If you have a dog, you already know how difficult it is to take care of your real grass lawn. Not only do you have to clean up your dog’s bathroom messes, but the chances are also that you have to fill in holes all of the time. In addition, you have to mow the grass, fertilize areas, and try your best to keep your yard looking nice.
Some pet owners who are simply tired of trying to keep up with their lawn are turning to artificial grass for dogs. Fake grass provides a low maintenance, durable alternative to conventional grass lawns.
These fake grass lawns are gaining in popularity for use in front and back yards, for play areas, and for creating dog runs.
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Benefits of Fake Grass for Dogs
There are several reasons that people are attracted to this landscaping option, including the chance to save money on monthly maintenance costs as well as conserving water and energy. Fake grass for pets also means that you never have to aerate, mow, weed, water, or edge again.
Another common reason for choosing fake grass for landscaping is so that you have a lush lawn that is a gorgeous shade of green all year long. In climates that are hot and dry most of the year, homeowners can enjoy having a beautiful lawn even in the middle of summer without having to worry about watering natural grass to keep it from drying out or dying.
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What Fake Grass Is Like Today
When someone mentions the option of fake grass, many people think back to the type of turf that was used on a miniature golf course years ago or even the turf that was first used on some athletic fields many years ago.
The earliest forms of fake grass looked and felt like green plastic carpet. This is not something that many people would want to put in their yards and is not even the type of ground cover that you would want your pets or children to play on.
Unfortunately, this is what most people think of when they think of fake grass because it is the only thing that they are familiar with.
The truth is, synthetic grass today is something that you have likely seen around town or in your neighborhood, and you likely did not even realize that it was fake grass. This is because there have been major advancements in manufacturing and the quality of materials that are used.
These advancements have completely transformed the old plastic-looking grass mats that were once used into a wonderful landscaping option that provides a natural feel and look. It makes it difficult to tell the difference between real and fake grass these days.
Another concern for some homeowners is the safety of fake grass. This is tied to the older manufactured fake grass products, which are no longer in use.
If you own a dog and are thinking about using fake grass for your lawn or to create a dog run or even to create a green space on a patio or balcony, you might be wondering how it compares to natural grass, how pet friendly it really is, and how it will hold up to frequent use.
Read on to learn more about the safety, durability, maintenance requirements, and just how pet-friendly fake grass really is.
Is Fake Grass Safe For Dogs?
Safety is one of the biggest concerns that people have when they are considering fake grass for their landscaping. One concern is whether this synthetic grass product will increase the exposure to lead to their pets and their family.
One of the reasons for this concern is because there were studies conducted on some of the earlier manufactured grass products that showed high amounts of lead. This created a concern about lead exposure for those who spent large amounts of time on this artificial grass.
Exposure to lead is linked to a number of health concerns such as cognitive impairment, peripheral neuropathy, and behavioral problems in children. For this reason, it is good that pet owners and parents are quick to question whether or not current fake grass options pose this risk.
Newer lawn alternatives do not only look and feel much better than the older options on the market, but they also have no traces of lead that are detectable. The major turf manufacturers and the Center for Environmental Health entered into an agreement in the year 2008 to ensure that synthetic turf products would no longer pose this health risk.
This means that if you choose a reputable fake grass company, you can rest assured that exposure to lead is not an issue.
However, this does not mean that all synthetic grass is safe for pets or children. If you own a home and have synthetic grass in the yard that was installed before you bought the house and you do not know how old it is, it is a good idea to have the lead levels of the synthetic grass tested.
What About Bacteria and Chemicals?
Another consideration when it comes to deciding whether or not manufactured turf is safe for pets is the chemical exposure and bacterial growth in comparison to natural grass.
When it comes to natural lawns, chemical use is abundant. Most natural grass will require herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers to help it look its best and to keep bugs away.
There are some organic options available to use to care for your natural lawn, but if you hire a landscaping company to help care for your lawn, it will be difficult to ensure that they are using only natural products.
If your dog likes to eat grass from your yard, using these chemicals for the care of your lawn can be concerning.
When it comes to fake grass for pets, there are no chemicals required. Overall maintenance of this type of lawn is much less time consuming and simpler than caring for a natural grass lawn.
When choosing the best fake grass for dogs, you will also want to think about bacteria buildup in areas that your dog frequently uses to relieve himself. These areas tend to turn brown on natural lawns, but they also are home to bacteria that can get into the dirt and be hard to get rid of.
Bacteria build-up is not typically a concern with artificial lawns that are properly maintained and especially if an antimicrobial acrylic-coated fill is chosen.
Low Maintenance
Now that the safety concerns are out of the way, the next thing that you may be wondering about is how to take care of your artificial grass lawn.
First, there is no need to use any harsh chemicals on a fake grass lawn. This automatically makes this choice a better one for pet owners who are concerned about chemical exposure.
In addition, fake lawns do not have to be watered, edged, aerated, or mowed. This will save you a ton of time when compared to taking care of a conventional yard.
Now the real question pet owners have is how to clean up their pet waste from an artificial turf lawn.
Cleaning Artificial Turf
To clean up solid waste, you can use the same method that was used for your conventional lawn. Simply pick it up and remove it from the fake grass. Once it is removed, you can simply hose down the area to remove additional debris.
For liquid waste, you can simply hose the areas that your dog frequently uses. There will be no worrying about creating a muddy puddle, and you will not have to worry about the fake grass dying.
You may also want to spray down the area where your dog has relieved himself with a water/vinegar mixture if you want to make sure that any bacteria in the area cannot take hold.
Another great thing about fake grass for pets is that if you have a dog that is a digger, you will no longer have to worry about filling in holes. Synthetic turf is completely durable, and dogs find this ground cover less inviting when they are looking for a place to dig. No more filling in holes and planting more grass seed over and over again.
Why Does Dog Urine Ruin Real Lawns?
When your dog uses your real lawn as a bathroom, there is a bit of chemistry happening. Healthy soil contains a fair amount of nitrogen; however, higher concentrations of this can cause your grass to begin to turn yellow or brown and begin to die. Urine is naturally rich in nitrogen.
Another component commonly found in dog urine is salt. This can also contribute to lawn damage. The high acidity of the dog’s urine can affect the overall pH of the soil. Some even feel that female dog urine causes more problems for grass than male urine.
The difference really is in how they urinate. A female dog squats and urinates in one location while a male dog lifts his leg and tends to mark objects in an upright position, like a tree, for example.
Now that we have covered the safety and the maintenance of fake grass for dogs, let’s look at some of the products that are available to help you create a great outdoor space for your pet to use.
Some of these mats can be used indoors or outdoors. This first set of products are small fake grass mats that can be used to help train your pup. These are also great for those who own smaller homes, have limited outdoor space, or live in an apartment or condo with just a balcony.
Small Fake Grass Training Mats
Here are some of the best Small Fake Grass Training Mats!
Synturfmats Indoor/Outdoor Pet Potty Patch
Specifications
- 3 layer training pad for medium and large dogs
- Easy to clean
- Portable
- Features plastic insert for liquid to drain
- Measures 20 x 30 x 1.25 inches
- Eco-friendly materials
Overview
This fake grass mat provides a unique solution for pet owners. It is the perfect choice for when you get home late and need to quickly let your dog out or for when you cannot let your dog outside because of the weather. It is also great for training your puppy.
This mat is made from fake grass material that looks and feels just like the real thing. The fake grass mat is weatherproof, so you can leave it out on your patio or on a balcony. If you are looking for a designated space for your dog to relieve himself, this artificial indoor/outdoor grass mat provides the perfect solution.
PAW Puppy Potty Trainer Indoor Restroom For Pets
Specifications
- Use for training puppies
- Synthetic grass mat
- Great for indoor use
- Can be used outdoors on patios
- Durable collection tray
- Measures 20 x 25 x 1.25
Overview
For pet owners who have to be away from home for long periods of time or if your pet simply cannot go outside for whatever reason, this fake grass mat and tray system provides a solution.
This mat has an organic scent that attracts dogs to it. This will teach them quickly that this is an acceptable place for them to go potty. The mat is on a plastic insert, so liquid will drain easily. The insert can be removed and easily cleaned. Just remove and rinse with warm soapy water.
Prevue Pet Products Tinkle Turf
Specifications
- Convenient
- Portable
- Easy to clean
- Perfect for training, home, or travel
- Measures 41 and ¼ inch long, 28 and ⅝ inches wide and is 1 and ¼ inch high
- Lead-free turf
- Protects flooring
- Soft synthetic turf
- Lightweight
Overview
This pet product is for larger sized dogs. It creates a designated area for your dogs to potty. This is perfect for when you cannot take your dogs outside. The pan will protect your furniture and your flooring. It is great as a training tool for your puppy.
This product is great for traveling and is the perfect solution for pet owners who have a small space.
It has a low profile, so smaller dogs can easily use it, and it is large enough that bigger dogs can use it as well.
It is made from a soft fake grass that is certified lead free, making it safe for your pup to use any time. To clean, simply rinse the pan with warm soapy water.
Sonnyridge Easy Dog Potty Training Synthetic Grass
Specifications
- Made from anti-microbial material. The fake grass has been treated, so it is difficult for bacteria to grow. It also helps absorb odor.
- Helpful for dogs that cannot get outside
- Helps potty train your pup quicker
- Easy to clean
- 3 layer system: outer layer is fake grass, middle layer is a porous tray that separates the top and bottom layers, and the bottom layer is a self-contained tray that will hold urine
- Similar to grass
Overview
This fake grass mat is a good way to avoid your dog having an accident in your home. Your dog can use the potty patch whenever you are not at home, and he needs to go. This potty patch is ideal for puppies that need to be trained as well as older dogs that may have difficulty getting outside.
If you do not have time to take your dog on a walk every time he has to go, this system is the perfect solution. It is also great for those that do not have yards for their dogs to go in. If you do have a yard but are tired of having areas of dead grass or picking up poop in your yard, the fake grass mat is a good solution.
Artificial Turf For Lawns And Dog Runs
Here are some of the best Artificial Turf For Lawns And Dog Runs!
Altruistic Artificial Grass
Specifications
- Made of high-quality synthetic materials that mimic the appearance and texture of real grass
- Resilient and durable while still being soft and non-abrasive
- UV resistant polyethylene, low maintenance, and pet-friendly
- High-density, frost resistant
- Simple installation and is backed by a ten-year warranty and 30-day return policy
Overview
If you are looking for an eco-friendly and non-toxic synthetic grass option for your dogs, then this is definitely it. It has a soft and plush 4 tone pattern that resembles real, natural grass. It is the ideal solution for a patio, backyard, deck, or porch area but can also be used indoors as well.
It does not require any mowing, watering, spraying, or other maintenance. You also don’t have to worry about it thinning and eventually dying off during different seasons throughout the year. Simply lay this artificial turf out and seal it for an aesthetic and manicured look for your landscaping.
Premium Synthetic Turf Artificial Grass Lawn
Specifications
- Can be cut to fit your exact measurements
- Eco-friendly
- Drainage holes
- Grass blades height is close to 1 3/8-inches for a well-manicured look
- Made from high-quality synthetic materials
- Rubber backing and low maintenance
Overview
This synthetic grass is made from high-quality synthetic materials, which are completely eco-friendly. The turf features drainage holes so that liquid will permeate through quite easily. In addition, the synthetic turf has a rubber backing so that it will stay in place.
You can easily cut this premium synthetic turf to create a great outdoor space for your dog. Simply use a utility knife to cut the turf to fit into the space that you have. This turf is great for terraces, garden areas, and entire lawn areas.
This artificial grass is delivered in rolls, so it is extremely easy to carry. It is also very durable and can hold up against a variety of conditions without fading. It does not release any toxic chemicals and feels great on your bare feet.
Quality of the Turf
Since not all artificial lawn is created equal, you want to find a higher-quality material that looks and feels like real grass. You should also make sure that what you choose also meets all environmental guidelines and has softer and more natural grass blades. Always do your research before you choose a quality turf for your yard and home.
Odor Protection
For a pet owner, one of the biggest considerations is odor control when it comes to artificial grass for pets. You won’t have these same odors when you have artificial turf that you keep clean. You can easily wash it away with a hose, and nothing will be absorbed into the artificial turf as it would into the soil of real grass.
Install Quality
It may also be a good idea to hire someone to professionally install the turf to further enhance the overall look and feel. It also helps to ensure both durability and safety, which is important for pet owners. With proper installation, you will also find seamless edges, and it will be much more durable.
Infill Quality
The infill is the layer that is underneath the artificial grass. Pet owners tend to gravitate toward a silica granule material because it is more durable than crumb rubber. It also contains an antimicrobial coating that can help stop bacteria from spreading due to your dog’s waste.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing a product for your lawn, many people do not realize just how great of an option fake grass can be. Artificial grass has come a long way over the years, and it now looks and feels more like real grass than ever before.
Aside from being a low maintenance and safe optio that is easy to clean and does not require any chemicals, there are many other reasons to choose fake grass for your pets.
For example, as a pet owner, you have likely had to scrub muddy paw prints from your carpet or mop your floors or take the time to wipe your dog’s feet every time that they go outside and come back in. With fake grass for pets, you will now enjoy a mud-free environment.
You can also give your dog a bath or hose him off right on the lawn without worrying about him getting dirty! In addition, you will find that your dog’s coat will stay cleaner as he will not be rolling around in natural grass with soil that is exposed.
Conventional grass can become overrun with bugs such as fleas and ticks. This is no longer an issue when you install fake grass, as this is not an inviting area for these parasites that can carry diseases.
If you are a pet owner and you are considering installing fake grass for your pets, it is important that you choose one that has drainage. In addition, many fake grass installers will add an extra layer of protection to the area that your dog is going to be using. Make sure that you let the installer know that pets will be using the area where the fake grass will be.
Overall, installing an area of fake grass for your pet can be a great time saver. If you are tired of worrying about mud, pests, and mowing areas of the lawn where your pets are, consider installing fake grass for your pets.
If you do not have a lot of room in your yard, you can find smaller pieces of synthetic grass to use, and if you live in an apartment one of the fake grass mats is the perfect way to give your dog a real feel grassy area to relieve himself.
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