Dog Urine and Lawns

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Visitor Question About Dog Urine and Lawns

My family is considering buying a Bulldog. However, we are a bit apprehensive because we have just renovated our yard. Is there a way to raise a happy puppy without allowing urine to kill grass and shrubs?

~~ Lastmil

Expert Reply

Hello,

I see your dilemma. Dog urine can have an effect on shrubs and lawns, especially female urine. Luckily, there are several routes you can take to address the problem.

First, the method I truly recommend is to dedicate a section of the yard to your dog. There are several ways to do this. One way is to provide a kennel run for your dog to use when he/she is outside. This provides exercise, a place to take care of business, and extra protection when you can't be outside with your pet.

You could also try a product called a "Pee Post'". This is a simple plastic post that has been embedded with pheromones. You drive the post into the ground and it draws your dog to that spot to potty. You could create a small gravel filled area around the post so you wouldn't have to worry about yellowing lawn.

My next suggestion is to use a lawn treatment on any developing yellow spots. Bramton Lawn Spot Away, sold at DresslersDog.com is formulated to restore a healthy pH to yellow spots and help the grass green up again.

Finally, you might consider using Nutri-Vet Green Grass tablets. They contain a combination of liver, whey protein, barley, and yucca that is supposed to neutralize high pH urine. Personally, I'd consult my vet about any product before I fed it to my dog. Personally, I prefer addressing this particular situation from the outside, rather than from within.

I hope I've given you at least one suggestion that would make you feel comfortable about bringing a new puppy home to your freshly landscaped yard. I truly believe you can have both!

Thanks for your question~~ Kelly

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