Pros and Cons of Artificial Grass for Dogs

Pros and Cons of Artificial Grass for Dogs

It's becoming increasingly common among homeowners to install artificial pet turf in their yards and backyard dog-run areas. As with any home improvement, there are both pros and cons to converting to artificial grass for pets. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you decide if K9 pet turf is the right choice for you and your furry friends.

Advantages of Artificial Pet Turf

Durable & Dig-Proof

One of the significant benefits of artificial pet turf is its durability. Our pet-friendly artificial grass is the perfect solution for pet owners seeking a low-maintenance and robust surface for their pets to play on. Designed to be highly resistant to wear and tear, our synthetic turf is ideal for daily activities such as digging, scratching, and running. Unlike natural grass, which can easily be damaged by pets' playful antics, our artificial turf is built to withstand heavy use without becoming destroyed or detached. You can have peace of mind knowing that our pet turf is made to last, standing up to the daily demands of your pets without showing signs of wear and tear. With our pet-friendly artificial grass, you can provide your pets with a strong and resilient surface that will keep them entertained and comfortable for years to come.

Clean & Attractive

With pet artificial turf, you'll no longer have to worry about mud or dirt patches on your lawn. This means your pup won't be tracking dirt into your house either! You'll have a beautiful green lawn that remains pristine regardless of your dogs' activities or the weather. Artificial grass is clean, green, and lush all year-round, maintaining its aesthetic appeal no matter the season. This can be particularly beneficial if you live in areas with extreme weather conditions, as your lawn will always look its best.

Saves on Water Bills

Switching from natural grass to artificial turf is an excellent way to conserve water and reduce your water bills. Natural lawns require significant amounts of water to stay green and healthy, especially in dry climates. By installing artificial turf, you can significantly cut down on your water usage. This not only saves you money but also helps in conserving a valuable resource that is often wasted in large amounts during lawn care.

Less Lawn Maintenance

Artificial turf for dogs removes the need for consistent mowing, seeding, and fertilizing. Many pet owners don't realize the amount of time and money proper lawn care requires, and often, even with all the effort, the end result can still be unsatisfactory due to pet damage. With pet-friendly turf, you won't have to worry about all the upkeep that comes with maintaining a natural lawn. This means more free time to enjoy your yard rather than working on it.

Bug & Allergy-Free

Before installing artificial grass, removing the soil and applying a compacted base will eliminate the food source for insects and pests, causing them to migrate elsewhere in search of food. Additionally, allergens commonly found in natural grass will no longer be an issue. This helps prevent itchiness, watery eyes, sneezing, or other allergies for your entire family. For pet owners with allergies or those living in areas prone to bugs, this can be a significant advantage.

Disadvantages of Artificial Pet Turf

Can Get Hot

Artificial grass is made of various types of plastic, so it can become warm under direct sunlight on high-temperature days. This is probably the biggest disadvantage of artificial grass. While it doesn't get hot enough to burn you, it can cause discomfort for pets during the mid-day heat.

To mitigate this, you can choose less dense and shorter pet turf that allows for more airflow throughout the blades. Additionally, providing more shade by planting trees or installing awnings can help keep the area cooler. A simple rinse down of the surface can also dramatically lower temperatures, making it more comfortable for your pets.

Can Smell if Not Cleaned

To keep pet turf in good condition, you will need to consistently rinse and sanitize the surface. If urine is allowed to sit beneath the surface, it will quickly cause odors, and bacteria growth will occur. This requires more maintenance than regular artificial grass but is still less than what is needed for a natural lawn.

Fortunately, there are cleansers that can simply be attached to the hose and sprayed directly onto the surface. A quick flush and rinse down with a sanitizer a few times a week will prevent odor from happening. While synthetic pet turf does require more upkeep than regular artificial grass, it's still much less than maintaining a natural lawn.

Large Upfront Investment

While the return on investment (ROI) of artificial grass can be seen fairly quickly when you consider all the money you're saving on lawn care, pet turf installation does require a larger initial investment than most other ground cover options for pets. On average, the price of pet turf installation will range from $11-$16 per sq. ft. depending on location, accessibility, and materials used. This can be a significant cost for many homeowners, but the long-term savings and benefits can make it worthwhile.

What is the Best Artificial Turf for Dogs?

Low-Density Turf

Artificial grass for pet areas should ideally be lower density. Low-density artificial grass allows for quicker water percolation, ensuring that liquids aren't trapped on the surface. This is especially important in areas where pets will be using the bathroom frequently because consistent rinsing and sanitizing will be required.

Short Artificial Grass

Artificial pet turf is typically shorter than regular artificial grass. This allows for easier and faster cleaning practices. Short synthetic grass is also better at staying upright for longer in comparison to tall artificial grass, which becomes matted down much quicker. You can still use plush and tall artificial grass in areas where pets will be present, but keep in mind that this will require more frequent cleaning and upkeep to prevent odor.

Wear and Tear Resistant Synthetic Turf

In pet-specific areas, choose artificial turf that has a durable or ribbed blade shape. Soft and pliable artificial grass will not hold up to wear and tear over time. You can find the most popular and long-lasting pet turf materials on our online synthetic turf store. See performance results for each artificial grass, such as temperature, recovery rate, and wear and tear resistance, to find the best artificial turf for dogs. Order samples to compare your favorites and have artificial grass shipped directly to you!

Other Recommended Pet Turf Materials:

• Antibacterial Sand Infill: Helps reduce bacterial growth and odors.
• Artificial Turf Deodorizer: Keeps your lawn smelling fresh.
• Drainage Layer for Artificial Grass: Ensures proper water drainage to prevent standing water and odors.

To learn more about recommended systems for pet turf, check out more of our publications on the knowledge base!

Commonly Asked Questions About Artificial Grass for Dogs

Is Artificial Grass Safe for Pets? Yes, artificial turf is absolutely safe for dogs and other pets! Turf is designed with durability in mind and can often be safer for dogs than sod. Most artificial pet grasses are made of poly, the same plastic found in children's toys and other household items. Ensure you're purchasing from a reputable and trusted US supplier that only offers lead-free turf materials.

What is the Difference Between Artificial Grass and Pet Turf? All artificial grass is pet-friendly and can be paired with a pet turf system. However, some grasses are specifically designed for pets and may not be ideal for regular landscaping. These artificial grasses are typically short, stiff, and designed to withstand heavy amounts of wear and tear. Pet-specific turf is usually ideal in spaces where multiple dogs are present, such as doggie daycares, commercial dog parks, and dog runs.

How Do I Stop My Pet Turf From Smelling? To remove pet odor from artificial grass, you'll want to apply a heavy flow of water to flush out the area and use a sanitizing agent to remove bacteria. You can purchase hose attachments for sanitizing and use a water and vinegar mixture for light cleaning. For the best odor-preventing results, opt for a full pet turf package that includes an antibacterial infill, turf deodorizer, and a drainage layer. This, in conjunction with consistent rinsing, will keep your lawn fresh. Once an artificial lawn is severely compromised with pet odor, it can be nearly impossible to correct, so make sure you're taking care of your investment!

Is Pet Turf Worth It? If taken care of properly, artificial pet turf will provide you with a clean and safe space for your dogs to enjoy for many years. Its durability and long lifespan are unmatched by any other ground cover alternative. However, artificial grass for pets must be consistently rinsed and sanitized. If you're not ready for that commitment, it may not be right for you.

How Much Does Artificial Pet Turf Cost? Depending on the pet grass selected, turf material for pets can range anywhere from $2.70-$5.60 per sq. ft. Artificial pet turf installation will cost between $11-$16 per sq. ft. on average.