How to Get Rid of Pet Stains in the Grass

Chemical burns may appear on a lawn when pet urine pools in a small area. A dog's urine is rich in nitrogen. While a small amount of nitrogen is beneficial to the lawn, in a concentrated amount, patches of brown or intensely dark green grass results. The urine of female dogs is particularly potent because of the way female dogs urinate (by squatting). While stains are difficult to remove, there are ways to prevent it or remove and replace the affected grass.

Things You'll Need

  • Garden hose or water bucket
  • Water supply
  • Grass seed or sod
  • Small spade or garden tool
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Instructions

  1. Prevention

    • 1

      Soak the area where a dog tends to relieve herself with a garden hose or a bucket filled with water. The pressure of the spray will disperse the nitrogen and the water will distribute salts to a larger area of the soil.

    • 2

      Prevent the dog from urinating in the same location to prevent nitrogen burns. This can be easy to accomplish by occasional walking him on a leash until he relieves himself.

    • 3

      Carefully review the dog's diet. If a dog's urine is highly nitrous, do not administer supplements tailored to preventing urine burns, as they address the byproduct and not an underlying medical problem. Ensure his access to water is adequate, and consult a veterinarian.

    Stain Removal

    • 4

      Thoroughly water the grass to revive salvageable blades. Watering will also dilute nitrogen in the soil, giving grass an opportunity to recover. It is likely that some grass has died, but if damage is slight, some recovery is possible.

    • 5

      Remove dead grass by the roots with a small spade. By removing the debris, the toxic nitrogen is also removed and no longer leaches into the soil.

    • 6

      Plant fescue and rye grass in lieu of or along with the existing species of grass to bolster the lawn. These varieties are more resistant to urine burns than other species, such as Kentucky bluegrass.

    • 7

      Regularly water the new seedlings until they have matured.

    • 8

      Monitor the soil for quality. The more enriched the soil, the more likely the grass will survive burns. Adding lime is popular, but does not directly halt a urine burn. Add appropriate fertilizer as indicated by climate and grass type to maintain the resistance and health of the lawn.