Dog feces can be a significant problem for a healthy lawn, resulting in dead or yellowed patches of grass. The damage is not caused by a simple pH imbalance but by a high concentration of chemical compounds in the waste. Dog feces contains extremely high levels of nitrogen and salts, which are byproducts of the dog’s protein-rich diet. This concentrated nitrogen acts like an overdose of fertilizer, chemically burning the grass, while the salts dehydrate the grass blades and roots.
Immediate Steps for Cleanup and Dilution
Once the feces is deposited, the harmful nitrogen and salt compounds begin to leach into the turf and soil, causing damage quickly. Prompt physical removal followed by immediate dilution is necessary to minimize damage. Use a scooper or bag to remove the solid waste as soon as possible, ensuring no large pieces remain on the grass.
After removing the bulk of the waste, the affected area needs a generous amount of water to dilute the remaining salts and nitrogen compounds. Water physically washes these concentrated waste products out of the grass and soil surface. Apply several gallons of water to the spot, thoroughly soaking the soil. This encourages deep leaching and prevents the chemicals from concentrating in the root zone, helping prevent chemical burn.
Treating Existing Burn Spots and Restoring Soil Balance
If a spot has already turned yellow or brown, the grass has likely been damaged or killed, and soil remediation is necessary before repair can begin. The first step in treating these burn spots is to continue aggressive watering to flush out the accumulated salts that remain in the soil. Increasing the frequency and duration of watering the damaged area helps leach the harmful compounds deeper into the soil profile where they are less toxic to the shallow grass roots.
Applying a soil amendment like gypsum can help restore the area by breaking up compacted soil and improving drainage, which aids in the leaching process. Gypsum is a calcium-based product that helps tie up excess salts, allowing them to drain away more effectively. Apply powdered gypsum lightly over the damaged area according to product instructions and water it in thoroughly. Since dog waste damage is primarily a salt and nitrogen issue, soil testing is recommended before adding lime, as unnecessary application can create new problems.
Once the soil has been treated and the dead grass is dry, remove the killed turf and rake the area to loosen the top half-inch of soil. This prepares a proper seedbed for repair and improves the aeration of the area. You can then apply a thin layer of topsoil or compost before reseeding the spot with a resilient grass type.
Patching the damaged turf requires the re-establishment of new grass, so use a fast-germinating seed like perennial ryegrass for quick coverage, or a blend that matches your existing lawn. Keep the reseeded area consistently moist with light watering until the new grass sprouts and is well established. Ensure your dog avoids the newly repaired patch until the turf is mature to prevent further damage to the vulnerable seedlings.
Long-Term Strategies to Prevent Lawn Damage
Long-term prevention focuses on reducing the concentration of harmful compounds in the waste and increasing the resilience of the lawn itself. One effective strategy is to train your dog to use a designated area for elimination, such as a patch of mulch, gravel, or a small area separate from the main lawn. This concentrates the waste in a location that is easier to manage or is composed of non-turf material.
Pet owners can also increase the dog’s water intake, which naturally dilutes the nitrogen concentration in the urine and feces. Ensuring the dog is well-hydrated is a simple way to make the waste less potent and reduce its burning effect on the grass. You may also consider discussing dietary changes or supplements with a veterinarian, as some high-protein diets can lead to more concentrated nitrogen in the waste.
Lawn management practices also play a significant role in prevention by increasing the turf’s tolerance to stress. Using more resilient grass varieties, such as Tall Fescue or Perennial Ryegrass, provides better resistance to chemical burn than less tolerant types. These grasses often have deeper root systems, which can better withstand the concentrated nitrogen and salts. Increasing the overall lawn watering schedule can also help keep the soil hydrated and slightly dilute any waste that is deposited, reducing the severity of potential burn spots.