6 Best Ways to Treat Dead Grass From Dog Pee

Playing with your dog on the lawn can be fun. You get to run around, exercise, and even do some training. In the end, your dog is happy, and so are you, but is your grass? Pee spots are a serious problem.

Everyone loves a green lawn. However, being a pet owner often means dealing with dead grass from dog urine. This is because dog pee contains a lot of nitrogen. While nitrogen is great and a good part of many fertilizers, excess amounts can be a problem. Your dog’s pee also contains salt, which could be problematic for your lawn.

So, what do you do when you get dead grass from dog pee? This situation can be annoying as it tends to be sprinkled in spots where your dog has gone. It could be right in the middle with green grass growing around it, making it easier to spot.

This article discusses some methods people use to treat dead grass from dog pee. We also talk about ways to prevent it from happening in the first place.

3 Ways to Treat Dead Grass From Dog Pee on Your Lawn

1. Soak it. This is best as soon as you see your dog urinate. Use water and a garden hose to soak the area extensively. A lawn sprinkler can work too, but it typically does not provide enough water needed to help your grass.
2. Treat that spot. First, rake over it to remove as much dead grass as possible. Raking also helps to remove debris. Then lightly spread some horticultural lime over the spot and water it properly. Let this sit for a week, and try to keep your dog away from that area in the meantime. The natural, healthy green color of your lawn should return in a few weeks.
3. Reseed. If spreading lime over the area does not bring the color back, you might have to reseed it. To start, loosen the soil 1″ to 2″ deep with a rake. You may choose to dispose of the earth from this area since it most likely has a lot of nitrogen. Add some topsoil, and then add a seed mix. You can also add gypsum to this mix to help neutralize nitrogen. Add a starter fertilizer and then wait for the seeds to germinate. Ensure that you water the yard adequately and keep your dog away until the new grass is strong.

Below are great products that can further help you treat dead grass from dog pee. Some of them are ways to prevent your lawn from getting these dog spots in the first place. Take a look; you never know which will be the solution that helps.

Pros and Cons of A-Z-Animals’ Top Picks for the Best Ways to Treat Dead Grass From Dog Pee

1. Best Overall: Scotts EZ Seed Dog Spot Repair

Scotts EZ Seed Dog Spot Repair is our pick for the #1 Best Overall high-performance grass seed to repair your lawn after removing dead grass. It comes with a combination of mulch and soil especially made to repair the damage your dog pee has caused. This product comes at a good price too.

You’ll love that the mulch in this seeding mix can absorb up to six times its own weight in water! This gives the seeds enough moisture to germinate without the fear of running off. It will also protect your seed in the moist layer that they need.

This seed is guaranteed to grow anywhere once you give it the proper care. One user even saw this grow in their hot, sandy South West Florida soil. 

You’ll also love that there is a special salt neutralizer in this that deals specifically with dog pee damage. It also has tackifiers that will stop the seed from washing away. So go ahead and rake up those spots, use these and watch your grass grow back green and pretty.

Some reviewers reported inconsistent results, with comments such as, “I had some spots sprout and other remained dead with the same sun/watering conditions.”

Pros and Cons of Scotts EZ Seed Dog Spot Repair

Best Overall

Scotts EZ Seed Dog Spot Repair

• Includes a special combination of mulch and soil designed to repair the damage caused by dog pee on your lawn
• Reasonably priced
• The mulch can absorb up to 6 times its weight in water so the seeds can germinate and not "run off" when you water the lawn
• Treated with a protectant that ensures the seeds will grow anywhere as long as they are cared for properly
• Neutralizes salt from pee damage and includes "tackifiers" that will keep seeds from washing away

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2. Best Pee Neutralizer: Yellow Spot Green™ Dog Urine Neutralizer for Lawns

Yellow Spot Green™ Dog Urine Neutralizer for Lawns protects your lawn from dog pee spots. It works really well with the Seed Dog Spot Repair above, as you can use it to prep the soil before seeding. It also helps treat the dead grass you get on your lawn from dog pee.

Yellow Spot Pee Neutralizer contains an enzyme blend and activated carbon. This helps to lower the harmful nitrogen content that dog pee gives the spot on your lawn. The yellow area then naturally returns to green over time.

Application of this pee neutralizer is at the rate of about a tablespoon per square foot of the damaged area. Then make sure to water it within one hour of the application to activate it. You can then reapply within six to eight weeks or as needed. 

One reviewer said, “Yellow spot still yellow. The product didn’t work on any of the spots.”

Pros and Cons of Yellow Spot Green™ Dog Urine Neutralizer for Lawns

Best Pee Neutralizer

Yellow Spot Green™ Cures Urine Burns and Prevents Yellow Spots in Your Yard

• Protects your lawn from dog pee spots
• It can be used to prep soil prior to seeding
• It also treats dead grass from dog pee
• Contains an enzyme blend and activated carbon that lower the damaging nitrogen content from dog pee. Over time, the yellow areas will turn green again.
• Follow package directions for initial use and reapply in 6 - 8 weeks or as needed.

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3. Best Dog Rocks: Original Dog Rocks

Dog Rocks help to solve the problem of dead grass from dog pee on your lawn by going to the source: your dog. It removes the nitrates from your dog’s water, making their pee contain less nitrogen. It is a natural and convenient solution that guarantees no change in the pH balance of your dog’s pee.

The rocks are obtained from a natural quarry in Australia and can be used repeatedly for two months. They also come with a sticker to remind you when it’s time for a change. All you have to do is remember to use them with the sticker.

Reviewers say these rocks work best when submerged in your dog’s water bowl for up to 12 hours prior. Rinse the stones and place them in at most two liters of water. Some reviewers also advise that you first wash out your dog’s water bowls and containers to get good results. Please consult your vet before adding this to your dog’s water.

Some reviewers said that their lawns still have pee spots after using this product.

Pros and Cons of Original Dog Rocks

Best Dog Rocks

Dog Rocks Prevent Grass Burn Spots from Pet Urine

• This unique solution goes straight to the source: your dog
• Removes nitrates from your dog's water so their urine contains less nitrogen
• This natural and convenient solution does not cause any change in the pH balance of your dog's urine.
• These rocks come from a quarry in Australia.
• Can be used repeatedly for 2 months

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4. Best Dog Pee Post: LULIND Dog Fire Hydrant

One of the ways to prevent dead grass from pee is to get your dog to pee elsewhere, like on the LULIND Dog Fire Hydrant. How about sacrificing a corner of your lawn and putting up this beautiful dog fire hydrant? It looks so realistic and can be such a great improvement to your yard décor.

The way this solution works is straightforward. If your dog pees on the hydrant, then it does not pee everywhere else. This equals no dead grass from pee. This hydrant also has two posts to help anchor it to the ground. Your dog won’t be able to knock it down.

Since this post is made of fiber in hard resin, you can trust that it is durable. It’ll last for years to come. Some reviewers find that giving their dog a treat after using this post is a lovely way to enforce the behavior, thus leaving their lawn safe and green. 

Some reviewers said that the hydrant was “too small.” A few reported that it was “flimsy” or broke during installation.

Pros and Cons of the LULIND Dog Fire Hydrant

Best Dog Pee Post

LULIND - Dog Fire Hydrant Garden Statue with 2 Stakes

• Saves your lawn by encouraging your dog to pee in a designated spot
• This is a realistic-looking fire hydrant that you can place in a corner of your yard.
• Two posts (included) anchor the hydrant to the ground
• Made of durable fiber in hard resin
• Giving your dog a treat for using the hydrant provides positive reinforcement

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5. Best Grass Treatment Treats: Artullano Grass Burn Spot Chews

The Artullano Burn Spot Chews are another way to treat dead grass from dog pee by working directly on your dog’s pee. These treats support healthy digestion and improve your pet’s urine using a good enzyme blend, cranberry, and natural probiotics.

Artullano Chews are duck flavored, which dogs find yummy. They are also grain, soy, gluten, corn, and sugar-free. They reduce the nitrogen content in your dog’s urine and, by extension, remove the lawn spots that result from it.

These chews are also rich in vitamins which are good for your dog’s immune system. Plus, you can combine them with the Dog Fire Hydrant Post above to ensure your lawn stays healthy. They come at a really wonderful price too.

Some reviewers said that these chews smell horrible but that their dogs like them and they work.

Pros and Cons of Artullano Grass Burn Spot Chews

Best Grass Treatment Treats

Artullano Grass Burn Spot Chews for Dogs - Dog Pee Lawn Spot Saver

• This product improves the quality of your dog's urine with an enzyme blend, cranberry, and natural probiotics
• They reduce the nitrogen in your dog's pee so it won't cause brown spots on your lawn
• Duck flavored
• Grain, soy, gluten, corn, and sugar-free
• High in vitamins that support your dog's immune system

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6. Best Artificial Grass: LOOBANI Dog Grass

Using LOOBANI Dog Grass helps keep your lawn safe by giving your dog somewhere else to pee. In this case, this grass can even blend in with your natural lawn but will not be affected by your dog’s urine.

You’ll love that this brand has great drainage and low maintenance. Cleaning is easy, and all you need is soap and warm water. It also comes with special agents that help minimize the urine odor on the grass and prevent the growth of toxins.

Reviewers say this dog grass is weatherproof, making it good for outdoor use. One reviewer had it outside in the winter, and it made it through the snow! The efficient drainage prevents wet paws, too, which means your dog’s pee does not go anywhere else.

Some reviewers said that these “grass” pads don’t drain well.

Pros and Cons of LOOBANI Dog Grass

Best Artificial Grass

LOOBANI Dog Grass Pee Pads, Arificial Grass Patch

• Set of 2, realistic-looking grass pads can be placed on your lawn as their designated spot to pee
• Great drainage
• Low maintenance
• Easy to clean with soap and water
• Built-in special agents minimize urine odor and prevent toxin growth

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How to Choose the Best Way to Treat Dead Grass From Dog Pee?

Are you ready to choose a solution for treating dead grass from dog pee on your lawn? It could either be preventive or curative. Here are some important factors that can help you decide which is best for you:

• Training Level
• Extent of the Damage
• Your Dog’s Health Status
• Price

Here they are in more detail:

Training Level

Is your dog highly obedient? If yes, choosing to use a dog post can be the answer. This way, your dog can pee in a particular section of your lawn, and you can avoid the dead grass that comes with the nitrogen in their urine.

Extent of the Damage

If the grass is just starting to die, it may be possible to bring it back by watering your lawn a lot more efficiently. Some lawn nutrients could also help to neutralize the excess nitrogen and make the dead grass grow green again. If not, you might have to reseed with to get that spot green again.

Your Dog’s Health Status

Your vet could disagree with trying dog rocks or treats that could reduce the nitrogen in their pee due to concerns about your dog’s health. In that case, you will have to choose other alternatives from our list.

Price

Some dead grass from dog pee solutions are more expensive than others. So some owners might want to try something a little less pricey to see if they get results first.

Why Does Dog Urine Damage Grass?

Now that you know what to use, it’s important to understand thoroughly what leads to dead grass from dog pee. You see, this situation on your lawn has a lot to do with chemistry. Understanding the science can make keeping your lawn healthy easier.

Nitrogen is an important soil component and a key part of many fertilizers. However, high concentrations of this element can cause grass burns. Since most lawn fertilizers contain nitrogen, your dog’s pee is an additional source that could result in a burn.

Your dog’s pee could contain salts that lead to more damage. Urine that is highly acidic or alkaline could also alter the soil’s pH, resulting in brown spots. This happens with both male and female dogs.

How to Prevent Damage From Your Dog From Peeing on Your Lawn

Another way to treat dead grass from dog pee is to prevent your dog from peeing on your lawn in the first place. Here are some effective steps that you can take.

Set up a small corner for your pet to use. You could cover this corner in fake grass or use a dog post to demarcate it. That way, only that part of your lawn comes in contact with your dog pee, keeping the rest safe and green.

Water your lawn more efficiently. This is even more important when the weather is dry. It helps to keep the soil moist and dilutes the excess nitrogen from your dog’s pee. Make sure to focus especially well on the areas where your dog pees.

Keep your dog more hydrated. Some people suggest feeding your dog wet food as this helps to get more moisture in them. The more water your dog drinks, the more diluted their urine will be, which can help to minimize damage.

Hose down the area when your dog pees. As soon as your dog is done, spray the spot with water. This could help to reduce the nitrogen overload that damages your grass—most people advise three times as much water.

Dog-friendly grass could also be a solution. Some experts suggest clover. Fescue grass or seeding rye are also good. They are not as sensitive and can withstand the nitrogen from your dog’s urine.

If the spots remain after all of these tactics, it might be time to consider that your dog might not be the culprit. Do other animals have access to your lawn? A fence will keep out stray dogs, but some wild animals and cats could be harder to keep out.