If you are a caring pet owner, you may want to make some changes to your home. In particular, you need to make modifications to your lawn.
Traditional lawns are prone to wear and tear and can easily get discolored and wither away due to the effects of dog urine, digging up holes, and aggressive playtime.
This is why synthetic grass is recommended for pet owners who want a stunning lawn that demands minimal maintenance, even when owning a dog.
But which artificial grass would be the best for you and your dog? How can you make your choice? And are there any other factors to keep in mind?
(Please Note We are not getting paid from any business referrals we are only trying to other pet owners out.)
Table of Contents
Top Artificial Grass Picks For Dogs
What Thickness Artificial Grass Is Best For Dogs?
What Is The Best Sub-Base For Artificial Grass With Dogs?
What Is The Best Artificial Grass Infill For Pets?
Do You Need To Put Sand On Artificial Grass Every Year?
How Long Does Fake Grass For Dogs Last?
How To Maintain Artificial Grass With Dogs?
How Do I Stop My Artificial Grass From Smelling Of Dog Urine?
Can Fleas Live In Artificial Grass?
Does The Sun Damage Artificial Grass?
Can You Put Artificial Grass Right On Dirt?
What Do You Put Under Artificial Grass?
Do You Need To Put Drainage Under Artificial Grass?
Does Artificial Grass Reduce House Value?
Top Artificial Grass Picks For Dogs
What is the best artificial grass for dogs? There are many popular manufacturers of synthetic turf, which makes it difficult to find the best one. Here are some of our personal favorites:
1. Petgrow Standard Grass Turf
Petgrow’s Grass Turf is one of the most popular synthetic turfs you will find today. This grass will give your dog a comfortable play area to run around in.
The turf comes in a height of 1.38 inches and is incredibly easy to install and even simpler to maintain. It is available in stunning green color that gives a realistic look when installed.
As for cleaning and maintenance, the turf has plenty of drainage holes, so the dog’s urine can easily be washed away. You can get it for just $2.80 per square foot, making it a pretty affordable choice as well!
2. SunVilla Realistic Artificial Grass
Next on our list is SunVilla’s Indoor/Outdoor artificial grass. This is a multipurpose turf that can be used in indoor and outdoor applications. It is also available in 4 different tones and patterns so you can easily find the right fit for your home.
We like this product because of the realistic appeal it offers. This is the best choice if you are seeking a truly realistic-looking artificial turf.
This, along with its durable UV-resistant material, makes it a great choice for your backyard. As for pricing, the 50 square feet variant will cost you around $132.99.
3. Golden Moon Grass
Finally, we have Golden Moon’s artificial turf for both indoor and outdoor use. This grass has a blade height of 1 ½ inches and will give your lawn a striking lush look while retaining a comfortable and cushioning finish.
It is also woven using 5 natural-looking colors for a beautiful natural appearance.
The turf has plenty of draining holes on its backside through which rain or water can exit. This will make it much easier to clean and maintain.
As for pricing, you can get a 6’x8’ patch for $147. This product falls on the pricier side, which doesn't make it our immediate favorite, but it is a competent choice nevertheless!
Before you can make a purchase, however, you should find out more about the grass you are about to get and install.
There are plenty of other factors to keep in mind including the type of subbase and infill you are choosing, how you will maintain your artificial grass, and other prerequisites to make it last longer.
What Thickness Artificial Grass Is Best For Dogs?
Anything between 20-35mm is an excellent choice for a freshly-cut look. This thickness is especially recommended for fibers made from with.
What Is The Best Sub-Base For Artificial Grass With Dogs?
The sub-base is the area that will lie directly under your artificial grass. You can’t lay artificial grass right over your existing lawn; you need to add a subbase layer first.
Adding a sub-base will give your lawn more stability and strength, so any pressure placed on top won't let it sink.
The best sub-base for artificial grass with dogs is considered to be a mix of crushed granite stones or sand and gravel. In some cases, you can also use concrete or asphalt bases.
What Is The Best Artificial Grass Infill For Pets?
The best artificial grass infill options for pets are silica sand or eroded quartz. The infill is spread between the fine blades of artificial grass to weigh down the turf and help the blades return to their upright position after being exposed to pressure.
Silica sand is a leading choice because it helps natural grass blades stand upright as the roots can sink deeply into the soil, offering your lawn stability.
Do You Need To Put Sand On Artificial Grass Every Year?
Silica sand is considered the best sand for artificial grass with dogs. As a rule of thumb, you should add sand infill to your lawn at least once a year or after every 18 months to keep your lawn looking its best.
How Long Does Fake Grass For Dogs Last?
The lifespan of the artificial grass you have will ultimately depend on the supplier you get it from. However, the most good-quality artificial turfs should last around 10 to 15 years. If you maintain them well, they may even last you more than 20 years.
The best turfs are made from durable materials that don’t wear down or get discolored under the effects of UV rays. They can also withstand extreme changes in weather conditions. They are also strong enough to withstand pets running over their surface.
How To Maintain Artificial Grass With Dogs?
To extend the life of your artificial turf, proper maintenance is required. However, this maintenance is much easier than having to take care of natural grass.
All you have to do is scoop away any feces and dispose of it properly, then hose down your turf using a high-pressure water hose to wash away any remnants.
This will also help wash away the urine as well. Other than this, you may have to sweep away any stray leaves or twigs that show up on your lawn. In this simple way, you can keep your artificial turf looking its best.
How Do I Stop My Artificial Grass From Smelling Of Dog Urine?
One drawback of having artificial turf is that it may let off a pet odor if your pet frequently defecates on it. There are ways to keep this nasty odor away. You can use artificial grass cleaners that are specifically made to combat urine.
The best artificial grass cleaner for dog urine you may consider purchasing is Hepper Advanced Bio-Enzyme Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Spray.
If Hepper’s odor eliminator doesn’t seem right, you can also choose the OUT! Oxy Fast Activated Pet Stain & Odor Remover. This is one of the best artificial grass pet deodorizers to help remove pet odor from your turf.
Watch this helpful video on
Does The Sun Damage Artificial Grass?
Reliable synthetic turf manufacturers will always use durable materials to produce artificial grass. These materials show stronger resistance to the sun's UV radiation and won’t degrade as easily.
Too strong heat waves from the sun may, however, lead to a rise in temperature for your grass. To combat this, you should use plenty of water sprays to keep your grass cool during summer and make it easier for your pet to walk around.
Can Fleas Live In Artificial Grass?
One significant benefit of artificial turf is that you no longer have to worry about fleas or ticks plaguing your yard.
This is because they require natural grassy areas that are shady, moist, and humid to form nesting grounds.
Synthetic grass is simply unsuitable for their proliferation since it is much dryer, and any moisture is quickly drained away through its porous back system.
Can You Put Artificial Grass Right On the Dirt?
No, placing artificial grass directly over your dirt is never recommended. Artificial turf demands a base layer that will help drain liquids and provide the structural support and stability it needs.
If you don’t use any sub-base layer, your grass may easily tear and sink under pressure. Moreover, artificial grass laid directly over dirt may give an uneven surface finish which is not pleasing to look at.
What Do You Put Under Artificial Grass?
As we discussed earlier, you cannot place artificial grass directly over dirt. Instead, you must add a sub-base layer before placing your artificial grass.
The best base is one that can easily absorb and drain water from the surface. Ideally, you should use stone, gravel, crushed rock, or crushed granite for your sub-base layer.
It is also recommended that you place a weed membrane layer under the artificial grass as well to prevent any weed growth in the future.
Do You Need To Put Drainage Under Artificial Grass?
Yes! Rainwater or moisture will seep under your synthetic turf without proper drainage. This can lead to the development of microbes and bacteria and may even release bad odors that won't go away as easily.
This is why having a proper drainage setup under your artificial grass is essential.
Does Artificial Grass Reduce House Value?
No, artificial grass does the exact opposite.
Well-laid artificial grass will help boost your home value. This is because synthetic turf adds plenty of curb appeal to your home, is easier to maintain, and can be a bit pricey to install. It’s only natural that it would increase your home value.
Tips When Buying Artificial Grass For Dogs:
1. Choose soft, high-quality artificial grass; it is crucial for your dog's comfort, especially when playing or resting.
Look for artificial grass made from quality materials, such as nylon or polyethylene fibers, with a short pile height. This will help to reduce the amount of dirt, dust, and bacteria that can accumulate on the turf.
2. Artificial grass designed specifically for dogs should have good drainage capabilities to help prevent water accumulation or mud spots from forming.
Check if the product has holes or special drainage channels to allow liquids to pass through quickly and easily without puddling up.
3. Look for an artificial grass product with special pet-friendly features, such as silver ions or antimicrobial additives. These features can help reduce odors, repel fleas and ticks, and keep the turf cleaner with less maintenance.
4.Research the recommended installation methods for your artificial grass product. Some products may require a professional installer, while others can be installed as a DIY project.
5. Look at maintenance requirements, as they can vary greatly depending on the type of artificial grass you choose and how often your pet uses it.
Make sure you understand the ongoing maintenance requirements to maintain its aesthetic appeal. This may include brushing and treating the turf with pet-safe products and regular cleaning.
By researching your options and following these tips, you can find the best artificial grass for your dog that will provide them with a comfortable and safe place to play or rest. With the right artificial grass, your pet can have a happy and healthy outdoor living space.