Fake grass is becoming more and more popular among homeowners and is even used in dog parks and daycare centers. However, there are many concerns associated with using artificial grass for dogs which may confuse you.
But worry not because we are here to answer all your questions. Here is all your need to know about artificial grass and whether it is safe for your dogs.
Quick links:
Will Dogs Go On Artificial Grass?Artificial Grass For Dogs Pros And Cons
Pros of Artificial Grass for Dogs
Cons of Artificial Grass for Dogs
Does Artificial Dog Grass Smell?
Can Artificial Grass Burn Dogs Feet?
Is Artificial Grass Good For Dog Runs?
Can A Dog Poop On Fake Grass?
How To Clean Fake Grass For Dogs?
Before You Buy Fake Dog Grass Watch This Helpful Demo Video.
Is Fake Grass Or Real Grass Better For Dogs?
How Much Is Artificial Grass For Dogs?
What's The Best Fake Grass For Dogs?
How To Lay Artificial Grass For Dogs?
How To Use Fake Grass For Dogs?
Will Dogs Go On Artificial Grass?
The answer is, YES. Fake grass is an alternative to real grass, and while it may not seem the same as real grass, your dog won’t be able to tell the difference.
The grass is gentle to lie on and dogs will enjoy playing and rolling around on the artificial grass.
This is also why artificial grass is used in doggy daycare centers, dog parks, and areas that are meant for dogs to enjoy.
Artificial grass is great for pets without having to deal with the cleaning and maintenance that natural grass demands. Artificial grass is made of nylon or polypropylene materials that are non-toxic and safe for dogs.
Artificial Grass For Dogs Pros And Cons
To help you better understand why you should (or shouldn’t) use artificial grass for your backyard; let's look at its pros and cons.
5 Pros On Why To Get Artificial Grass For Dogs
What are the benefits of artificial grass for dogs? Here are the major ones:
1. Great For Dogs That Are Allergic To Natural Grass
Grass allergies among dogs are a lot more common than you think.
One study examined a mix of grass pollens, weed pollens, and tree pollens to observe allergies among canines and uncovered that over 80% of the 261 subjects were sensitive to at least one allergen and 21% to at least one grass pollen allergen.
If you see signs of red, inflamed skin, respiratory issues, red eyes, or your pet scratching and biting their coat, especially after they go out to play, they may be allergic to grass. For such pets, it is best to lay out artificial grass instead.
2. Artificial Grass Doesn’t Attract Pests
Natural grass tends to attract all types of pests, including mosquitoes, fleas, bugs, and rodents which can become a real nuisance if they start invading your home! This is why many homeowners now prefer to keep artificial grass.
3. Fake Grass Is Low Maintenance
Natural grass demands a lot of maintenance, from trimming to weeding and watering; these activities can sometimes become cumbersome.
Artificial grass, on the other hand, is incredibly easy to maintain since it does not require either mowing or watering. The most you will have to do is wash it with water now and then.
4. Fake Grass Feels Authentic To Touch
Artificial grass feels authentic to the touch, and your dog won't be able to make out the difference. He will enjoy playing on it just as much!
5. No More Digging!
Dogs have a habit of going out to the lawn and digging up holes. If you are not too keen on having your lawn dug up here and there, you will love having a synthetic lawn! If properly installed, your dog won’t be able to dig through it.
Cons Of Artificial Grass for Dogs
Like all good things, artificial grass also has its drawbacks; here is what you should know:
1. Artificial May Be Too Expensive For Some
For many, the upfront costs of buying artificial turf may be too much, especially if you buy good quality turf. You will also have to keep separate installation charges ready, which can add to your total expense.
2. Watch Out For Pet Odor
One major issue with artificial grass is a pet odor that seems to develop. You may keep it away through regular cleaning and washing away urine.
But sometimes, urine may trickle through the artificial grass below the weed barrier. If it builds up, it may leave a smell that will have to be treated properly, or it will linger.
Does Artificial Dog Grass Smell?
Artificial grass on its own is odorless. However, over time, if you leave pet urine or feces around the lawn for longer periods, it may start to leave an odor.
The best way to combat this is to clean up after your pet immediately. For urine, you will want to invest in a quality cleaning product that will break down the ammonia odors before they can accumulate under the turf.
Can Artificial Grass Burn Dogs Feet?
One concern with artificial grass is that it cannot stay cool as natural grass tends to be under the sunlight.
While it can get pretty hot, it won't burn your dog’s feet. If you are worried about your pets being uncomfortable out on the lawn, you can ensure they have a shady spot to retreat to.
You can also use a garden hose or a sprinkler system to cool down your artificial lawn when needed.
Is Artificial Grass Good For Dog Runs?
Yes, artificial grass is safe for your dog to run on. Your pet can run and play around on artificial grass just as they would on natural grass.
This is because quality artificial grass is quite soft and nice to the touch, so it won't harm your dog to play around in.
Can A Dog Poop On Fake Grass?
Yes, dogs can pee and poop on fake or artificial grass just as they would on your natural lawn. However, you should make sure you clean away any urine or feces whenever you catch sight of it before it can leave a lingering odor.
Urine can simply be washed away by a hose or a water sprinkler, whereas feces should be scraped away and disposed of.
How To Clean Fake Grass For Dogs?
With artificial grass, you won’t have to worry about urine affecting the material in any way. To clean away the urine, you should use sprinklers or a hose to wash it away.
You should also pick up any solid waste and dispose of them. Wash away the residues with water or use a mild soap solution if you want to give it a more thorough clean.
For regular maintenance, you simply have to remove any dust, debris, or leaves that fall onto your lawn and give it a good rinse now and then.
Before You Buy Fake Dog Grass Watch This Helpful Demo Video.
Is Fake Grass Or Real Grass Better For Dogs?
Artificial grass is considered better for dogs than natural grass. This is because of the many benefits associated with fake grass.
Artificial Grass Is
- Easier to maintain
- Does not wither away
- Is non-toxic to dogs
- Fake grass doesn’t feel any different
Real Grass, On The Other Hand, Is
- Much more difficult to maintain
- Can be costly
- Can get discolored by the effects of urine
- May get damaged if your dog has a habit of digging!
How Much Is Artificial Grass For Dogs?
The average price for a 500-1000 square feet installation area will cost you around $6-$8 per square foot.
However, this price will fluctuate depending on the quality of the product and the vendor you choose to buy from.
What's The Best Fake Grass For Dogs?
There are many manufacturers of fake grass for dogs. If you are looking for a quality supplier, try choosing from the following.
These are some of the most popular types of artificial grass providers today:
- PetGrow Grass
- WMG Grass
- Golden Moos Grass
- SunVilla
- Petmaker
How To Lay Artificial Grass For Dogs?
Installing artificial grass for your dog is easy if you know the right steps to follow. Here is how it usually goes:
- Take measurements of your project area
- Start by removing any natural grass and at least two inches of soil
- Apply weed killer onto the surface
- Add a one-inch layer of decomposed granite onto the surface and spread it evenly
- Cover with a decomposed granite stabilizer and turf deodorizer to solidify the structure and prevent odors
- Lay down your drainage layer
- Now measure and cut the artificial grass to the right size and use a professional adhesive to join the pieces together.
- Since you will be installing it for your pet, avoid using nails. Instead, build a frame around the perimeter and staple your turf to this frame.
- Finally, install an antibacterial sand infill to prevent wrinkling and bacteria over your surface.
How To Use Fake Grass For Dogs?
Fake grass is used by homeowners who do not want to deal with the costly and time-intensive maintenance natural grass tends to come with.
If you have installed fake grass in your backyard, give your dog some time to adjust to the change. Some pet owners try giving their dogs a cutout of the artificial grass so they can get familiarized with it.
Give him plenty of treats and praise and allow him to naturally acclimate to this change.