How dog friendly is artificial grass?

Since lockdown, artificial grass has remained a popular choice for homeowners who want to make the most of their garden without all the extra work. Simple to maintain, convenient and easy on the eye, it’s little wonder that it continues to be the go-to option for those who want a lawn that looks good all year round without the constant mowing.

If you’ve already chosen to have artificial grass installed in your garden, you’ll be fully aware of just how much time and work it saves. But as a dog owner who has yet to take the plunge, it’s likely you’ll be wondering if these benefits still apply to you. After all, re-surfacing the garden is a big decision and you want to make sure it’s the right one for all members of the family, whether they have two legs or four.

As it happens, artificial grass can play a pivotal role in creating a pet-friendly environment that everyone can enjoy. Along with being safe, durable and hygienic, it also makes light work of the extra effort that comes with maintaining a perfect looking garden (and home!) when you share it with a dog.

No more digging up your artificial grass

If you’re one of the 26% of the population who has a dog, you’ll know that along with providing companionship and encouraging us to stay active, they also have a tendency to dig. As much as it is an instinctual habit that can’t be helped, it’s of little consolation when your lawn is full of unsightly holes that need constantly filling in. The good news is artificial grass is more resilient than traditional lawns and designed to withstand wear and tear from our canine companions. If fitted correctly, it can deter even the keenest of diggers from creating any more holes so you can enjoy a smooth garden all year round.

Cleaner paws

Unfortunately, England isn’t known for its warm climate, which means we either have to wipe our dog’s muddy paws on a regular basis when they’ve been out in the rain or spend a lot of time cleaning the floor. Either way, it’s an arduous task, particularly in winter when traditional lawns can easily turn into mud baths. This can change once the artificial grass has been installed because it dries quickly and drains rainfall before a pool of water can form on the surface. Without the presence of muddy puddles, your dog will stay much cleaner when they go out in the garden during wet weather, for which your floors and furniture will thank you.

Toileting

One of the main queries pet owners have about artificial grass is whether their dog will be able to toilet on it as normal. The answer is yes, of course. And in fact, it will provide a more hygienic space in which they can do their business. Liquids will simply drain away in the same manner as rainwater, and any solid waste can be picked up and disposed of in the usual way. For extra hygiene, these areas are easy to clean with a quick rinse of water or a splash of Flooring Direct Lawn Spray. What’s more, artificial grass won’t fade or discolour regardless of how frequently your dog uses the lawn as a bathroom, and those scorched patches will be a thing of the past.

Reduces allergies

If during the summer months you’ve noticed your dog nibbling or rubbing its eyes, ears or other areas, they could be one of the 10% of dogs in the UK that suffer from hayfever. Of course, there are few who would install artificial grass purely to alleviate their pet’s allergy, but it’s useful to know that reducing the amount of pollen your dog comes into contact with will lessen their symptoms and the need for medication. Having artificial grass fitted will also put an end to constantly cutting the lawn to limit your dog’s pollen exposure and means you won’t have to restrict their garden time. This makes for a healthier, happier dog and less work for you.

Safety first with artificial grass

As well as looking great in all weathers, artificial grass creates a safer environment in which your dog can exercise and play. Because you won’t need to maintain the appearance of your new lawn, you’ll no longer have to use toxic substances such as fertilisers, pesticides and weedkillers on a regular basis. This is much better for pets who love to spend time in the garden, as they’ll no longer be exposed to chemicals that are potentially harmful to them. Along with being hazard-free, your new grass will provide a fun, sensory experience on which your dog can run, roll and lie, which is all the better if you know it’s safe for the whole family.

If you’re interested in having a pet-friendly lawn that will stand the test of time, you can order a free sample of artificial grass here. We can also help you with any queries that you have, just call us on 0333 1234 581, or send an email to info@flooringdirect.co.uk.