Lawn Maintenance Tips for Pet Owners

By Shelley Frost

August 05, 2024

Are you stuck in a battle between Fido and fescue? Dogs and lawns don't always mix well, but you can master lawn maintenance with dogs if you know what to use. From choosing pet-safe lawn care products to keeping urine spots at bay, taking care of grass as a pet owner requires a little extra work.

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What Are Some Lawn Care Products You Should Avoid If You Have Pets?

When looking for pet-friendly lawn care, it can be difficult to find safe options. Many pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers are toxic to pets. Just a few of the chemicals to avoid include bifenthrin, glyphosate, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and atrazine.

When possible, avoid putting any type of chemicals on your lawn if you have a pet. If you use them, wait until the products are completely dry before letting your pet venture into the yard. For granular products, wait at least 24 hours, and watch your pet closely in the yard to make sure they don't eat the granules.

Even organic fertilizers can cause issues for your pets. These lawn care products often use blood meal, bone meal, fish meal and other animal byproducts, which may attract your dog to them. If they eat it, the fertilizer could cause vomiting, diarrhea, obstructions and other health issues.

Another potential hazard for your pet is anything that contains cocoa byproducts. Cocoa bean mulch can be particularly dangerous to curious pups who might test it out.

What Lawn Treatments Are Generally Safe For Pets?

For the best lawn maintenance with dogs, look for products that are specifically labeled as pet-safe. However, keep in mind that those products could still cause issues. Always follow the instructions precisely and wait the recommended time after applying before allowing your pet on the lawn.

Compost is an alternative to fertilizer to add nutrients to the soil. Keep in mind that compost can contain mold or other components that could be potentially harmful to pets. Use it with caution and keep your pet away from the areas when possible.

Mulch is a natural way to suppress weed growth to minimize herbicide use. Safer mulch options include wood chips, lawn clippings and shredded leaves. Avoid cocoa bean mulch completely if you have pets because it can be toxic.

How Do You Treat a Lawn Ruined by Urine Spots?

A major part of lawn maintenance with dogs is handling urine spots. Dog urine contains concentrated amounts of nitrogen as well as salts that can kill your green lawn. You might notice patches in the lawn where your dog goes to the bathroom.

The grass will grow back on its own, but you can speed it up by flushing it with water to dilute the salts and nitrogen. Dig out the yellow spots and apply new grass seed to the area. During this time, keep your pets away from the area to allow the seed to grow.

To prevent future urine spots, try these tips:

Water the areas where your dog urinates to dilute the nitrogen before it damages the grass.
Improve the health of your lawn so it's less susceptible to damage.
Create a particular bathroom area for your dog in a hidden area of the lawn where brown spots aren't a big deal. Cover it with mulch, gravel or artificial turf if you don't want brown spots at all.
Give your dog access to lots of fresh water to lower the nitrogen content of the urine.

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Pet-Friendly Lawn Care and Maintenance Tips

Using pet-friendly lawn care products and avoiding urine spots are a good start to lawn maintenance with dogs. Here are additional tips to help you achieve the best lawn maintenance with dogs:

Choose Pet-Tolerant Grass Varieties

Fescue and perennial ryegrass are both damage-resistant varieties that also hold up well against dog urine. You can also find special blends made for dogs.

Clean Up Quickly

Picking up your dog's mess after it goes to the bathroom and watering the grass after it urinates prevents damage to the grass.

Create a Digging Area

If your dog likes to dig, build a sandbox area where it can satisfy its digging instincts.

Leave the Grass a Little Taller

Setting your mower blade a little higher can make the grass healthier and hide the wear from your dog better.

Use Pet-Safe Plants

Many plants are toxic to dogs and can cause anything from digestive discomfort to death. Just a few plants to avoid include hydrangea, peony, sago palm, hyacinth, lily and foxglove, but many more plants can cause major health issues. Check all plants in your yard, and research new plants before landscaping.

Schedule Regular Lawn Service

Some issues you just can't fix on your own. Regular lawn service by a lawn care expert can help mitigate the issues caused by pets and boost the health of your whole lawn.

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