Fake Grass For Dogs: Pet-Friendly Artificial Turf Your Dog Will LOVE!

Synthetic turf​ is a durable, low-maintenance alternative to conventional grass lawns that is increasing in popularity for use in front yards, backyards, play areas, and dog runs. People are attracted to this landscaping option for a number of reasons. In hot, dry climates – like the one we enjoy in ​San Diego​ – artificial grass provides a gorgeous lawn in the middle of the summer. Without the watering required to keep natural grass from drying out and dying in Southern California’s heat.

If you are a dog owner and are considering using fake grass for a dog run or for your lawn, you are probably wondering just how pet-friendly artificial turf is or how it holds up to frequent use.

Read on to find out more about the durability, safety, maintenance requirements, and overall pet-friendliness of synthetic turf. We also list our picks for the best fake grass for dogs.

Is Artificial Grass Safe for Dogs?

One of the biggest questions people have when considering fake grass is if there is lead exposure involved. This is because some studies conducted on early manufactured grass options showed lead levels that caused concern. Lead exposure has been linked to a variety of health concerns, including peripheral neuropathy, cognitive impairment and behavioral issues in children. Because of this, it is good that parents and pet owners ensure their ground cover is safe.

The good news is that today’s lawn alternatives not only look and feel better than older options, they also have no detectable traces of lead. The ​Center for Environmental Health (CEH)​ and major turf manufacturers entered agreements in 2008 to make sure synthetic turf would no longer pose this health concern.

This means that, as long as you choose an ethical, reputable synthetic grass installation company, you can rest assured that lead exposure will not be an issue for your family or pets.

This does not necessarily mean that all existing artificial turf is safe for pets – or safe for children. If you have fake grass in your yard that was installed before moving in, and is of unknown origin, you should consider having the lead levels tested.

What About Chemicals and Bacteria?

Now let’s compare artificial turf and natural grass in terms of chemical exposure and the potential for bacterial buildup.

Natural Grass is Commonly Treated with Chemicals

Chemical use is abundant in the ​care of conventional lawns​. Most natural grass requires fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides to keep it looking its best and to keep bugs at bay. There are organic options available for lawn care, but if you use a landscaping company to care for your yard, it may be difficult to ensure all-natural products are being used. If your dog likes to chew grass in your yard, using chemicals in your lawn care can be a concern.

Artificial Turf Does Not Require Chemicals

There are no chemicals required in the care of artificial grass, and overall maintenance is much simpler and less time consuming than caring for conventional options. When choosing which is the best option for you as a pet owner, you will also need to consider the potential for bacterial buildup in areas frequently used as your dog’s favorite spots to relieve himself.

Not only does pet urine tend to develop unsightly brown spots in natural lawns, they also harbor bacteria in the soil and can be difficult to eradicate. Buildup of bacteria is usually not a concern with manufactured lawns, particularly when you choose anti-microbial, acrylic-coated infill.

If you want to go an extra step towards ensuring a bacteria-free play area for your children and pets, you can mix vinegar and water in a spray bottle to spray down areas where pets frequently urinate. If you are using this ground cover option in a larger dog run, you can also treat the entire space with this vinegar-water mixture by using a spray attachment on your garden hose.

 

Natural vs. Artificial Grass: Overall Safety for Dogs

While most homeowners are more concerned about tripping hazards when it comes to their children’s play areas, dogs can also be injured when playing or running on uneven surfaces. It is important to note that either option can have tripping hazards if not installed properly.

For example, a sod installer could fail to properly level the dirt before laying down conventional grass. Another scenario is an artificial grass installer could fail to properly sculpt the sub-surface or appropriately address edges and seams. With natural grass that is mowed to a uniform height, it is usually impossible to see unlevel ground.

If you use an ​experienced synthetic turf installer​, they will know how to address seams, edges, and the sub-surface. This will allow for a level, even surface on which your children and pets can play. In the event that your little one or furry friend does fall down, the infill used in installing manufactured lawns provides an additional cushion that also improves safety.

 

We have already talked about the fact that you do not have to use chemical-laden products to care for fake turf, which automatically makes it a better option for homeowners concerned about exposure to chemicals. In fact, you won’t even need a lawnmower, which will free up space in your garage or shed.

Is Artificial Grass Easier to Clean Than Natural Grass?

You can use your favorite pet waste removal option for waste on artificial grass, which can be as simple as using a plastic bag to pick up and discard it. Solid and liquid waste could be hosed down where visible as well, for both natural grass and artificial grass. However, it is at this time where the two diverge to show that artificial grass or turf is the better option.

When you hose down urine or leftover solid waste on natural grass, it is absorbed into the soil beneath the grass. This is where bacteria can build up and where your kids or pets can come into contact with bacteria.

For both artificial and natural grass, tripping hazards can be avoided by working with reputable, experienced installers.

The infill we use in fake grass does not absorb urine, so it can be rinsed away with a garden hose. As mentioned above, you can spray down the area with a vinegar-water mixture if you want to make sure bacteria spores cannot take hold.

If you plan to use manufactured pet turf in a dog run or a yard where dogs regularly play, you will want to let your installer know when you place your order to have turf installed. This way, your installer will know to follow a specific installation process just for pet owners.

When we install artificial grass for pets, we can include a turf deodorizer in the base preparation, as well as the infill, to help neutralize odors from future urine. The deodorizer will not rid the problem, however. In order to get rid of the urine odor problem completely and permanently, we recommend to all of our pet owner clients that the absolute best way to eliminate the awful urine smell is to remove it from its source and there is a product that was formulated to do exactly that. ​Urine Zero is the pet urine odor solution and is available for homeowners concerned about the possible odor in their pet’s favorite bathroom areas. We recommend always keeping a spray bottle on hand to use as needed.

If you happen to have a digger that leaves you plenty of holes to try to fill and cover with new grass, you will also enjoy the durable nature of synthetic turf. Dogs will find this type of ground cover to be a less inviting option for digging.

 

Best Artificial Grass for Dogs

Now that you are convinced that synthetic pet turf is the right choice, what kind of turf product should you install? With brands like SYNLawn, TigerTurf, EasyTurf, and K9Grass, it can be a difficult decision. Luckily, we have compiled some of the best pet turf options for you to choose from.

A Few More Reasons Why Pet-Friendly Artificial Turf is the Way to Go

Aside from being a safe, low-maintenance option that is easy to clean and requires no chemicals, there are plenty of other reasons to choose fake pet turf. Pet owners who have had to scrub muddy paw prints out of their carpet, mop their floors multiple times during wet weather, or take the time to wipe their dog’s paws every time they come inside are sure to appreciate the mud-free environment of synthetic turf.

You can also wash your dog right on your lawn or in your dog run without getting muddy. Plus, your dog’s coat will stay cleaner when they are not rolling around in grass with exposed soil. Unlike conventional grass that can become inundated with ticks/fleas just waiting to jump on your pet, synthetic landscaping turf is uninviting for pests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can dogs pee and poop on artificial grass?

Yes! As mentioned above, dogs can do their business on artificial grass the same as they would on natural grass. Fake grass is easier to clean than natural grass, too, requiring just a hose for most spot treatments.

Does fake grass smell with dogs?

Fake grass can smell with dog urine and feces. Fortunately, artificial grass is very easy to clean and maintain. There are at-home solutions with vinegar and water and also industrial solutions to keep your artificial grass clean and sanitary.

What type of artificial grass is best for dogs?

The best artificial grass for your dog would have a low blade length, have a comfortable step, and be durable. Ultimately, you want your dog to be comfortable on it. So choose an artificial grass that will be friendly to your dog and last for years to come.

If you are interested in having pet turf installed in your yard, get a free estimate today! We will make sure you have an artificial grass pet area that your family and beloved dog will enjoy.

Related Reading:

• How to Get Rid of the Urine Smell From Artificial Grass?

This article was originally published January 30, 2019 and updated April 28, 2022.