Below is a problem we as LCO’s all face on a day to day. I found it very interesting have a look.

Source: Dr. Steve Thompson

DOG urine and feces can often be a frustrating problem related to lawn care. Small amounts may produce a green-up or fertilizer effect while larger amounts often result in lawn burn or dead patches.

While most burns will recover with time and regrowth, dead areas can be large enough in some cases to require reseeding or sodding. For homeowners who are also dog lovers, this can present a dilemma, particularly when one family member prefers the dog and another prefers a well-manicured lawn. An understanding of the interaction between dogs and the lawn can keep the yard (and family) at peace, not in pieces.

Understanding the causes

The fundamental problem with the presence of urine or feces on the lawn is related to the nitrogen content and concentration of these waste products. Urine, when produced as a waste product in animals, primarily removes excess nitrogen from the body via the kidneys.
The brown spot that results will often have a green ring around the outside. The nitrogen overload at the centre causes the burn, but as the urine is diluted toward the periphery, it has a fertilizer effect.

This characteristic brown spot, green ring pattern has been called “female dog spot disease” by some horticulturalists. As might be expected, lawns are most susceptible to nitrogen burns when standard fertilizers are maximized in the lawn. Homeowners making the extra effort to have a green lawn may be quite discouraged by their neighbor’s dog damage or their own house pet’s potty residue.

Dietary modification techniques

There are dietary modification techniques available, but make sure to consult your veterinarian before changing your pet’s diet.

When homeowners have reported successes, liquids likely improved the situation because the urine concentration after treatment was diluted. Safer ways to accomplish more dilute urine include feeding canned food, moistening dry food with water prior to feeding and adding salt or garlic salt to the regular food. One particular home remedy—tomato juice—likely has its primary benefit through both increased salt and water intake. While salt will make the dog drink more and dilute the urine, increased salt intake can cause problems for dogs with existing kidney or heart conditions. Owners should not alter their dog’s diet without consulting with their veterinarian.

Repair/recovery of damage area

A leash can function to bond owners to their dogs and increase the time pets spend interacting with their owners. A leash can also be part of a responsible neighbor policy, be a great training aid, and is also one of the best ways to be at the site to intervene when urinations occur. Watering the spot after urinations will accomplish the dilution with no ill effects on the dog.

Lawn burn, when mild, will often repair itself over time, especially in the case of the warm-season turfgrasses that spread by stolons and rhizomes. Dark green spots and taller grasses may remain for several weeks. Sodding can be a quick way to patch severely damaged areas that would otherwise be invaded by weeds.

Communications should remain open whenever family conflicts arise with various priorities.

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