You envy your neighbor’s pristine artificial lawn. But you have dogs (three actually), so fake grass is off the table, right? Wrong. Today, you can buy pet-friendly artificial turf that Fido will love – and you’ll love not having to mow.
Before you run out and stock up on artificial grass, it’s important to sit down and consider the pros and cons and learn a little bit more about how to care for a fake lawn.
The Pros and Cons of Fake Grass for Dogs
“[Artificial turf] helps eliminate common lawn problems associated with pets, like brown spots from urine, track-in mud, grass clippings, and it can even deter your dog from digging holes” – Cesar Millan
Dogs love playing in the grass, but that grass doesn’t have to be real. Even Cesar Millan is a fan of artificial turf. His dog psychology center has over 40 acres of land, and he uses dog-friendly artificial turf to provide his pack with a safe, fun place to roam. As you can see, artificial turf can be used not only in backyards, but in dog parks, pet resorts, dog kennels, and even pet shelters.
Of course, artificial grass isn’t for everyone, and just like any other product, there are some drawbacks to consider (more on that soon). But for now, let’s focus on the benefits.
Pros
- Stays green all year long
- No brown urine marks
- No mud to track in
- No holes in the yard
- Easy to maintain
- Dogs love laying and walking on fake grass
- Many manufacturers offer drainage systems
The best artificial grass for dogs is easy to maintain, easy to install, and won’t need to be replaced for 20-25 years. Your lawn always looks fresh and vibrant, and you never have to worry about Fido tracking in mud on a rainy summer day.
Cons
- May hold onto urine smells
- Time-consuming to install
- Upfront costs can be high
Depending on the manufacturer and the quality of the grass, it may hold onto urine smells. That smell may grow worse over time as the turf is exposed to sunlight. High-quality turf that is designed for pet use will likely not have this issue, and many include a drainage system to avoid this issue altogether.
Artificial grass can be time-consuming to install and the upfront costs can be high, but over time, you will save money on fertilizer, time spent mowing the lawn, and other lawn care products you would buy with a traditional lawn. Think of it as an investment in your yard.
Why Pet-Friendly Artificial Grass is the Better Option
Should you buy regular turf or artificial grass designed for pets? While regular turf can work perfectly well for homes with pets, fake grass that is designed for pets is often the better option. Here’s why:
- Most come with a drainage system that prevents urine odors and makes clean-up a breeze.
- Dog-friendly designs often discourage digging, which helps keep your lawn looking its best.
- Turf that is designed for pets won’t discolor or stain from urine.
- Most are manufactured with non-toxic materials that are hypoallergenic.
Simply put, pet-friendly artificial grass is specially designed for pet use and addresses the most common issues pet parents face when installing traditional turf. Superior drainage is the primary benefit, and this helps ensure that your lawn doesn’t hold onto urine odors and is easy to clean.
Maintaining and Cleaning Artificial Turf for Dogs
You’re thinking of installing artificial turf, but you’re concerned about maintenance and clean-up. Is it any easier or less time-consuming than maintaining a natural lawn? Yes.
Artificial grass is easy to clean.
- Rainfall is the cheapest and most convenient cleaning method, but if you live in an area that doesn’t get a lot of precipitation, simply hose down the lawn to promote the drainage of urine and keep your lawn looking its best.
- Allow solid waste to dry for easy removal.
- Spot stains can be removed using a simple soap and water solution.
Maintenance is relatively simple, too.
Periodic brushing will help keep your grass looking fresh and vibrant. How often you brush will depend on how much traffic the area receives. In high traffic areas, “cross brushing” from time to time can help prevent matting and keep your grass looking its best. Tip: Use brushes with synthetic bristles to avoid inadvertently damaging the fibers.
Do Dogs Even Like Artificial Turf?
The most important question of all: do dogs even like artificial grass? Because if they don’t, they won’t enjoy their time outdoors, and you’ll have a difficult time keeping Fido housetrained.
The good news is that most dogs love artificial grass. They love walking and laying on it. Most turfs look and feel just like real grass, so Fido won’t even know the difference. And if you choose a grass that’s designed especially for pet use, you won’t have to worry about toxic ingredients or allergies causing your pup discomfort.
If you’re tired of dealing with the aches and pains of maintaining a natural lawn, consider artificial turf. With pet-friendly options out there, you can have a pristine lawn all year long while still keeping Fido happy.
