If you’re considering artificial turf vs. real grass for your backyard, it’s a good idea to know the pros and cons of artificial grass with dogs. Since artificial turf is a big investment, knowing what to expect can help you make a final decision.
Pros and Cons of Artificial Grass with Dogs
When we first heard about using fake grass vs. real grass, we were perplexed by it. It’s not exactly something that most people use for their yards. The more we looked into it, the more we considered it, but is it really that great for people with dogs?
We went on a mission to find out how synthetic grass works with dogs peeing and pooping on it, and now we’re sharing that information with you.
Let’s tackle the pros and cons of artificial grass!
The Pros of Artificial Grass with Dogs
The pros of artificial turf with dogs aren’t all about pups. Some of them have to do with the benefits of using artificial grass vs. natural grass. It all helps with decision-making, so let’s move on with it.
No More Muddy Paws
If you have some bald patches from dead grass that turn into mud pits when it rains, you know all about muddy paws. They aren’t fun to clean – and that’s even with the paw cleaner that has been a very useful tool: Dog Paw Cleaner
With artificial grass, there are no bald patches of grass. That means there are no muddy spots for your dog to get into and get dirty. Your dogs’ paws stay clean and may even be cleaner because of the rainwater.
Additional Option: Best Pea Gravel for Dogs
No More Brown Patches
Speaking of bald patches of natural grass, you won’t have them anymore along with the brown patches. We all know how grass turns yellow when dogs pee on it. Unless you want to use grass-saver biscuits, which you can learn more about in the article Are Grass Saver Pills Safe for Dogs? you will be very happy with the forever green of synthetic grass.
Your pup can pee and poop on it a thousand times and you won’t ever see a yellow spot of dead grass. Of course, that’s because there is no grass.
Easy to Clean
Now that you have your dog’s pee and poop in mind, how exactly do you get it off fake grass? The good news is that dog urine is easy to clean when it’s on fake grass. Just take the house and spray it away.
Yes, the same goes for poop. Just pick up the poop and then spray the remains away with your hose.
You can use mild detergent on synthetic turf. You can even spray odor-neutralizing products on it to get rid of any urine or feces smells.
Safe for Pets
Many dog owners ask if “artificial grass is safe for dogs?” The answer is yes, artificial grass is safe for dogs. Fake grass is made from non-toxic materials.
Artificial grass is actually safer than natural grass. Grass seeds are detrimental to dogs because they can cause internal damage. Dog owners don’t have to worry about seeding their grass when they have synthetic turf.
No Water Needed
Something else artificial lawns don’t need is water. Say goodbye to worrying over how hot it is outside and you need to water your grass for that beautiful green lawn that you’re envious of others having.
Besides not having to go through the time and effort watering your grass, just think of your water bill! You’ll love how low it will go when you don’t have to water your lawn for hours anymore.
Easy Lawn Care
How do you feel about mowing the lawn and other lawn maintenance? After artificial turf installation, you no longer have to do it. No more harmful chemicals to keep weeds away, no more cutting, no more tilling, seeding, nothing. You just get to admire a nice green lawn.
You probably have a good handle on the pros of artificial turf. Now, it’s time to learn about the cons of artificial grass with dogs.
The Cons of Artificial Grass with Dogs
There are often some not-so-great aspects of things, and below are the ones for artificial grass vs. natural lawns with dogs.
Cost
If you’re trying to figure out whether regular grass is less or more money than synthetic turf, we’ll tell you that regular grass is cheaper – even if you choose sod. Synthetic lawns need to be installed and take a long time. That’s what makes it so expensive besides the fact you’re purchasing material vs. seed or natural lawn patches.
The one thing to consider is that although regular grass may be cheaper now – it costs more in the long run. It’s not low maintenance like an artificial lawn. You have to have the tools needed for lawn maintenance or pay someone to do it for you. There’s watering the grass so you spend more on water.
Natural grass is cheaper short term and artificial grass is cheaper long term.
Maintenance
We’ve discussed this enough. Real grass takes more work to keep up on and synthetic lawns don’t need much at all.
Comfort
The best artificial grass feels just like the real thing, but most of the ones that people can afford feel like plastic. Natural turf wins the award for comfort, but if you’re not lying on it and your furry friends are the only ones enjoying the feel of it, it likely doesn’t matter. Dogs will lie down on just about anything and be comfortable.
Looks Fake
One of the biggest complaints that people have about fake grass is that it looks fake. Usually, the price has to do with how it looks. The best artificial turf looks just like a real lawn – to the point you have to crouch down to feel it and attempt to pull out a grass blade.
This of course ties into the cost of real grass vs. artificial above. Depending on your budget, you may find that the best artificial turf may just be the way to go to have the looking lawn in town.
If you don’t care about having a natural look, though. You can probably find decent quality synthetic grass that doesn’t look super fake.
Potty Training Difficulties
The most important con of artificial grass with dogs is that if you’re switching from real to synthetic, your dog may reject it. That means refusing to use the potty on it because it’s not a real lawn.
The good news is that you can just spend some time retraining your dog to do his/her business on the turf. After a bit, your pup will see it as the real thing.
Artificial Grass with Dogs: Pet Owners Dream or Nightmare?
Now you know the pros and cons of artificial grass with cons. What are you deciding? Is the pristine lawn that you don’t have to care for except for spraying away dog urine and poop for you? Or are you leaning towards good old faithful? Leave a comment and share your thoughts. Other pet owners want to know!
Related Articles:
Does Artificial Grass Burn Dogs Paws
Why Is My Dog Suddenly Afraid Of Grass
I’m glad you assured us that artificial grass is safer for dogs than natural grass since grass seeds can cause internal damage to dogs that can be quite detrimental to them. I wanted a beautiful front lawn and backyard for my puppy to run around in, but I don’t have the time to maintain it well due to my work. I might just consider synthetic turf instead once I find a landscape company to hire for the installation soon.
Thank you for the comment Elina. I’m glad the article was helpful for you.
Thank you for pointing out that synthetic grass doesn’t require much maintenance. We’ve been wondering how to have a green lawn and avoid any brown spots from our dogs. I’ll be sure to mention this to my husband since not having to mow or do much work on it could be a big appeal for him.
Absolutely, Olivia! Glad this article was able to help you. Thank you for your comment.
It’s clear that you’ve done your research on the topic, and I appreciate the comparison between natural and artificial grass in terms of comfort and looks. I never even considered the use of grass-saver biscuits, and I think that’s a great way to limit the brown patches come with natural grass. To make cleaning easier, I would recommend investing in a turf brush, which agitates the grass to remove all debris. This will ensure a clean and minimal-maintenance lawn for you and your pet.
Thank you for your comment, Oscar. Glad the information was helpful.