First, answering the questions — Does dog pee kill plants? And why does dog pee kill plants?
A 1981 study called Lawn burn from dog urine helped bury the old myth that pH is causing the trouble. The concentration of urea in dog urine is basically too much of a good thing for grass and other plants. Other salt and compounds such as potassium may also contribute, but nitrates are known to be the No. 1 killer.
The main thing that makes dog urine more damaging is volume. Large dogs deposit more urine. Females tend to deposit it all in one location. Male dogs are easier on the grass but hard on trees, where urine sprayed on the trunk can filter down to the roots and in large enough volumes can kill the entire plant.
Just how much dogs contribute to the poor health of some city trees is under debate. But we’ve all seen the grates, bags and other contraptions to try and keep the trees pee-free.
So, what can you do about dog pee killing plants?
You can use training to modify behavior, getting your dog to pee in certain areas and to use the gutters rather than the grass. But most dog owners draw the line at being quite that prescriptive. So there are a number of other tips to reduce the conflict between pup and gardens.
Focusing all the dog pee in one spot can help with the problem … if you give up putting any plants in that area. A stake in an out of the way area may attract males to use the area. Likewise, when you are out and about, if your dog will use mulched or graveled areas, this will reduce stress on plants.
Of course, a dog’s gotta go when a dog’s gotta go. But when you have the option, steer Fido to a lamppost rather than a tree and a bark covered area rather than a stressed-looking lawn.
You can spot stressed trees by bark that is discolored or even peeling off around the base. And trees that are under six inches in diameter or have thin bark are at higher risk.
Make a “Bathroom Area” and Train Your Dog to Use It
If your primary issue is your grass rather than plants and trees, the best way to stop your yard from being covered with yellow spots is to stop letting your dog use it as a bathroom. To do this, you’ll need to make a bathroom area just for your dog. Some people make dog runs that go between their house and the fence or the underside of their deck, but any area will work.
The area that you choose to use should be covered in gravel, sand, or dirt, or you can use urine-resistant grass and plants. Train your dog to “go potty” in the designated area, in a similar fashion as house-training your dog. Praise them for going in the right spot, and re-direct their bathroom habits in other areas of the yard. Pros
Cons
No matter how hard you try, pets will always leave you cleaning up smells, stains, vomit, hair, and everything in between. With the Hepper Advanced Bio-Enzyme Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Spray, you can advance your clean-up routine!
It permanently removes the very worst pet stains and smells (and truly makes clean-up a breeze). Click here to learn more, order a bottle, and freshen up your home today.
At Pet Keen, we’ve admired Hepper for many years, and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding products of this cool cat company!
Is Dog Urine Killing Your Garden?
Bringing home a new dog may be one of the most rewarding moments of a dog lovers life. Not only can you provide your new pet a loving home, but there are also so many fun things you can add to their life and yours. After you buy them new toys, give them endless cuddles and teach them new tricks, you may start to notice that some of your plants are dying. Youre doing everything you need to care for them, but particular plants cant withstand dog urine. Dont worry though, because if you love plants and dogs, there are ways to have the best of both worlds with dog resistant plants.