Pet urine damage can be fixed; here's how

Last Updated on: 10th January 2024, 10:28 am

Uh oh – Fido had to go. Now you have brown patches of lawn.

Pet urine damage to the lawn is a common problem for pet owners. It’s unsightly and can ruin the appearance of an otherwise lovely yard.

Urine from dogs and cats can cause discoloration, dead-looking, yellow or brown patches, and even kill the grass. It can also lead to an unhealthy lawn and create an unpleasant smell. Fortunately, you can take a few quick and easy steps to fix pet urine damage to your yard.

This article explains the cause of this damage and provides you with the steps to fixing it.

Identifying the Problem and Understanding the Cause

The first step is to admit the cause of the problem. Pet urine contains urea, a high-nitrogen protein that results from dogs consuming much protein in their diets. It is also present in feline diets. However, cat urine has less concentrated amounts and smaller volumes when urinating.

Why is nitrogen in commercial fertilizers? Good question! Yes, nitrogen is a vital nutrient for healthy grass. However, too much of it will burn. The “burn” is the cause of the yellow or brown spots you might see.

The grass may completely die if the damage is severe or you don’t treat it. To confirm that pet urine is the cause of the damage, you can take a soil sample and have it tested for nitrogen levels.

How to Repair Pet Urine Damage to Your Grass

Once you identify the problem, you can start to fix it.

Step one: The first step is to water the affected area. Sprinkling will help dilute the nitrogen and reduce the damage.
Step two: In addition to watering, you should also aerate the affected area. Aeration will help the soil absorb more water and nutrients, which will help the grass recover.
Step three: You should also plan to reseed the area with grass seed. Seeding will help the grass fill in any dead patches.
Step four: Prevent pet urine damage from recurring. The best way to do this is training your pet to go potty in a designated area. This behavior will help keep the urine away from the grass and reduce the chances of damage. You should also dilute the urine with the hose as soon as possible if your dog does revisit the area.

You can also dilute pet accidents on your shrubs or flower beds by flushing the area with water if you notice them urinating nearby.

The Takeaway: You Can Undo Pet Urine Damage With Time and Care

Pet urine damage to the yard can be a frustrating problem, but it doesn’t have to be. Taking the proper steps can fix and prevent the damage from happening again. You can have a healthy and beautiful lawn with a little effort.

Prefer to leave the lawn care to our pros? Call or text 252.287.3376. We will offer you a free estimate and help your yard look its very best.

Author Profile

Deborah Tayloe

Deborah Tayloe is the CEO and co-founder of Tayloe's Lawn Care Services, LLC. She has a B.S.Ed and holds certificates in soil and water management and herbology from accredited programs.