The Benefits and Challenges of Artificial Lawns for Dog Owners
Artificial lawns are becoming more and more common among homeowners. They don't need to be mowed, they don't grow weeds, and they keep mud at bay. If you are a dog owner though, you may assume that artificial lawns are not for you. This is not necessarily the case. Yes, artificial grass lawns can pose some challenges to dog owners, but those challenges are easily addressed. And there are benefits to consider, too. Take a look.
Your dog won't wear the lawn down while running
You can often tell when someone has a dog. Their backyard has areas where the grass is worn away because the dog has run over those areas again and again. With artificial grass, this does not happen. The artificial grass is built to withstand wear. (It is used in baseball diamonds and football fields, after all.) Your artificial lawn will look fresh and new for years to come, even if your dog likes to run a 5K out there every morning.
The artificial grass will get dirty when your dog does its business
When your dog does its business, it will get on the grass. Luckily, there are a few ways to address this. You can put a sand pit in one corner of your yard and train your dog to do its business right there. Another option is to let your dog use the bathroom on the artificial grass, and then just pick it up and hose the area off. The water and waste remnants will seep through the backing of the turf and into the soil.
Your dog won't eat grass
Some dogs like to eat grass and weeds in the backyard. However, this is not very good for them and can cause them to vomit. With artificial grass, there won't be any temptation for them to eat plants when roaming around outside.
Your dog won't be able to dig and bury bones
While you may not love when your dog digs holes in your yard to bury bones, this is an important part of entertainment for some dog breeds. They need to dig, and they really can't with an artificial yard. You can again get around this by leaving a dirt patch in just one corner. A small patch gives your dog a fun place to dig, but is easier to maintain than a whole yard.
Artificial grass can be a good option for pet owners. Address the challenges above, and you have a clean, convenient alternative.
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