How to get rid of dog pee spots on your lawn

Is your lawn a landmine of crunchy yellow circles? Unfortunately, lawn damage can be one of the drawbacks of having a pet (but the rewards more than make up for it, we say!). Dog pee spots look a lot like grass burned by scorching temperatures and can even resemble a few different types of lawn disease. So make sure to rule out those culprits before taking Fido to task. If you're sure it's number one doing a number on your grass, there are a few things you can do to fix the damage. There are also steps you can take to prevent pet urine from taking a toll on your landscape in the first place.

Hose down the grass

If you can manage to catch your cutie in the act, it's possible to mitigate the damage of dog pee before it truly takes hold. Your dog's pee is made up of ammonia, a harsh chemical on its own, but it's also rich in nitrogen thanks to your dog's carnivorous diet. So it's not just ammonia frying the grass, it's also an overdose on nitrogen, which is a death sentence for plants. And if you have a female dog, chances are she's giving the lawn an even more concentrated soaking.

Your best defense? Soak back! If possible, tackle the area where your dog just tinkled by spraying a stream of heavy, direct water from your garden hose. This is a job too intense for the average lawn sprinkler, because you really need to get in there, within 12 hours of the act, and drench the spot.

Spot treat the stain

It might not be too late to save that swath of peed-on grass! After hosing down the area thoroughly, spray a urine neutralizer on the area to prevent any leftover chemicals from eating away at your lawn.

Nature's Lawn & Garden

Nature’s Lawn & Garden - Spotless Lawn Dog Spot Aid

This organic lawn neutralizer formulation won't cause further damage to your lawn or harm your pet, but it will neutralize the pH of the urine and prevent further damage from occurring.

$30 at Amazon

Dig up the dead parts and re-seed

If the damage is done and can't be undone, it's time to dig it up and start over. A hand rake will come in handy for smaller spots; use it to fully remove the dead grass and expose the soil beneath. Then use a trowel to loosen the soil and get it ready for re-seeding.

Clatoon

Garden Tool Set

This popular set comes with everything you need to dig up and re-seed areas damaged by dog pee. A hand rake and two trowels come with ergonomic rubber grips.

$10 at Amazon

Cover the area with top soil and peat moss, and consider adding a nitrogen-neutralizing fertilizer to double down. Then generously sprinkle grass seed over the area and water.

Lawnbox

Lawnbox Soil Saver 100% Organic Gypsum and Humic Acid Soil Amendment

Invest in gyspum-rich fertilizer to counteract the effects of nitrogen on your lawn. This 15-pound bag covers 2,500 square feet, so you're covered no matter how much damage you're dealing with.

$45 at Amazon

Train your dog to eliminate elsewhere

The final step is to prevent dog pee spots going forward. Fencing off your yard is one option. Training your dog to pee elsewhere, giving her more water so she's well-hydrated and her urine isn't concentrated, or choosing one designated spot for her to eliminate are a few smart strategies.

Zesty Paws

Zesty Paws Stay Green Bites for Dogs

This pet supplement can help prevent lawn burns from the inside out. It uses cranberry concentrate to flush out bad bacteria from your pup's bladder and urinary tract, and an amino acid to reduce the nitrogen levels.

$26 at Amazon

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