Ultimate Reasons Fake Grass is Great for Dogs

Charles Cline

By Charles Cline

Last Updated on December, 2024

Synthetic grass has become increasingly popular among dog owners over the past few years. Many dog parks and daycare centres are converting to artificial lawns from traditional natural grass lawns. 

But what exactly is it, and how do you know if an artificial turf is good for you? Keep reading to discover why installing synthetic grass is great for your dog.

Quick Summary

  • Artificial grass is highly durable, resistant to digging, and requires minimal maintenance. It eliminates the need for mowing, seeding, and fertilizing, saving both time and money for pet owners.
  • Synthetic grass provides a clean environment, free from mud, bugs, and allergens that could irritate pets. This reduces the chance of dogs tracking dirt indoors and lessens allergy symptoms caused by natural grass.
  • While artificial grass is beneficial, it can get hot in direct sunlight and requires regular rinsing to avoid odors from pet waste. It also comes with a higher initial cost but offers long-term savings.

Reasons Why Fake Grass is Great for Dogs

A dog playing with a ball on a turf

Many pet owners are concerned about installing artificial turf and how safe it is for their furry friend. Below, we will explore the benefits of artificial grass installation for your dog. 

  • Artificial grass is durable and dig-proof: This is perfect for dog owners looking for a durable surface for their furry friends to play on without causing mayhem in your comfortable outdoor space.
  • Unlike natural grass, an artificial turf is designed to be highly durable, low maintenance, and resistant to scratching and digging. Artificial grass is built to withstand heavy foot traffic without coming apart. 
  • Synthetic grass is clean and attractive: You will no longer need to worry about mud patches on your lawn or your dog tracking dirt into your home. An artificial pet turf will give you a beautiful lawn with a natural feel that stays green all year round, uncompromised by the weather or your dog. 
  • Artificial grass contributes to environmental conservation efforts: This is great news for your water bill. By converting to an artificial turf, you will not only be cost-effective but also conserve valuable resources often wasted by watering a natural lawn. 
  • Synthetic turf has minimal maintenance: It removes the need to constantly mow, seed, and fertilise a lawn. A lot of time and money is saved by installing pet-friendly artificial grass, as it does not need as much upkeep as a natural lawn. 
  • Artificial grass installed for dogs is bug-free and allergy-free: You remove the soil and apply a compacted layer before installing the artificial turf, which removes the food source for insects and pests.
  • Allergens found in real grass will no longer trigger your dog’s allergies. Say goodbye to watery eyes, itchiness, sneezing, and other ailments caused by natural lawns. 

Relevant guides:

Downsides to Using Artificial Grass for Dogs

While artificial turf sounds like a great idea in hindsight, there are a few factors you must consider before installing the turf for dogs. 

  • Artificial grass can get hot: As an artificial lawn is made up of various types of plastic, direct sunlight on high-temperature days during the summer months will warm up the plastic, potentially causing discomfort.
  • You can choose a less dense and short pet turf with low heat retention which creates more airflow, keeping your artificial grass cool. 
A dog with a belt standing on the fake grass floor
  • Synthetic turf for pets also starts to smell if not consistently rinsed and sanitised: If dog urine is allowed to sit under the turf’s surface, it will cause odour and bacteria to spread rapidly.
  • A cleanser can be attached to the garden hose and sprayed directly onto the pet turf. A quick flush and rinsing of your synthetic turf a few times a week will prevent any smells from lingering. 
  • Installing artificial grass for dogs requires a large investment: While an artificial grass’s ROI can be recovered relatively quickly with lower lawn maintenance, the ROI of an artificial pet turf does have a more significant initial investment than other ground cover options for pets.
  • Pet turf installation cost will range from $11-$16 per square metre depending on location, accessibility, and materials used for the lawn. 

Tips to Maintain Artificial Grass When You Have Dogs

Cleaning a fake grass surf using a rake

Pet turf is a lot easier to maintain than regular turf. Pet-friendly turf is specifically designed for pets and to help cut down on maintenance and make life easier for pet parents. 

Removing dog poop regularly and rinsing your artificial turf with water while using a bacterial enzyme and non-toxic turf deodorizer can wash away and remove any odours.

If you have dog waste stuck between grass blades, spray with a mild detergent cleaner and let it sit in before wiping it thoroughly.

Ensure to replenish your artificial turf infill from crumb rubber or sand, which helps keep the grass blades up and protects against UV Rays and harmful chemicals.

FAQs

Artificial grass has drainage holes that allow urine to seep away. Regular rinsing with a hose and cleanser helps prevent lingering odors.

The cost depends on yard size, materials, design complexity, grass type, additional turf products, and installation effort.

While all artificial grass is pet-friendly, pet turf is specifically designed for high-traffic areas like dog parks and daycare centers to handle multiple dogs.

Dogs enjoy fake grass for its soft texture, consistent feel, and clean, mud-free surface.

Final Thoughts

With the plethora of benefits artificial grass brings, it’s no wonder it has taken over the dog owner community.

From minimal lawn care from its durable, non-toxic synthetic fibres for pet safety to the unparalleled easy maintenance, artificial grass is the perfect solution for any pet owner looking for perfect pet friendly turf for their four-legged friends.

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