Do you want a lawn that Fido can play on, but not damage? Artificial grass can save you both time and money. Artificial grass can be more pet-friendly than the lawn that you have worked so hard to maintain.
These pros and cons of artificial grass for dogs are available along with helpful information. You may then be ready to make synthetic turf your pet turf.
Five Advantages of Artificial Grass For Dogs
To placate your dog, you don’t need to spend your summer mowing or weeding your lawn. We’ll look at the benefits of fake grass for pet owners and their pets.
- Evergreen
Are you tired of yellow or brown spots on natural grass? Your dog, or someone else’s dog, may have been peeing on your natural lawn. The high levels of nitrogen and salt in dog urine can kill grass.
Pros and cons of artificial grass with dogs, artificial turf will not stain while Lassie is out doing her thing, and it will keep your yard looking great all year.
- No More Bugs
Artificial grass can be used to stop ticks and fleas from riding inside your pet’s dog. Artificial grass keeps your pet’s skin healthy and prevents them from getting scaly, reddened, and scratched. Fleas and other pests that can make your pet sick with anemia or tapeworm are also eliminated.
Fleas are carried by wildlife. Your artificial grass will not be eaten by deer or rabbits. You also won’t have to worry about Getting rid of grubs and other lawn-destroying insects since there is nothing for them. The drainage holes in synthetic turf keep water from pooling and insects away.
- There is less mess inside
Fleas can be brought into your home by dogs. When you have grass, they can track dirt in your home with muddy paws or matted fur. It is difficult to clean up carpets that are wall-to-wall.
Artificial grass turf does not have bare spots that can be left by rain to make a mess for furry friends. Fake grass will not stick to your pet’s fur while they play and roll around.
- Easy Cleanup Outside
Pet owners who are considering synthetic lawns should be concerned about the smell. Pet owners have to deal with dog pee and poop every day. Turf products can be found in the form of liquid cleaners or turf deodorizers, which sit between the grass blades.
You should immediately pick up any dog poop from your lawn, whether it is artificial or sod. There are health risks if you wait too long. It will need to be hosed down multiple times, then you can spray vinegar and water over the area. To remove sticks and debris, use a leaf blower. Then, simply use a gardenhose to hose the artificial lawn.
- Allergen-Free
If you and your dog are allergic, pet turf might be the only option. You may notice your pet scratching and losing hair. Synthetic turf can be a wonderful way to give your dog a beautiful green lawn without risking his health.
Four Cons of Artificial Grass For Dogs
- Costly
It’s impossible to avoid it. A synthetic lawn is more expensive than real grass, at least initially. Artificial turf installation runs an average of just over $12 per square foot, or about $5,000 for the average lawn, while even the most expensive other costly equipment. All of these items are required in addition to the infill, a weeb barrier, adhesives and actual synthetic grass.
It may be more costly than artificial turf in the long-term. Real grass requires more maintenance than artificial turf. It’s up to you to decide whether the low maintenance required for fake grass is worth it.
- Needs Replacing
It is more expensive to replace synthetic turf than it is to replace sod. Also, the time required for replacement can vary. Turf on a sporting field is more used than turf in your backyard, so it needs to be replaced more often.
A quality artificial lawn that is well maintained can last between 15 and 20 years, depending on how much you use it. The grass is being improved by developers. However, pet waste can reduce the lifespan of synthetic grass blades due to buildup.
- Heats Up
When the sun shines, artificial grass can become too hot for furry friends’ feet. Dogs are already hotter than humans with an average temperature 101 degrees. Dehydration and heat stroke can result from leaving dogs outside when the temperature rises.
Natural grass releases water vapour that causes cooling. But synthetic grass absorbs heat. Although most studies about the temperature of synthetic turf are related to sports fields it has been shown that artificial grass can get at least 20 degrees warmer than natural grass.
To keep Fido cool, limit outdoor play on synthetic turf to mornings or evenings only. Keep your dog inside during the hottest hours of the day. Your yard should have a shaded area so your dog can cool off in the summer heat.
- Odor
It is impossible to rely on rain to wash pet waste off the turf. We’ve mentioned that poop should be picked up as soon as it is produced by your dog. This prevents the grass from drying out. Urine from pets should be removed immediately.
If it isn’t removed, dog pee can get through the fake grass blades and congeals under the carpet. The smell will worsen as it builds up. Regularly mowing your artificial turf will eliminate the smell and urine.
The Best Artificial Grass For Dogs
Pet turf is the best artificial grass for dogs. All synthetic grass carpets have porous backing to drain, but pet turf has a more durable backing and slightly larger drainage holes. This allows dog urine to flow through the turf without congealing.
Pet turf is great for small and large dogs, as well as multiple furry friends. It can be placed in dog runs or kennels. The sub-base must always be installed correctly. Dogs can tear the turf and dig up its edges or seams if it isn’t installed correctly.
Additional Considerations
- Material – Search for nylon, polypropylene or polyethylene with antimicrobial properties to slow down the spread of mold, bacteria and mildew. For extra protection, you can use infills with the same antimicrobial qualities.
- Pile height Longer piles appear more luxurious but are easier to maintain. Artificial grass should be about 1 inch tall to handle the dog’s increased activity in a play area or dog run.
- Face Weight This measures the amount of grass fiber per square meter. The synthetic lawn is more resilient the higher it is. The face weight ranges from 40 to 90. The higher end of this range is recommended.
It’s up to you to decide what works best for your dog and yourself, regardless of whether it is synthetic turf or natural grass. It’s great to know that artificial grass, which is low-maintenance and pet-friendly, is an option.
