Artificial grass does not harbor moisture like natural grass and is a great way to prevent your pet from tracking mud through the house. It also eliminates the need for lawn pesticides and fertilizers which can be toxic to pets.
Just as with natural lawns, you should rake debris regularly to prevent spots for bacteria, mildew, and moss. You should also rinse the area your dog uses to potty a few times per week to minimize the buildup of odors.
No More Mud
Artificial grass eliminates the need for fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides that are often used on natural lawns. These chemicals can harm pets and lead to health problems. The majority of synthetic turf products are created with pet safety in mind and do not require these chemical treatments. This can help keep your dogs and cats healthy while saving you money on your home’s energy bills.
Just like with natural grass, it is important to clean up after your pet on artificial turf. You can use a pooper scooper or just wipe them off with wet wipes or tissues. Be sure to scoop up solid waste immediately so that it doesn’t attract flies and leave behind an odor. Also, you can use an artificial turf cleaner for pets, like Turf Renu, that is enzyme-based to break down and neutralize pet urine odors.
Most importantly, you need to choose a pet friendly turf that is designed for durability and has the proper infill for your family’s needs. Infill is the material that sits underneath artificial grass to provide cushioning and support. There are two common infill types: crumb rubber and silica granules or sand. The best option for a pet-friendly yard is silica granules that have an antimicrobial coating to prevent the spread of bacteria from pet urine. This infill is more expensive than sand but it is safer for your pets and your children because it won’t tear or break as easily. To ensure a seamless and durable installation, consider hiring a professional turf installer who can handle the job with precision and expertise.
Another consideration is the height and thickness of your pet-friendly turf. A higher pile height and thicker fibers will provide more cushioning for active play. If your pet is prone to digging, you can set up a digging box with sand or soil so that they can satisfy their instincts without damaging your artificial turf.
Adding outdoor toys can also encourage physical and mental stimulation for your pet. Some of the most popular include balls, frisbees and tunnels. You can even set up an obstacle course for your pet to challenge their agility and problem-solving skills. Creating a shaded area can also protect your pet from harsh UV rays and keep them cool while they rest after playtime.
No More Allergens
Synthetic grass isn’t naturally grown, so it doesn’t produce pollen that can trigger allergy flare-ups in your pet. It also doesn’t grow weeds or molds that can irritate your furry family member. Plus, since natural grass requires fertilizers and herbicides, synthetic turf eliminates these toxic chemicals from your yard.
Most importantly, it is designed specifically to withstand heavy usage from pets. Whether you have a small breed dog that loves to run and jump or a larger dog that enjoys playing in the sun, this kind of artificial turf can handle it all. It resists wear and tear to stand up to digging, hopping, rolling around, and rough play.
Because it is made from non-toxic materials, synthetic grass won’t harm your pets if they chew or lick it. It may require a little bit of cleaning now and then to keep it looking like new, but that can be done with a garden hose or even the sprinklers in your home.
In addition, most pet-friendly synthetic grass is free of lead and other harmful substances. However, if you purchase an older or imported artificial grass product, it may be treated with products such as lead, which can be poisonous to your pets and children if ingested. Always purchase artificial turf that is made and inspected in the United States to ensure it is safe for your whole family.
Another benefit of pet-friendly artificial grass is that it does not support the growth of fleas, ticks and other pests. It also doesn’t have the moisture that supports these pests, so you will need to regularly comb through your pet’s hair and remove their droppings from the fake lawn.
Many pet-friendly synthetic grasses are treated with a non-toxic cleaner that breaks down organic waste and neutralizes odors. This helps to keep your yard clean and smelling fresh, so you can spend more time enjoying it with your pet. There are also pet-friendly drainage systems that are installed in the back of the artificial grass to allow urine and other waste to easily drain away. This keeps the surface from getting soggy and discoloring, which is a big problem with traditional grass.
No More Burning Urine
When dogs pee on grass, it can burn the lawn and leave odors. With synthetic turf, however, the urine just drains away and doesn’t burn the grass or cause an odor. This means you can have a beautiful yard and enjoy your pets without having to deal with smelly urine or irritated plants.
Pet urine also doesn’t damage or stain synthetic grass like it can on natural grass, even when it’s left to soak in for a long time. The key is to drench the spots shortly after your dog pees to dilute the nitrogen content. You can do this by using a hose or watering can. You should do this every time your dog uses an elimination spot, but especially after heavy use and rain.
The sub-base and weed membrane layer in a quality synthetic lawn install by a professional allow dog urine to drain through the ground, into the earth below. This helps to limit the concentration of nitrogen and prevents urine burning on the lawn. You can further limit the impact of urine on your lawn by encouraging your dog to drink a lot of water to dilute their urine before it has a chance to burn the grass. Try adding more water to their bowls, getting a pet fountain or asking your vet about diets with higher sodium contents that encourage drinking.
A few other ways to help minimize the impact of urine on your artificial grass include:
Using an enzyme-based cleaner that’s safe for pets can also help break down organic waste and neutralize odors. You can find these products at most pet stores or online. There are also several different kinds of odor-removing supplements designed to be used on pets that are safe for their health, such as yucca schidigera extract and probiotics.
Just as with natural grass, you’ll still need to scoop up solid waste promptly and clean the area with a pooper scooper or wet wipes. If any residue remains, you can spray the area with a vinegar mixture or a sanitizing product that’s safe for your pets to remove odors.
No More Chemicals
If you’re concerned about the amount of fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides that are needed to keep your natural lawn healthy, synthetic grass is a good alternative. Artificial turf requires no toxic treatments and will save you time, money, and the health problems that come with using chemicals.
Synthetic turf offers a uniform surface for pets to run and play on. This means there are no snags or uneven spots that could harm your pet or cause them to trip and injure themselves. It also eliminates the need for weed killer, which can be harmful to pets and humans.
Artificial grass is also a safer surface for your dog to dig. This means that he won’t be as likely to burrow under fences, dig holes, or tear up the yard with his claws and paws. This will help to reduce the amount of dirt that ends up inside your house and will keep your pet’s paws clean and free from fleas, ticks, and other common pests.
In addition, there are no weeds to kill, so your yard will be much easier to maintain with synthetic grass. This will eliminate the need to use dangerous and toxic weed killers that can be detrimental to your pets’ health. It will also save you a lot of money in the long run.
While some pet turf may have an antimicrobial coating to prevent bacteria from growing, you should still do regular maintenance and cleaning to eliminate odors and keep your yard sanitary. For example, a simple mixture of water and vinegar can effectively eliminate pet urine odor on your artificial grass.
Some cheaper imported synthetic grasses overheat easily in strong sunlight. This can make it uncomfortable for your pet to walk on. This is why it’s important to select a high-quality product that features COOLplus technology for superior heat and UV protection. This will help to prevent your pet from overheating and will keep their paws safe. Additionally, this technology will help to prevent odors from pee and poop and will ensure that your synthetic pet yard stays beautiful for years to come.