Can You Have Artificial Grass With Dogs?

Are you a dog owner interested in installing artificial grass at home? Are you curious if it’s going to smell like your pet? It’s a fair enquiry since no Australian homeowner wants to invest in an attractive yard only to cringe after seeing their dogs poop or urinate on it.

As artificial grass Sydney experts, we have the expertise and knowledge to guide dog owners how to maintain their artificial grass using the appropriate products. With extensive research, proper care, and attention, we’re confident people can take care of their synthetic grass, even with their mutts running around. This blog will explain the basics of artificial lawn care for dog owners, giving them reassurance and valuable peace of mind.

Artificial Grass And Pet Odours: The Facts

Artificial grass doesn’t stink or emit a foul smell because manufacturers designed it to be odour-neutral. Conversely, natural grass traps moisture and increases bacteria’s tendency to proliferate.

If left unattended, dog urine can be challenging for busy homeowners because its odour can linger. Harmful bacteria can also build up and become health risks to your family and pets.

Don’t fret! Proper lawn care and maintenance can prevent this inconvenience. Constant vigilance will ensure your artificial grass’ aesthetics and appeal, even with active pets running around.

Why Does Artificial Grass Sometimes Emit An Unpleasant Odour? It’s Not the Turf

It bears repeating: anytime you smell a foul odour coming from your lawn, the underlying cause isn’t the artificial grass. Instead, it’s whatever gets trapped in your turf.

Whenever your pet dog relieves on artificial grass, its urine can permeate the blades and settle on the bottom layer. Odours will soon develop If homeowners neglect this issue, especially during the oppressive Aussie summers from December to February.

Reasons why your artificial grass smells:

• Insufficient drainage: Poorly installed or inferior turf may require more drainage to prevent urine accumulation.
• Improper infill: Not all infills are appropriate for artificial grass. Regular sand or rubber infills promote moisture and bacterial growth, resulting in odours over time.
• Maintenance oversight: Failing to sanitise artificial grass with dogs around can lead to foul odours.
• Quantity: Owning at least two dogs increases the chances of odours and bacteria accumulating on your lawn.
• Incorrect and infrequent maintenance: Failure to sanitise and maintain your lawn regularly will result in odours permeating your artificial grass.

How We Manufacture Odour-Free Artificial Grass

At Ezy Decking, we are artificial grass Brisbane specialists who ensure we manufacture high-quality, clean, and odour-free products. Our products help dog owners build a fresh, immaculate lawn that stands out.

Here are the steps in creating quality artificial grass for our Australian customers:

1. Custom-designed pet infill: Our company manufactures infills explicitly designed for dog owners. Our customised infills allow efficient drainage of liquids, including dog urine and water. We also equip them with antimicrobial infill options that eliminate odour-causing bacteria.
2. High-quality drainage systems: Efficient drainage is critical for maintaining odour-free artificial grass. Infills allow liquid to flow properly through the turf and to the grass’ bottom layer. Hence, effective drainage prevents puddling or waterlogging and ensures the turf remains dry.
3. Regular maintenance plans: We provide maintenance plans suitable for pet owners. Regular sanitising and occasional application of pet-friendly enzyme cleaners can maintain your turf’s fresh smell over time.

Suggestions For Maintaining Artificial Grass’ Freshness

Although we intended our products to be low-maintenance, ensuring occasional-to-regular upkeep will make your turf look brand-new.
Here are our tips for maintaining your artificial grass’ freshness:

• Rinse frequently: We recommend dog owners hose their turfs weekly or more frequently to eliminate pet urine, bacteria, and odour.
• Use enzyme cleaners: These cleaning solutions help process pet waste and neutralise odours instead of masking them. Use enzyme cleaners weekly to achieve optimum results, especially in high-traffic spots.
• Dispose of solid waste immediately: Dispose your dog’s waste when he finishes relieving himself so odour and bacteria don’t proliferate.

Final Thoughts: Creating A Dog-Friendly, Fresh Lawn

Your lawn should be a respite where you relax and unwind with family and friends. For many Australians, it’s a form of therapy that helps them recalibrate and enjoy Mother Nature.

Dealing with nasty odours and pet waste should never hinder dog owners from enjoying the benefits of a fresh lawn. Using the correct products and maintaining your artificial grass will keep your turf pristine and immaculate, even with a dog or two roaming the premises.

Are you thinking about installing pet-friendly artificial grass in your backyard? Please contact us for a free consultation. To guarantee 100% customer satisfaction, our Ezy Decking team will conduct a site inspection, suggest the best alternatives, and manage the installation process.

FAQs

Can dogs go to the toilet on artificial grass?

Yes, dogs can go to the toilet on artificial grass. It’s a popular alternative for pet owners who don’t have natural lawns.
Here are some factors dog owners should consider when using artificial grass:

• Urine drainage: Manufacturers equip premium artificial grass with drainage systems that efficiently manage dog urine and prevent puddles and odours. We also recommend rinsing your turf with water weekly to keep it pristine.
• Faecal matter: Please dispose of dog faecal matter immediately after your pet relieves himself to prevent odour and bacteria from permeating your backyard.
• Odour management: We recommend using pet-friendly disinfectants or enzyme-based cleaners to prevent urine smells from festering.
• Durability: Artificial grass’ durability and resilience help it withstand dog activities, including running and playing, and prevent damage.

Does dog urine damage artificial grass?

Fortunately, dog urine doesn’t damage premium artificial grass. However, improper care and management may make odours fester and lead to hygiene problems. Hence, dog owners must manage their artificial grass properly.

How To Clean Artificial Grass From Dog Urine

Responsible homeowners regularly clean dog urine from artificial grass to prevent smelling and ensure proper hygiene.
Here are the steps on how pet owners can clean dog urine from artificial grass:

1. Rinse with water: We recommend rinsing your artificial grass with a garden hose at least once weekly. If your dog uses your yard frequently, please rinse it more often. The water will help eliminate the urine and prevent it from seeping into the turf’s infill.
2. Use enzyme-based cleaning solutions: These cleaners process dog urine’s organic compounds, neutralise odours, and prevent bacterial proliferation. We recommend spraying the cleaning solution over the affected spots after rinsing with water. Please ensure that you follow the manufacturer’s dilution and application guidelines.
3. Use a vinegar and water solution (optional): To form the solution, please combine one part vinegar and one part water. Next, spray the solution over the affected areas to offset urine odour. Finally, allow the solution to settle for several minutes before rinsing the turf with water.
4. Disinfect with pet-friendly products: Pet-friendly disinfectants help sanitise and purge your artificial grass of bacteria. Please follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying to the turf.
5. Frequent solid waste disposal: Remove solid waste from your artificial grass immediately. Rinse the affected area with water or a cleaning solution to prevent bacterial accumulation.
6. Retain adequate drainage: Check your turf’s drainage system to facilitate proper urine flow and prevent puddle buildup. Whenever necessary, brush the grass fibres to boost airflow.
7. Change the infill (optional): Infill is the substance manufacturers place between artificial grass fibres. Materials such as crumb rubber or regular sand infill easily absorb and trap dog urine. We strongly recommend that pet owners use a special antimicrobial fill instead. This alternative helps prevent ammonia and bacteria buildup and maintains a hygienic lawn for both you and your pet.

Here are the steps in changing your turf’s infill:

1. Remove the old infill with a vacuum and sanitise the area using an enzyme-based cleaning solution.
2. Next, add 10 kg to 15 kg of the new antimicrobial infill per square metre. Use a rake, drop or broadcast spreader, power brush, or mechanical broom.
3. Please allow one to two days for the new antimicrobial fill to dry completely.

Alternatively, contact a reputable professional to change the infill.