Many ‘solutions’ for dog urine on lawns are myths

By Marilyn McKinley

OSU Ext. master gardener volunteer

If you own a dog or live in an area where neighbors walk their dogs you have no doubt had to deal with “doggie” issues. Let’s look at some myths, causes, cures and prevention.

I had heard that only female dogs cause urination spots on lawns. But according to the University of Colorado, this is a myth. Dog spotting on grass is caused by high deposits of nitrogen-containing compounds and associated salts from the urine of any dog. The deposits are usually very concentrated, thus causing turf and landscape damage.

Colorado Extension debunks several other myths about dogs and lawns on their factsheet. These are just a few of them:

Have you ever heard that only large dogs leave urine ‘patches’? Not true, but they do present a larger volume of urine in a specific area.

And the idea that dog spots can be alleviated by adjusting a dog’s urine to be less acidic can really harm a dog. “There are no dietary supplements that have been scientifically proven to reduce the incidence or severity of dog spotting in lawns,” Colorado Extension states.

Then there’s the myth that dog spots can be ‘‘cured’’ by sprinkling the affected area with baking soda, gypsum or dishwashing detergent. Just another waste of your time and money.

The only thing that may work is a good soaking with water. Irrigation that is applied at about 1 inch per week during dry periods will keep the turf healthy and minimize the damage from dog urine. A tuna can under the sprinkler area will help you measure.

So what can you do? You can train the dog to use a nonturf area. I’ve never been able to do this – good luck.

Always be sure your pet has plenty of water available. This will help dilute the urine. You can follow the dog and sprinkle water on a fresh urine spot to help dilute the salts.

If spots are brown, the turf may or may not be dead. Increased irrigation in the area where the dog goes will help dilute salts accumulated in the soil. If turf is dead, remove Ω to 1 inch of soil and re-sod or seed.

If urine is not the only problem, and droppings are left in your yard, you should remove and dispose of them as soon as possible. Never let a collection of dog droppings stay on the lawn, and do not put them in your compost pile.

If neighbors are letting their dog do its business in your yard, perhaps a delivery of plastic bags and a little shovel might give them a hint. If not, local or nuisance laws may address this concern.

For details on this topic, including suggested practices to minimize lawn damage, visit http://go.osu.edu/dogsonlawn.