How do I Stop the Dog From Yellowing My Lawn?

If you have a dog, you may have noticed yellow burn spots on your lawn. Yellow burn spots are typically indicative of places where a dog has urinated. These eyesores are often caused by female dogs, as they squat on the lawn instead of urinating on bushes and shrubs like male dogs tend to do. The high level of nitrogen in your dog's urine is the reason for the yellow burn areas and fortunately, there are ways to remove them from your lawn.

Things You'll Need

  • Water
  • Soda or corn syrup
  • Urine-resistant grass
  • Supplements
  • Mulch or gravel
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Instructions

    • 1

      Pour water over the area after the dog has urinated. The saturation of water will cause the nitrogen to spread out to other areas of the lawn instead of focusing on one spot. Apply the water to the area no later than nine hours after the dog has urinated, and use about three times the amount of water to urine.

    • 2

      Apply sugar to the affected areas. Pour soda or corn syrup to the yellow spots, and the sugar will likely balance out the nitrogen levels, preventing them from turning the grass yellow. Apply the remedy to the spots soon after the dog has eliminated, and use enough to cover the area.

    • 3

      Plant urine-resistant grass in the spots. Fescues and perennial ryegrasses can stand up to urine a bit better than other types of grass and may not turn yellow as a result. Before planting the seeds, however, make sure these types of grass can withstand the climate of your area.

    • 4

      Give your dog a supplement that will help to prevent its urine from staining the grass. Some veterinarians and pet stores sell products that will change the effects your dog's urine has on grass. However, avoid any products that alter the pH levels of your dog's urine, and consult with a veterinarian before administering the product to your dog.

    • 5

      Designate an area in your yard that is exclusively for elimination and cover it with mulch or gravel. The material may help to prevent the urine from reaching down into the grass and turning it yellow, and will mask the unsightly spots if it does. To train your dog to urinate in the spot, take it there every time it has to eliminate and give it a treat when it does so.