How Do I Save My Lawn From Dog Pee?

by Lori Ennis

Published: March 30th, 2020

If you have dogs, and you have a yard or lawn, you most likely have brown spots in your lawn. Those spots are the result of your dog doing his business, but in the process, it creates patches of dead grass. How can you save your lawn from dog pee? We’ve got some common sense ideas and natural products to keep it looking its greenest.

Why Does Dog Pee Kill My Grass?

First things first. Be sure that it really is your dog’s pee that is killing your grass. If you’ve got several round spots in an otherwise field of lovely green, most likely it is the urine that is doing the damage. You can be 100% sure by gently pulling the brown grass to see how firm the roots are. If the roots are still pretty secure, most likely, the spots are urine spots. That said, if you can pull out big amounts of grass, you might want to consult a lawn specialist as there may be a more significant issue.

Still, there’s no denying that dog urine does do damage to grass. What is it exactly about your dog’s urine that creates the ‘dog spots’? In a nutshell, it’s the high concentration of nitrogen your dog releases from the urea in his urine. Additionally, salts that come out in your dog’s urine can also ‘burn’ the grass if it’s directly applied, as is the case when your dog takes a squat. Contrary to popular belief that female dogs’ urine creates spots, but male dogs’ urine doesn’t, it’s more about the contact the urine has with the blades of grass than boy or girl. Because female dogs typically squat, their urine covers more grass surface area and coats the blades more. Males, when they lift their legs, disperse the urine more and the concentration of nitrogen isn’t quite as heavy.

Lawns are made nice and plush because of the nitrogen in fertilizer. That’s why we put fertilizer down annually. Still, too much, and in concentrated amounts like in urine, is not a good thing at all.

The thing is, nitrogen is a natural waste product in urine, and it’s the result of your dog’s normal body processes. It’s the result of protein breaking down as it’s digested. Dog diets are high in protein, usually, and this means their urine is higher in nitrogen content. As long as your pet is using your lawn to go potty like a good girl or boy, you’ll be battling this issue.

How Can I Save My Lawn From Dog Pee?

The real question is, “How can I save my lawn from dog pee?” since we’re agreed it’s always going to be an issue?

Fortunately, there are some really great ways to keep the whole yard looking green and groovy.

Dog Rocks. Yes, you can (and should) make sure your dog gets plenty of water, but another natural dog pee option is one of our favorite things: Dog Rocks. Dog Rocks are dissolved in your dog’s water bowl. They do NOT work to reduce the acidic pH like enzyme treatments do. Instead, they reduce the level of tin in your dog’s water and add plant-friendly (read: lawn-friendly) nutrients. They’re made from naturally occurring rock and are completely safe to ingest. If your kitty and dog share the same water bowl, they’re safe for cats, too! By absorbing potentially lawn-damaging elements from your dog’s urine before it’s even released, you’re preventing the scorch in an all-natural way.
Most vets will tell you that one of the best and easiest ways to help the nitrogen concentration in your dog’s urine is simple: hydration! We know hydration is vital to dogs anyway, as they are made of even more water than we humans are. But, making sure your pet gets plenty of water can dilute their urine (think of how your pee looks clear when hydrated, yellow when you’re not), and that is good for both your pet and your lawn!
Of course, you can always try to train your dog to pee in areas that there isn’t grass to ruin. Perhaps teach them to use the gravel or mulch you’ve designated, or even find an area around the side of the house where it’s not as sightly. Take note, though, that’s tough, as dogs are creatures of habit, and oh, they like to mark their territory with scent and urine. If you let them out in your yard to play and explore? They’re going to want to lift their leg or squat.
Enzymatic supplements. Some pet parents give their dogs enzyme supplements that possibly help balance the pH in their dogs’ urine, but veterinarians caution against some of those in that they can be damaging to dogs with liver or kidney issues. And, if you don’t know your dog has those issues, you still may be putting them at risk. The issue is a nitrogen issue, not a pH issue, and you should always check with your vet before giving your pet any enzymes for that purpose.

Dealing with brown spots in your yard comes with the territory of being a pet parent, but there are ways you can save your lawn from your dog’s pee. Follow our tips above, and the whole family can enjoy the benefits of beautiful grass.

Lori Ennis

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How Do I Stop My Dog From Digging up My Yard?

Have you recently stepped out into your yard to find little potholes all over the place? Before you run to Google to search for products to stop your dog from digging holes (there are plenty of companies that are more than willing to take your money), let’s start with understanding the basics.Spoiler alert: When dealing with a dog behavioral problem, a quick solution is rarely something that will last over time. In this article, we will look at why your dog has been digging holes in the yard and how you can prevent it without giving into the deterrent sprays and other aversive products offering big promises. Which Dog Breeds Are Prone to Digging? Digging holes is a natural behavior for dogs, meaning that any dog could enjoy creating a few holes around your yard if left unsupervised. This is especially common in dogs that are anxious, stressed, bored, or lacking a positive outlet for their pent-up energy. That said, some dog breeds are more likely to struggle with the temptation. This includes: Terriers like the Jack Russell Terrier were bred to hunt rodents. These dogs are determined to get to their prey, even if that means having to dig down to them underground. Dachshunds, like terriers, were bred to follow their prey underground in tunnels and burrows.Another hunting dog that often seeks out prey underground is the Beagle. Northern dogs often dig in their natural habitat to make shelter and protect themselves from the elements. While dogs like the Siberian Husky and Alaskan Malamute now live in the comfort of our homes, they often still give in to their instinct to build a den. Rather than hunting dogs, some dog breeds, like the Lagotto Romagnolo, were bred to hunt truffles. This, of course, meant digging them up from the ground, instilling that desire to dig when a scent catches their attention. Another situation where you may find your dog digging is when they are anxious or afraid. For example, if your dog is left in the yard when they hear frightening sounds like fireworks or a thunderstorm, they may start digging in a desperate attempt to escape and flee to safety. This is one reason experts recommend keeping our dogs indoors during holidays like July 4th when they are more likely to face these triggers.

How Do I Stop My Dog From Eating Everything?

We often hear about the importance of getting out and walking our dogs. But what do you do if your dog is determined to eat everything in sight every time you are out and about? Not only is this behavior frustrating, but it can also be very dangerous. There is the risk that your dog will eat a toxic substance or swallow something that causes a life-threatening gastrointestinal blockage.If this concerns you, you’re not alone! It’s a struggle faced by many dog parents. In this article, I will share 8 solutions to stop your dog from eating everything. Proper management is the key to keeping your pup safe.Why Does My Dog Eat Literally Everything?For most dogs, the desire to scavenge and eat everything they can find is nothing more than an instinct. In the wild, your dog’s ancestors had to find enough food daily to meet their nutritional needs. This often meant eating things that may have been less than desirable to get through from one solid meal to the next.While your pup has the guarantee of a full food dish waiting for them, they may still pick up anything they believe is edible without giving it a second thought.There is a chance that your dog is trying to tell you that there is something bigger going on. A dog that is missing something in their diet may eat items they find to meet this need. This could also indicate that they are still hungry for medical reasons. If they are suffering from a condition preventing them from feeling satisfied or absorbing the nutrients they need, this could lead to scavenging for food.Finally, there is a small chance that your dog is suffering from a condition known as Pica. This disorder is when a dog compulsively eats or chews on non-food items. This may present as an obsession with eating rocks, dirt, plastic, cloth, or cardboard. This behavior must be addressed for your dog’s health and safety.These unusual eating habits could also result from boredom, anxiety, or a need for mental enrichment.

Dog Rocks Rock By Saving Your Lawn From Pet Pee Burns

If you have dogs and a lawn, you’re probably familiar with ‘pee spots.’ But are you familiar with a safe, natural way to treat them? Check out Dog Rocks, and say, “Hello!” to greener grass! They say the grass is always greener on the other side. Or, the grass is greener on your side, if you water it well. But if you have dogs, and they pee on your lawn (as dogs do), odds are the grass isn’t greener anywhere, no matter what because your dog’s urine ‘burns’ the grass in patches. The best way to combat this problem is with Dog Rocks! Related: How Do I Save My Lawn From Dog Pee? Why Does Dog Pee Burn My Lawn? That’s a great question and one that many dog parents ask (and get really weird replies to). What is happening is really just a scientific process, and it starts within your dog. Your dog’s diet has a lot to do with it. Dogs typically have naturally acidic urine because of their carnivorous eating habits. If your dog has a lot of grains in his diet, that could increase the pH level of his urine even more. The higher the pH level, the more likely your dog’s pee will burn the grass. Additionally, dogs’ diets are typically high in protein. That’s a good thing, but what it also means is that your dog’s diet is most likely high in concentrated nitrogen. Nitrogen, in measured, consistent quantities, is actually beneficial as a fertilizer for your lawn. BUT…if too concentrated, then too much of a good thing is actually a bad thing. When proteins are broken down in your dog’s body, the nitrogen concentration increases, and that extra concentration comes out in urine and urine-burn spots. This is why many people still believe it’s only a female dog’s urine that ‘kills grass,’ while a male dog’s doesn’t. That’s not true. A female dog typically squats to pee, though, whereas a male dog tends to lift his leg and spray his urine. This spray actually helps to reduce the concentration of nitrogen-rich urine that hits your lawn, and means fewer burn opportunities. When a girl dog squats, she’s just saturating her spot, and this is why you see patches of burn. What’s a Dog To Do?

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Dogs Trained to Detect Ancient Remains Expedite Search for Graves

Canada’s recent discovery of hundreds of tiny unmarked graves attributed to the residential school system has created not only cross-country outrage but also a determination to locate and repatriate the remains of all children who left home to attend these schools but never returned.Within a few weeks, the number of unmarked graves throughout Canada had quickly grown to over 10,000 and the ability to locate and identify additional sites (that would date back decades), had become almost impossible. Particularly since many of the schools had since been razed and pinpointing potential burial areas leaned heavily toward guesswork.The search had to be done respectfully – meaning without the use of large, excavation equipment – however, the need to cover a vast range of land in a timely manner was a challenge.That’s when the search teams decided to bring in the dogs.Part of the Ottawa Valley Search and Rescue Dog Association, German Shepherds, Recce and Taz are proficient in detecting older, archeological remains with drill work that has included using older cemeteries as their training ground. In fact, Historic Human Remains Detection Dogs have been used throughout North America and Europe to identify human remains in archaeological sites that date back hundreds of years… and longer. These dogs can pick up on the much lower scent levels that come from teeth and bones found in ancient graves… and some are even explicitly trained to detect cremated remains where no bones or teeth remain.This switch from bulldozers to the canine duo is a change welcomed by the area’s former residential school students who feel that because dogs have always been part of the Indigenous culture, they offer a natural, more appropriate approach to finding the missing children.According to Archaeology Professor Adrian Burke, dogs make a great option because they are non-invasive. Although it’s not an exact science – they can’t pinpoint an individual grave - they can hone in on a location and this saves time and the need for random digging. Once dogs flag a site, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is used to confirm what lies beneath.By adding Recce and Taz to the search teams, it’s estimated the time needed to cover a couple of acres can be reduced from a few weeks to just a couple of days.While the process is still slow and time-consuming, Indigenous residents confirm it’s about the children’s families understanding what happened to their little ones, being able to bring them home for appropriate burial, and ultimately experiencing a sense of closure and justice.

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How Do I Know if My Dog is Afraid?

Experts often talk about the importance of reading your dog’s body language to reduce fear, stress, and anxiety. But do you sometimes struggle to identify if your dog is really scared or if you’re just reading into a situation? Many common dog behaviors can be misinterpreted – fear or calm, comfort or stress. If this sounds familiar, don’t worry. We are here to help! This post dives deep into the basics of canine communication and body language. We’ll highlight some of the more subtle body language cues, behavioral changes, and vocalization that you should be looking out for. Plus, we’ll look at the most common situations that trigger fear in dogs, why these situations can be frightening, and how to comfort and support your dog moving forward. What’s the ultimate goal? Ensuring you have the information needed to build your dog’s confidence, improve your communication, and help them enjoy a world free from unnecessary fear and anxiety. Dedicate the time and energy today to set your dog up for long-term success (avoiding potential health complications from too much stress). Common Signs of Fear and Anxiety in Dogs Life as a pet parent would be much easier if our pups could speak up and tell us exactly what they think in each situation. Unfortunately, that’s not the reality we live in. Instead, we must learn to pick up on their non-verbal communication to build a strong and trusting relationship with our furry friends. Here are a few ways they may be trying to tell you that they are feeling “off” or nervous: Body Language One of the most important ways our pets communicate their feelings is through their body language. This includes the way they stand, the way they move, how they hold their ears or their tail, and so much more. Some signs will be obvious, while others will be more subtle. Here are some of the more common signs of fear and stress related to body language: Excessive panting YawningShowing teethLip-licking Puckering of the lips Whale eyes (showing the whites of the eyes)Large, dilated pupils Ears backward or pressed forward Tail up and stiff or down tucked between the legsCowering or standing with the body low to the ground Attempting to hide Displacement behaviors (sneezing, itching)Shaking or trembling Submissive urination Behavior Changes In addition to changes in how your dog stands or positions their body, you may notice some behavioral changes. You may find that your dog tries to back away or avoid their trigger. On the other hand, your dog may become reactive towards a trigger by jumping or lunging at it. Both these reactions signify stress or anxiety, highlighting the importance of getting to know your dog as an individual. For example, we have two male dogs in our house. When presented with a trigger, Lucifer will hold his ground while Indiana tends to back away or hide.You may also notice changes in how your dog reacts to objects or activities in their regular life. Many dogs, even those who are highly food-driven, will be reluctant to eat or take treats when stressed. Vocal Cues Finally, while we are focusing mainly on non-verbal communication, there are some vocalizations that could help you recognize that something is wrong. Dogs who are nervous, anxious, or afraid may bark at their trigger. They may also whine to show that they are uncomfortable.

How Can I Prevent My Dog From Barking When They’re Home Alone?

Dogs are very affectionate beings, and can form incredible bonds with their owners – but this also means that they would love to be by their side at all times. Sometimes, however, this is just not possible. Their owners have to  work, go to the store, or finish chores out of home and they can’t always take their pets with them. And when you leave your pooch all by their lonesome, they often think it’s the end of the world – you’ve abandoned them for good, even when you’re away for like 25 minutes. This can result in anxiety, restlessness, and a lot of barking. Some dogs – in fact – just won’t stop barking or howling until you come back. How can you bring an end to this behavior, and prevent all the excess barking? And how can you let your pet know that leaving for a little bit is no big deal? Let’s find out. Battles with Barks: Why Dogs Bark When Alone and How to Stop ItExcessive barking when a dog is home alone can be a common issue for a lot of owners, and addressing it requires a combination of training, environmental management, and sometimes, the help of professionals. Above all, it requires patience. However, there are a number of factors that come into play when such situations occur. To make your dog calmer, quieter, and ready to accept your absence, you should take a closer look at the daily routine the two of you share.First, consider if you're providing enough physical and mental stimulation. Physical exercise is crucial for a dog's well-being. Keep in mind that a tired dog is generally a content and quieter dog. So, before you leave, make sure that they have ample exercise, fun, and outside time. If they “emptied their batteries”, they are more likely to remain calm and just snooze while you are out. Of course, to make sure you always fulfill these exercise requirements, you will have to establish a consistent daily routine. Just like humans, doggos too depend on the routine they can follow. This routine helps them feel secure and understand when to expect certain events like meals and walks. If they get used to a daily chain of events, they will expect you to leave and be okay with it.  Interactive toys that provide mental stimulation or dispense treats are also a great thing to utilize when battling anxiety or boredom-induced barking. They can help your dog stay occupied during your absence. As they get involved in playing with the toy, dogs will tire out, keep themselves busy, and not make such a big deal about your absence. With a toy, alone time can actually be enjoyable for a dog.

Sleeping With Pets: Here's What Experts Have to Say

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Are Collagen Chews Good for Dogs?

Are you searching for a tasty treat to keep your pup occupied? Have you heard the warnings made by experts about the potential dangers of rawhide chews and are struggling to find a healthy alternative for your dog? A newer type of dog chew is gaining popularity in the pet world, beloved both by pets and their parents alike. Let’s discuss the benefits of collagen chews and why this would be a great option for your dog. What Are Collagen Chews? Before we get into the benefits, we’ll start with the basics. What exactly is a collagen chew? Like rawhide, a collagen chew is a dried animal product. However, it is made from the inner layer of a cow's skin instead of the hide. This may seem like a minor difference, but it makes the product much easier to digest, making it safer for pet parents concerned about the risk of obstructions associated with rawhide. Collagen chew products are available in various forms, including flat chews, sticks, traditional bone shapes, and rings. Each variation of the chew ranges in size, thickness, and, therefore, chew difficulty level. Do Vets Recommend Collagen Sticks? Yes! Many veterinarians recommend collagen chews as a healthy alternative to rawhide. This healthy and natural chew option offers many health benefits, including joint issues and dry skin. Most collagen chews are made from all-natural ingredients and are free from fillers, artificial colors, and artificial flavors, making them a healthy replacement for your dog’s favorite rawhide bones.Is Collagen Better Than Rawhide? While both collagen chews and rawhides are long-lasting chew options, collagen chews address many of the health concerns related to rawhide. If your dog loves rawhide chews, this is a great alternative. Like rawhides, collagen chews are long-lasting. However, if your dog swallows a portion of the chew, its digestibility makes it less likely that you will find yourself at an emergency vet paying for surgery to remove an obstruction.

Are Candles Safe for Pets?

Final Thoughts: Candles and PetsWhether you want to include a candle in your holiday décor while keeping your pet safe or simply burn a candle to mask those pesky “pet smells,” there ARE options available to enjoy the gentle glow of a candle without creating unnecessary risks for your companion.Choose a pet-safe candle that is made from plant-based wax, avoiding those scented with potentially toxic essential oils like peppermint and pine oils. Set your candle up on a secure surface out of their reach and supervise your pet the entire time it burns. When you’re done, ensure your candle is stored safely where your pet can’t reach it.These simple precautions may be the difference between a festive holiday scene and a trip to your local emergency vet!Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Mice Have Passed the Mirror Test: What It Means

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A Dog is Adopted After 7 Years in Shelter After An Emotional Discovery

One pet shelter in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, has been the home of a darling rescue dog named Ella for 7 long years. But the long wait for a happy ending is finally over – as Ella was recently adopted, and under very special circumstances at that. The staff at  Bloomsburg Animal Resource Center have titled this “an extremely special adoption”, and advised readers that “they might want to grab a tissue real quick for this one”.Ella had been at the shelter for the last seven years, making her the center’s longest resident. But recently, things took a turn for the better, when Ella was spotted by Kaitlyn, a resident who quickly fell in love with the rescue pooch. When coming to the center, Kaitlyn said that her long-time furry friend, Jo, recently passed away, and now she was ready to meet a new dog.And as soon as the two met, the match was made. It was obvious that they were meant for each other. Ella quickly made everyone know that Kaitlyn was her “human”. Usually, it wasn’t so. Ella was a victim of abuse and had a long history of fear and aggression. It would take several visits for her to get relaxed around strangers. But with Kaitlyn, this was not the case. The bond was near-instant. “She immediately walked over to Kaitlyn with no hesitation, allowing her to give Ella scratches and pets right away,” the staff of the adoption center said.At the end of the adoption meeting, when Kaitlyn was about to leave, she suddenly noticed something that made her overwhelmingly emotional. What she spotted was the bandana that Ella was wearing around her neck. Her eyes welling with tears, Kaitlyn said to the staff that it was the exact bandana that belonged to her recently passed away dog, Jo. She said that after the passing, she donated all the bandanas to the center. “This bandana that Ella is wearing, it’s Jo’s. I donated them all here when he passed,” Kaitlyn said, quickly showing a picture of Jo wearing it. The symbolism and the connection were incredible. It was a sign that the two were meant to be together. When they realized what happened, the staff was moved to tears: “Out of the 20 dogs in our shelter right now, this bandana. This specific bandana. Jo’s bandana. It was on Ella.”Later, Kaitlyn said that the bandana is a sign: “I like to think of it as Jo’s stamp of approval.”And so it was, that after 7 long years of waiting, the kind and gentle Ella found her new forever home, and a human friend who would treat her right.“Every morning, Ella used to pop up off her bed and greet you at the door of her kennel right away,” the staff at the Animal Resource Center said. “We’ll miss that tomorrow, it’ll be such a bittersweet moment realizing that as we pause to reflect on a few of our favorites times with Ella — but my goodness the amount of pure happiness we will feel every day knowing Ella finally got what she deserved: ELLA GOT ADOPTED.”

First-ever Canine Parvovirus Treatment Offers Hope for Sick Puppies

Parvovirus - a single word no dog owner wants to hear. Canine parvovirus is one of the most deadly conditions that affect thousands of puppies in the U.S. yearly.Until now, there has been no specific cure for parvovirus, with treatment relying on supportive care. But that changed in May when USDA granted a conditional license for the first-ever canine parvovirus treatment.Developed by Elanco Animal Health Incorporated, the Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody is a single-dose intravenous injection that has been shown to reduce the length of hospital stay and increase the survival rate of dogs diagnosed with parvovirus. In Elanco’s clinical trials, “zero dogs died when treated with Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody,” said Kristen Zersen, DVM, DACVECC, assistant professor of small animal emergency and critical care at Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. That’s fantastic news considering that parvo’s mortality rate is around 91% for dogs not treated with supportive care.While the treatment efficiency study focused on eight-week-old puppies, Zersen said that safety studies have shown that the treatment is well tolerated by puppies as young as six weeks old. “The puppies treated with Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody had significantly faster times to resolution of vomiting, inappetence, and lethargy,” said Zersen. Elanco’s Monoclonal Antibody is the first and only treatment available for parvo which affects around 330,000 dogs each year. Administered intravenously in a single dose, this groundbreaking treatment works by binding to the virus directly, preventing it from entering into host cells. Another great thing about this treatment is that it can be given to dogs at any stage of the disease. The effects of the treatment may vary from one dog to the next but according to Zersen, “Overall the treatment makes for less time, less worry, and less labor helping the dog to feel better faster.”That’s a positive change considering how this deadly disease has been treated in the past. “Traditional canine parvovirus treatment can consist of 24/7 care, three to five days of hospitalization, high pet owner costs, and emotional stress with no guaranteed outcome,” explained Zersen. “Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody offers a targeted solution. Dogs are treated with one intravenous dose that’s highly effective and proven to decrease mortality and may provide faster resolution of the symptoms of this potentially deadly disease.”Elanco expects to obtain full USDA approval in 2024, but veterinarians are able to get the medicine in the meantime. An eight-week-old pit bull mix was one of the first to receive this lifesaving treatment and knows exactly how effective monoclonal antibodies are. As soon as Cookie started to show symptoms of parvo, including lethargy, lack of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea, her owner brought her to the Fix Project’s Parvo ICU.There, a test confirmed that Cookie has, indeed, contracted parvo. Cookie received Elanco’s Monoclonal Antibody treatment and was admitted to the ICU for supportive care. “We gave the injection, placed a catheter, and gave her the rest of our protocol. And the beautiful part about the drug was we had her in and out. We parvo tested her on Friday, and she came back strong positive. By Sunday, she was eating. And then by Monday, we parvo tested her, and she was going home that day,” Dr. Andrew Cabrera, veterinarian and medical director at The Fix Project, told People in an interview. Cookie was one of the first pups to be treated with Elanco’s Monoclonal Antibody treatment, but she wasn’t the last. Dr. Cabrera shares he has seen similar results in parvo cases he has treated. “The success rate has been night and day,” he said. “We are able to get them eating a little faster and out of the hospital a little more quickly.”Hopefully, vets around the country will include Elanco’s Monoclonal Antibody treatment in current parvo protocols to increase the survival rate and reduce hospitalization time.

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