Check out our new online store @ www.vetsfirstchoice.com

Dog Urine Damage to Yards

Many of you may have dogs and also want a well manicured lawn.  Although many people believe dog urine and feces is a lawn fertilizer, this is not always the case.  Urine and feces in small amounts can cause a green up or fertilizer effect. However, dog urine in large amounts can cause dead brown patches surrounded by a green outside ring called lawn burn. 

The fundamental problem with dog urine or feces is the concentration of nitrogen in these waste products.  Urine removes excess nitrogen from the body via the kidneys and nitrogen is the normal breakdown product of protein.  Urine is a bigger problem than feces as the feces slowly release waste over time whereas urine is concentrated.  Also, feces can be picked up and removed.  Female dogs cause greater damage to grass because they urinate in one spot, while male dogs mark many spots by urinating small amounts.  This is so common it has been called female dog spot disease by horticulturalists.  However, male dogs can kill small plants and trees by continually marking them. 

A study revealed that Bermuda grass and Kentucky bluegrass were the most susceptible to damage from dog urine.  Options to prevent lawn damage are to water the area within 8 hours of urination to dilute the urine, although watering after 12 hours actually increased burning of the grass.  Also, dogs can be taught to eliminate in a designated area that can be covered with gravel.  Feeding higher quality and low to moderate protein foods with salt added will decrease protein concentration and urine concentration.  However, always check with your vet before changing your dog’s food as they are familiar with your pet’s history.