Spotting a Fido-friendly lawn

One problem troubling dog owners is urination spots in the lawn. Grass will yellow and die, often ringed by lush, dark green grass.

The dead spots are caused by concentrated salt and ammonia in the urine, which has a similar effect of burning from over-fertilization. The myth that female dogs urine is more damaging is only partly correct, they just eliminate in one area, causing a concentrated spot.

Avoiding these spots can be a time-consuming process. Some dog owners follow dogs with hose, heavily irrigate the spot, train dogs to go in a gravel or out-of-the-way area, or go for walks (and make it a neighbor’s problem!)

Reviving spots can be quickly remedied by reseeding, or just leaving them to fill in on their own. 

Originally published on May 1st, 2012. Updated on September 3rd, 2019.