Artificial grass is becoming popular these days as it is forever green and low maintenance. This grass is made of synthetic turf materials, they provide a consistent, clean surface that looks like the real thing. But Is Artificial Grass Good for Dogs?
They can dig and play fetch to their heart’s content, with no rules about staying off the grass. Let’s see how can we best use this clean, durable, and dog-friendly grass.
Is Artificial Grass Good for Dogs?
When it comes to our dogs, we want only the best. This includes having a safe, clean outdoor space for them to play and take care of business.
For many pet owners, artificial grass is becoming the top choice over natural lawns. Artificial grass offers dog owners a low-maintenance, durable alternative that saves time, money, and hassle in the long run.
One of the biggest perks of artificial turf is the minimal effort that is required compared to the natural lawn. No more mowing, watering, fertilizing, or dealing with muddy paws through the house[1]. Let’s look at some other benefits:
- Artificial grass is always green and ready for your pooch to play fetch or take care of business at any moment. It keeps its fresh, manicured appearance with little effort!
- In addition to low maintenance, artificial grass is durable enough to withstand rough-housing dogs, busy households, and heavy traffic.
- It holds up to ruff housing and digging better than natural grass and retains its lush, green appearance for years.
- Even in extreme weather, artificial turf won’t dry out, turn brown, or become a muddy mess. Your dog will enjoy this evergreen lush oasis while you know your investment will last.
- When it comes to cleanliness, artificial grass is the clear winner. The hassle of picking up dog waste is minimized since it stays on the top rather than soaking in the dirt. Any “accidents” are easily spotted and removed with a quick hose down.
- The antimicrobial properties of artificial grass also prevent the growth of bacteria and odour that natural grass struggles with.
- With artificial grass, forget tracking in mud or cleaning pee stains! Your pup can roam freely while you maintain a waste-free yard.
Overall, artificial grass is a smart, convenient choice for pet owners.
Safety and Comfort
Artificial grass delivers on both fronts through its soft, pet-friendly construction. Let’s understand in detail:
1. Softness and comfort
Unlike the prickly blades of natural grass, artificial turf is made from synthetic materials designed to be gentle on paws.
The grass blades have a rounded shape and built-in flexibility that cushion a dog’s joints during playtime and cushion their naps.
This is especially beneficial for senior dogs or those with mobility issues, as artificial grass reduces injuries from rough surfaces while supporting joint health. No more limping after playtime!
2. Non-toxic materials
Pet owners can also rest assured knowing artificial grass is often made from non-toxic, pet-safe materials.
Many products are lead-free and contain antimicrobial substances to inhibit bacterial growth. Reputable brands are transparent about their materials and manufacturing methods to provide total peace of mind.
Regular maintenance and cleaning will keep your artificial lawn toxin-free for your dog to happily nibble or dig in.
3. Allergen reduction
An added health benefit is artificial grass significantly reduces allergens compared to the real thing. Natural grass harbours pollen, fertilizers, and mould spores triggering allergies and asthma in dogs and humans.
Synthetic grass blades don’t support these allergens, creating a hypoallergenic haven for you and your pup. This allows dogs to enjoy the outdoors without itchy eyes, runny noses, or other irritations.
Possible Flaws
Behind so many thoughtful benefits there are some potential flaws as well, let’s see how can we tackle them:
Initial cost
Installing artificial grass can seem like a hefty investment upfront compared to laying new sod. However, factoring in ongoing costs of real grass – like water, mowing, and replacement every few years, artificial grass saves significantly in the long run.
The high initial cost is returned over time in water bill savings and convenience alone.
Heat retention
Another concern is heat retention on sunny days. Unlike natural grass, synthetic material can become hot under direct sunlight. There are simple ways to keep your artificial lawn dog-friendly.
Mist the grass with cool water or establish shady spots under trees or shade cloths. Taking walks on hardscape when it’s hot allows the grass to cool down.
Drainage
Proper drainage is crucial for any lawn, and artificial grass is no exception. Standing water can lead to odours from waste and bacteria growth.
Most artificial grass products allow drainage, but it’s key to prepare the base beneath the turf. Gravel beds provide an optimal drainage system before installation. Regularly cleaning debris via raking or hosing will keep water flowing through.
Considerations for the UK Climate
The wet, humid climate of the UK presents unique factors when installing artificial grass for dogs. With generous annual rainfall and inconsistent temperatures, artificial grass needs special preparation to blossom as an outdoor dog space.
The rainy weather means proper drainage under artificial grass is especially crucial. A gravel base will prevent standing water and ensure urine drains away cleanly. Regular maintenance like raking debris will keep water flowing through the grass without pooling or odours.
Watch for artificial grass blades matting down over time under moist conditions. Look for artificial grass made with antimicrobial substances to prevent mould growth. Temperature swings from hot summers to cold winters can impact fake grass for dogs.
In summer, water frequently to keep the lawn cool underfoot. In winter, ensure snow and ice melt rapidly through drainage systems below ground.
Avoid cheaper grass materials that become stiff in low temperatures. With extra care and attention artificial grass can withstand the UK climate beautifully!
FAQs
Does Dog Urine Damage Artificial Grass?
Well, unlike real turf, artificial grass won’t die when a dog pees on it. Dog urine drains away, just like rain, so you won’t end up staring out at a yellow sea. Dog faeces will need to be cleaned up, just as you would on a real lawn. Simply scoop the mess up and hose the area down to remove any residual grains.
Is Artificial Grass Good for Dogs?
Artificial grass has a life of more than 20 years. Synthetic grass can withstand your pets and kids running roughshod on its surface. With synthetic grass, you don’t have to worry about wear and tear from pets.
What Do You Put Under Fake Grass for Dogs?
Typically for installing artificial turf for dogs, you’re going to use a sand or silica sand infill. You will install the infill using the seed broadcaster. It is important that you apply the infill evenly across the turf.
How Long Does Artificial Grass Last With Dogs?
We have found that artificial grass for dogs lasts roughly 10 to 15 years. The warranty for K9Grass by ForeverLawn is 10 years and covers fade and excessive wear. ForeverLawn offers the most advanced 10-year warranty and superior warranty tracking system, the ForeverLawn Closed Loop Warranty System (CLWS).
Does Fake Grass Get Hot?
Well, it can get really hot. Surface temperatures of artificial grass are about 20-50° F higher than natural grass and typically reach the same temperature as asphalt pavement. The highest temperature measured during research was 200° F.
Summary
In conclusion “Is Artificial Grass Good for Dogs?” For dog owners in the UK, artificial grass offers a practical alternative to natural lawns. Artificial grass looks good and does not require a lot of maintenance effort.
The benefits of artificial grass for UK dog owners are plenty. Artificial grass withstands lively dogs, muddy paws, and heavy traffic much better than real grass. Investing in quality materials also provides a soft, comfortable surface for the dog’s joints and paws.
Proper drainage and ventilation are key to ensuring artificial grass thrives in the UK climate. But the extra diligence pays off! Owners can relax knowing their pet has a safe, clean place to spend energy!
Reference:
- Brown, S. (2016, August 8). 9 Advantages of using artificial grass for your lawn– Lifehack.
