass drying up and dying. Thus, most owners train their pets to pee or poop in a specific area to limit the damage. It is an excellent strategy, but you have to be patient in teaching them with this potty plan, and some spots in your lawn will still be ruined.
Dog poop also contains nitrogen, but this is not the primary concern. The bigger problem here is the moisture and bacteria in poop, which will disturb the soil's microflora. It may encourage the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi in your turf.
PoopingYour pooch's waste also becomes a significant biohazard if not cleaned regularly. Therefore, always have a scooper and adequately dispose of your pet's poop!
Almost all canines love to dig. They dig at their feeding bowls, bed, floor, and your lawn, of course. It is where they will focus most of their digging love. And if you are a lucky pet parent, your pooch may pick a corner out of the way location to make a hole. But in most cases, it can be anywhere in your yard. Digging will damage the grass blades and tear up the roots. The soil will be destroyed and exposed too. Constant digging on your lawn may compact the soil, dry it out and make it more difficult for grass to grow in the area.
DiggingA running dog is capable of crushing grass blades and dislodging swatches of your lawn. If your pet repeatedly runs on the same patch of land, you will find bare spots in the area. It is common at your pet's favorite places like the dog house and your back door. Encourage your pet to run around the whole yard to avoid real damage on your lawns.
RunningEasy Trick On How To Make Your Grass Dog Safe
No type of grass is completely safe from the destructive forces of some pooches. Thus, there are several things that you can do to help your turf looking its best. Here are some easy tricks for you to do.
Reduce damage to your turf by watering down the area after your dog relieves themselves. Water will dilute your pet's nitrogen-rich urine will lessen the damage it causes to your lawn.
Diluting Your Canine's PeeYou can also keep your lawns safe by taking them for a walk in the morning and afternoon. These times are when your pooch's urine is most concentrated; thus, a nice walk will allow them to flush out the nitrogen-concentrated pee somewhere far from your place.
As pet parents, it is your responsibility to regularly clean your yard to prevent the build-up of pet waste. It can cause serious health problems for you and your family if left uncleaned.
Cleaning Up Your Pet's PoopMore so, cleaning the yard regularly will keep your grass healthier and livelier. Dog poop also contains excessive amounts of nitrogen; thus, it may cause the same problems that frequent urination also brings.
Your turf has better chances of recovery if you can teach your dog to enjoy the whole area. The impact, including the usual wear-and-tear caused by your pet's activity, pooping, and peeing, will be spread out. It will give the grass more time to recover. It may not be easy to accomplish, but once you succeed, you and your pooch will have better enjoyment of the lawn.
Encourage Your Pooch to Utilize the Whole YardA wet lawn will incur more damage with any high-impact activity of your pooch. Moreover, a short playtime in a damp yard also guarantees a huge mess in your home, especially if you don't have a paw washer. Thus, if it is raining or after you water the yard, keep them off the area first to prevent them from ruining your turf.
Don't Allow Your Dog to Play While the Grass is WetLawns may need an occasional spray of organic fertilizers. While incidental contact may not cause any major health issue, a pooch that rolls around or eats any of it may develop some problems. Pesticides or herbicides are even more harmful; thus, you should follow all instructions on the label and keep your pet off the lawn for the recommended period. As much as possible, go for pet-safe lawn treatments to reduce the risk for your pooch.
Don't Let Your Dog Outside After Using Chemicals on Your YardIn most cases, lawns will have spots that stay unsightly for some reason. These areas might struggle to grow a thick carpet of grass or are always drying up. Instead of worrying over them, you can put them into good use without worrying over urine damage. You can place their house or put a tie-down stake in these spots. Otherwise, you may limit their playtime in these barren spots.
Utilize Problematic SpotsIs Artificial Grass Suitable For My Pooch?
One primary question pet parents ask is whether or not they can use artificial grass for their lawns. For those who are not lucky to have a backyard or garden to grow natural grass, artificial turf is your best alternative. It is safe and enjoyable for pets too. Artificial turf can tolerate more traffic with less damage and it is also resistant to nitrogen from poop and pee. You should review the pros and cons of having an artificial turf for you to decide which is the best one for you.
Conclusion
Keeping your lawn looking clean and immaculate is a challenge if you are a dog owner. There are several hardy grass types that you can consider for your yards, and if you prefer, you can also try artificial turf. Be sure to choose a grass type that is well-suited for your climate to encourage quick and healthy growth. Knowing all the right details will help you achieve your lawn-goals and enjoy outdoor play with your dog all the time.
Remember that you can teach your dog to avoid damage to your lawn. Likewise, you can do a lot to help maintain your lawn's health and keep it in pristine condition.
If you have additional tips or you know of other resilient grass types that can tolerate all your pooch abuses, do let us know in the comment section.
