Dogs and Lawns - Bitches and brown marks!

The main problem with dogs on lawns is that of the brown patches caused by bitches urinating. Male dogs are not such a problem in this respect, for they do it differently..

The brown patches tend to be a circular patch with bright green grass growing around the perimeter as the bitches urine eventually breaks down to Nitrogen, which then feeds the area outside the actual damage. The brown patch is basically scorching - similar to that caused by applying too much fertilizer - especially in dry conditions.

Treatment by soaking the area with water - immediately after the bitch has done the deed! Soaking the brown patches after they have formed will be absolutely essential if you are going to over-seed the patches.

As with many things, prevention is better than cure. You - the owner - have the remedy. Keep your bitch off the lawn!

There are several applications available at most garden centres to keep your dogs away from certain areas. However, if you allow your dog to use the lawn as a toilet, then these applications are of no use. If a dog has to go, a dog has to go!

The answer to this problem should be self-evident. However, we get several emails asking what can be done about this problem.

Bitches are the main culprit as far as brown spots of dying or dead grass are concerned. Not because their urine is markedly different from that of a male dog, but very simply, bitch dogs 'squat' to urinate. Therefore a larger concentration of Nitrogen is deposited in a smaller place than that of a male dog doing the same job. Some male dogs are happt to squat pee on their home ground, and the results are exactly the same regardless of sex if your male dog is a 'squatter'. Normally, males (dogs!) are vertical 'pee-ers' and prefer trees or lamposts, or anything else that stands still and upright in the garden.

The chemical make-up is near enough the same. It is simply the concentration of Nitrogen - in the dog's urine - deposited by the squatting bitch which is the problem. Larger dogs - rather than certain breed - release more urine and hence Nitrogen.

The only way to 'cure' after the event, is to soak the spotted area with water.

The only method of prevention that we can vouch for - and you the owner will need to become involved - is to provide a 'litter' spot - any mulching or loose material will do the job, and can be 'hidden' from view in the shrubbery or whatever. Then YOU have to train your dog to use that area. Easiest done on a lead every time the dog wants out to the garden. She will soon get the message if that is where you lead her.

• Either arrange for your dog to be regularly exercised and or trained.
• Clean up the mess as you would/should if taking the dog to public places.

Another problem as a result of keeping dogs, is the severe compaction that can be caused - ultimately leading to the destruction of the lawn in many cases. The compaction and generally wearing of the turf, is when the lawn is used as an exercise area by the dog - or dogs. This is especially the case if you simply let your dog out onto the lawn in wet conditions - rather than taking it for a walk.

If you are going to use the lawn for this purpose, then you will need to have a maintenance regime for your lawn somewhat similar to that of a well used football pitch. Certainly coarser hard wearing grasses will have to be used, and a more intense schedule of maintenance, including spiking etc will be needed, if you wish to have what is normally classed as a garden lawn!

If you have read all this with an un-biased attitude, you will be aware that it is your dog ownership that needs to be adjusted - rather than blaming the dog. (I await the angry mails!)

 

If you're a dog owner, especially of female dogs, you might have noticed unpleasant brown patches marring the green expanse of your lawn. These unsightly spots are caused by the high nitrogen content in your dog's urine, which, akin to over-fertilising, burns the grass and leads to those brown, dead patches. Here are detailed solutions and tips to help mitigate this common gardening challenge:

Immediate Dilution

The simplest immediate action you can take is to water down the spot where your dog has urinated as soon as possible. The aim here is to dilute the concentration of nitrogen in the urine, reducing its 'burn' effect on the grass. A quick spray with a hose or a few cups of water poured over the affected area can make a significant difference.

Designate a Bathroom Area

Training your dog to use a specific part of the yard can save your lawn from ruin. Choose an area that's less visible and cover it with gravel or mulch. These materials won't suffer from the nitrogen in the urine and will save the rest of your grass from discolouration and death.

Increase Lawn Watering

By watering your lawn more frequently, you help flush out the excess nitrogen from the soil, preventing it from accumulating to harmful levels. However, it's vital to strike a balance because overwatering can also damage your lawn by depriving the roots of oxygen or encouraging fungal growth.

Use a Commercial Lawn Repair Product

There are products available on the market designed specifically to treat pet urine spots on lawns. These products usually contain ingredients that neutralize the nitrogen and may also include grass seeds to assist in regrowing the damaged patches. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the best results.

Overseed Affected Areas

Sometimes, the best solution is to introduce new life directly. Once the nitrogen has been flushed or neutralized, overseeding the affected areas with a suitable grass seed blend can encourage new growth, filling in the brown patches and restoring your lawn's lush, green appearance.

Final Thoughts

While lady dogs causing brown patches on lawns is a common issue, it's one that can be managed with a little effort and know-how. Implementing these strategies can help maintain a healthy, vibrant lawn that both you and your pets can enjoy. Keep in mind the importance of acting quickly to mitigate damage and regularly monitoring your lawn's health to prevent future issues. Happy gardening!

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