As a dog owner, there is no doubt that you want the best for your pet. This carries over to the kind of food they eat, how much exercise they get, and the kind of care you give them when they are unwell.
Obviously, you also want them to live and play within a safe environment, which often includes the yard/lawn or even a specified play area within the house. These areas might be covered with synthetic turf. Just how pet-friendly is this stuff, and what is the best artificial grass for dogs?
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Is Synthetic Turf Good for Dogs?
There was a time when lead exposure was a big issue in this industry. At the time, the synthetic turf being manufactured showed traces of lead in them, and this caused great concern to the public. Lead exposure is not only bad for pets, but it affects children too.
This kind of exposure is linked to conditions such as cognitive impairment, peripheral neuropathy, and a host of behavioral issues in kids. It was, therefore, not a good idea for homeowners with kids and pets to use artificial grass on their lawns because they just didn’t know which ones weren’t safe.
Thankfully, however, the Center for Environmental Health (CEH) entered into an agreement with major turf manufacturers back in 2008. This agreement made sure that no harmful materials were used in the production of synthetic grass by these manufacturers, and with time, that became the industry standard.
Today, there are no traces of lead on any of the artificial grass being sold to the public by ethical and reputable manufactures anywhere in the county, which means that your kids and pets are safe.
This, however, doesn’t mean that you should trust any synthetic grass, especially if you moved in and found it there. You honestly don’t know the kind of care that turf got and if there were any contaminants use in the course of that care. It is, therefore, often more advisable to simply do away with it and have a new, more pet-friendly turf installed.
The Best Artificial Grass for Dogs
There is a myriad of options when it comes to choosing the best artificial grass for dogs. There are so many good brands that specialize in manufacturing pet-friendly turf, but as is the case with pretty much every product in a free market, some are better than others.
So, what are the best artificial turf options for your dog?
Pet Zen Garden Premium Artificial Grass
With a name like Pet Zen Garden Premium Artificial Grass, you can immediately get the idea that this turf was designed with your pets in mind. This is, by far, one of the best artificial grasses for pets due to its key features.
Key Features of Pet Zen Garden Premium Artificial Grass:
- Its rubber backed and has 1.6″ long blades: This gives it a wonderfully lush and soft look as well as feel. Many artificial turfs, especially those designed for pets, are thin and look sparse, which makes them a bit uncomfortable for the pets. Pet Zen Garden Premium Artificial Grass is not only lead and toxin-free, but it’s also heavier and thicker than most.
- Made of durable and low maintenance material: This turf is designed to be abused by your pet. It can take all manner of behavior, including being urinated on and rough play. You simply have to hose it down from time to time to keep it clean and odor-free.
- Made of weatherproof material: This ensures that the turf doesn’t get ruined as the seasons’ change and that your pet can play on it at any given time.
Pros:
- It’s affordable
- It’s easy to clean
- It’s resistant to UV rays
- It doesn’t trap odors
Cons:
- With time, the grass blades become a bit coarse and begin to flatten
This is a product that was designed with your dog in mind. It has all the necessary tough qualities that pet pee grass needs. It’s affordable, lush, and looks good on your lawn.
LITA Realistic Deluxe Artificial Grass
This is one of the most realistic artificial grass in the market today. LITA Realistic Deluxe Artificial Grass is non-absorbent and non-abrasive, which means it will not soak up your dog’s urine and neither will it irritate its skin while he/she plays on this turf.
Key Features of LITA Realistic Deluxe Artificial Grass:
- It’s made out of high-quality and durable material: The synthetic material used in making this product is of the highest quality, which makes this one of the best artificial grass for dogs in the market today. It’s a mix of UV resistant polypropylene and polyethylene yarns, which gives it the necessary density and quality.
- It’s environmentally friendly: This product is both eco-friendly and non-toxic
- Designed to look just like real grass: It features a 4 tone pattern that is not only soft and lush, but that looks exactly like real grass.
Pros:
- It comes with a 14-year warranty
- It’s soft and easy to install
- It’s affordable
- It doesn’t hold pet odor
- It’s non-absorbent and non-abrasive
Cons:
- While it’s UV resistant, it can get really hot in the summer
If you are looking for something that is both soft and looks like the real thing, then this is the best option for you.
New 15′ Foot Roll Artificial Grass
Probably the most realistic synthetic turf in the market today, New 15′ Foot Roll Artificial Grass is not only good for your pets, but it’s also excellent for your curb appeal too. Each blade of grass has its own different color, thus mimicking the real thing. It’s soft, affordable and perfect for both outdoor and indoor use.
Key Features of New 15′ Foot Roll Artificial Grass:
- It is designed with a thick thatch compositionM: This enables the grass to withstand heavy traffic while remaining soft and lush.
- It features PU backing and drainage holes: This allows each blade of grass to remain standing even under continuous pressure from human and pet traffic. It also means that the turf will not let water or pet urine stagnate on it since it has excellent drainage.
- It features a 1.6″ pile that doesn’t need any infill
Pros:
- It has great drainage
- It’s soft and durable
- It comes with a 15-year warranty
Cons:
- It’s pricey
This is an excellent option for people who want something that is both realistic and can withstand a great degree of human and pet traffic.
iCustomRug Thick Synthetic Artificial Grass
The best thing you will notice about the iCustomRug Thick Synthetic Artificial Grass is that it’s very soft. That, however, doesn’t mean that it wasn’t designed to last. This durable, UV resistant turf is perfect for kids and pets alike.
Key Features of the iCustomRug Thick Synthetic Artificial Grass:
- 1.25″ synthetic pile height: This makes it feel very realistic and extremely soft
- Made of 100% Olefin UV Stabilized material: It will not fade nor stain easily
Pros:
- It doesn’t stain or fade easily
- It’s easy to clean
- It is made of top quality material
Cons:
- Not so easy to find on the market sometimes
If you are looking for something soft and stain resistant, you will find it in the iCustomRug Thick Synthetic Artificial Grass.
PZG 1-inch Artificial Grass Patch
This is a product that is designed to last and withstand all the playing your pet can throw at it. Made by Pet Zen Garden, this product is of the highest possible quality and is absolutely perfect for people who want synthetic turf that is good for their dogs but also easy to maintain.
Key Features of PZG 1-inch Artificial Grass Patch:
- Made from lush synthetic material: This product feels like real grass
- Built to last: Its design features a 4 tone colored blades that are built for tough and to withstand the pressure applied by your pet.
- The company offers you a 100% satisfaction guarantee: You can call them with any complaints about the product, and they will fix it.
Pros:
- Easy to clean
- Affordable
- Durable
- Lush and very realistic
Cons:
- It comes in small patches meaning you would have to buy several if you want a larger play area for your dog
This 1″ rug is designed specifically for your dog, which means you can place it anywhere in the home and turn that space into your dog’s play area.
The best thing about installing artificial turf in your home is that they are affordable, easy to maintain, don’t hold pet odors, and will give you years of wonderful service with the right kind of care.
This list gives you wonderful options as far as the best artificial grass for dogs is concerned. The biggest difference between them would probably be the pricing. Other than that, they all provide excellent service.
