Artificial grass is becoming more popular for homeowners looking to make their space more accessible to pets. Dogs love it too.
Not every surface is fit for dogs to play on. For instance, real grass harbors pollen, insects, mud, poisonous weeds, toxins, and other elements that may harm your dog.
For that reason, 30% more pups prefer artificial turf. Pet parents are also willing to replace their natural grass with artificial grass for dogs.
Looking to make a similar investment for your dog? We have compiled the benefits of artificial grass for dogs and the most asked k9 pet turf questions to help you decide.
Benefits of Artificial Grass for Dogs
Fake grass for dogs feels and looks like natural grass, thanks to technological advancements. Homeowners use it for lawns, rooftop gardens, and inhospitable spots where nothing grows.
Artificial turf for dogs pros includes the following:
1. Less Lawn Maintenance
After installing Artificial turf, you will no longer need to consistently mow, fertilize, water, and seed your garden. Healthy natural grass requires much attention, and most rarely realize time is also an investment.
With pet-friendly fake grass, you will not have to worry about all the stress of maintaining natural grass.
2. Artificial Grass is Cleaner Than Real Grass
Real grass can be messy. When mowing, clippings will always trail behind, and debris will cling to your dog’s paws and fur. Your dog will then carry all the dirt into your house.
Dogs love to play outside, and natural grass can quickly become muddy, especially in wet weather. The grass will also have dead patches on which mud forms on rainy days.
Artificial grass has no mud. It allows your dog to enjoy the outdoor environment without tracking mud inside.
Unlike live grass, you will quickly pick up dog poop on artificial grass and efficiently rinse away any residue. You will then be left with an odor-free outdoor space that is also clean.
3. Artificial Grass is Allergy & Bugs Free
Natural grass has pollen that can trigger allergies in humans and dogs. If you remove grass and compact the soil base before installing fake grass, insects, bugs, and pests will also have nowhere to feed or hide.
Faux grass reduces exposure to pollen, grass seeds, and other allergens, relieving dogs prone to allergies. Prevent watery eyes, itchiness, and sneezing for your family!
4. You Won’t Need Poisonous Chemicals
Artificial grass for dogs is toxin-free. You don’t have to apply weed, disease, and pest control chemicals to protect natural grass.
It also does not grow or produce pollen. Hence, a low-budget and environment-friendly long-term investment.
5. Unlimited Playtime for Your Dogs
After mowing or applying chemicals, experts recommend you keep dogs off the grass for a certain period. This limits your dog’s outdoor playtime and they will be bored indoors.
With artificial grass, your dog will have the whole day to play and exercise throughout the year. Artificial grass is also suitable for summer as it doesn’t get too hot.
6. Save That Water Bill With Pet Turf
Synthetic turf helps conserve water by eliminating the need for regular watering. It is cost-effective and you will be conserving a valuable resource that most people put to waste during lawn maintenance.
7. Artificial Grass Prevents Lawn Discoloration
One of the benefits of artificial grass for dogs is artificial grass does not wither or dry up, creating patches on your lawn. Dog urine can also cause natural grass to discolor and create unsightly patches.
Experts recommend artificial grass for dogs as it is urine resistant. It won’t develop brown spots and it is easy to wash off. If you love natural grass, designate a urination spot on your lawn and install fake grass for your dog.
8. Did You Know Artificial Grass Looks Better and Feels Like Natural Grass?
Your pup Emma doesn’t care about the aesthetics of your natural grass and won’t know the difference. She wouldn’t dig holes in your lawn and go potty on it if she did. Would she? But she can tell how it feels as she goes there barefoot.
She will tell you how natural grass sucks. It’s nice and fluffy in the morning. But when your dog lays and rolls on it, it all looks like a sidewalk, and guess who has debris on her fur? Your dog sees the mess she has made and tries to re-fluff the grass by scratching her nails on it.
It’s not your dog to blame!
Synthetic turf maintains its lush green appearance year-round, regardless of weather conditions. With artificial turf for dogs, your outdoor space will always look inviting and aesthetically please you.
9. Artificial Grass for Dogs is Dig Proof & Durable
Artificial turf or grass can withstand heavy foot traffic and play, making it highly durable for active dogs. Emma, your pup, will also not manage to dig holes in the fake grass.
Fake grass can resist digging and scratching, helping to maintain a neat and intact lawn.
Your dogs will enjoy a soft, gentle, and cushioned surface all year round, as artificial grass products are designed with comfort in mind. It offers good traction, reducing the risk of slips and falls.
What Is The Best Artificial Grass For Dogs?
Selecting the best artificial grass for your dog depends on several factors. Features to look for when choosing artificial turf for dogs include the following:
- Short Artificial Grass: Shorter synthetic pet turf allows easy cleaning. It will also stay upright even after your dog rolls on it and tries to dig out its fibers. You can still install tall and plush artificial grass for dogs, but clean it regularly to prevent odor.
- Low-Density Artificial Turf: Experts recommend low-density artificial turf for dogs as it won’t trap liquids and allows faster water percolation.
- Antimicrobial Protection: Some artificial turfs have built-in antimicrobial protection features that help prevent bacteria and odors, keeping the area clean and safe.
- Artificial Grass Material: Quality, non-slip, and non-toxic grass material will ensure your dog’s safety. Avoid turfs with additives that could be harmful if ingested.
- Infill Options: Some artificial turfs require infill to provide stability and cushioning. Choose artificial grass labeled “pet-friendly infill” that doesn’t retain odors.
- Cooling Technology: It’s no lie; artificial grass can get hotter in summer than natural grass. Choose grass with cooling technology to reduce heat absorption and keep the surface comfortable for your dog’s paws.
- Wear & Tear: Choose durable artificial turf to sustain your teething pups’ constant tossing, chewing, and scratching. Before committing, order samples and test.
Finally, if you want the best artificial grass for dogs, go for turf that is easy to clean and maintain. Features like stain resistance and the ability to rinse off pet waste are essential.
How Do I Stop My Pet Turf From Smelling?
Artificial grass smells because of poor drainage and lack of maintenance. It also could be a low-quality pet turf that is unfit for dogs.
To combat smells and odors in pet turf:
- Pick the solid waste frequently
- Wash off the debris
- Remove weeds
- Unclog drainage
- Use pet-friendly infill material
- Rinse the artificial turf regularly
- Use antimicrobial protection
- Promptly clean stains
You can install a water hose near your pet turf for easy cleaning. Also, use vinegar water for cleaning.
Can Dogs Poop on Artificial Grass?
The obvious answer is Yes. Dogs can poop on artificial grass as they do on live grass lawns. The only difference is cleaning dog poop on artificial grass is easier than on natural grass.
Using a poop scooper, pick up the dog waste and dispose in a bin. Then, hose down the spot with water to eliminate the odor. You may use a mild soap for thorough cleaning.
Will My Dog Like Artificial Grass?
Short answer is Yes. Dogs cannot tell the difference between synthetic grass and natural grass. All they want is a soft surface that their paws won’t ruin.
Before buying artificial grass for dogs, research brands that specialize in pet-friendly grass. They offer products specifically designed to meet the needs of your dogs.
Is Artificial Grass Better For Dogs?
Your dog will not succeed in eating artificial grass like they do with natural grass. Fake grass outweighs the benefits of real grass for dogs. For instance, you will not have to worry about pests, pollen, and weed management on artificial grass.
Synthetic grass reduces the risk of skin infections on your dog by eliminating the use of fertilizers, weed control chemicals, and the best part; ticks will not survive in it.
What Happens if My Dog Urinates on Artificial Grass?
The urine will sip off into the infill of your artificial grass and not ruin the material. So, nothing will happen to your fake grass. As for the odor, rinse the grass regularly and use mild detergents to wash off any debris and mold that might have started growing.
What is Artificial Grass for Dogs Made of?
Artificial grass for dogs is made of polypropylene, nylon, or polyethylene. The fabric is then connected to a polyester tire cord backing material using synthetic fibers. These materials are pet friendly, lead-free, and non-toxic. Here is how artificial grass is made.
Can My Dog Be Allergic to Artificial Grass?
Unless your dog is allergic to nylon and polyethylene, then no. Even if your dog is allergic to rubber, quality artificial grass has polyester tire cord backing, which is safe for dogs and won’t trigger allergies.
Synthetic grass mimics real grass in several aspects but doesn’t produce pollen, the most common trigger for allergies in humans and pets.
What Goes Under Outdoor Turf For Dogs?
Unlike football field fake grass, pet-friendly turf uses polyester tire cord barking. This helps keep the grass intact while offering drainage and comfort to your dog. Other components under an outdoor dog turf include:
- A drainage layer
- weed membrane
- Turf
- A sub-base
- An infill
Does Artificial Grass Get Muddy?
No. Mud in real grass comes from the soil base and water. On the other hand, before installing pet turf, experts compact soil. No matter how rainy the day is, artificial grass for pets never gets muddy. Your dogs’ paws will always be clean.
Does Pet Turf Smell?
Artificial grass is naturally odorless, durable, and urine resistant. Once your dog gets all his urine on it, the urine drains and dries off. However, the urine may leave an odor if not cleaned. Hence, regular cleaning is essential.
How Much Does Artificial Pet Turf Cost?
Depending on the quality of your pet grass, pet turf material costs between $2.70-$5.90 per sq. Ft. On average, artificial pet turf installation will cost $13-19 per sq. Ft, depending on the state you live in.
Wrap Up on Benefits of Artificial Grass for Dogs
Artificial grass can be an excellent investment for pet owners interested in upgrading their outdoor space.
Now that you have seen the benefits of artificial grass for dogs, you can make an informed decision for your furry friend. Remember to choose quality, pet-friendly products. Also, regularly clean and maintain the surface to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for your furry friend.
Still undecided? Ask that itching question below and we will answer you immediately.
