"Dilution is the solution to pollution"

Contrary to popular belief, those ugly brown spots in your yard are not caused by the acid in your dog's urine, but the nitrogen. The high concentration of nitrogen in canine urine scalds or burns turfgrass, and creates yellow and brown circles in your yard. Canine diets are generally very high in protein, and when protein is broken down, it produces nitrogen, so for as long as your pet uses the lawn for its place of business, chances are you'll be battling these blemishes.

The most effective way to prevent grass scald is to water the area immediately after your dog urinates. If you have easy access to a hose or a rain barrel, give the area a quick dousing.  Another environmentally friendly idea - something my mom did long before being green was "cool" - is to save the water from your dehumidifier, and use it for whatever watering needs you may have in your lawn and garden. 

Another solution is to make a small area in your yard that is graveled or mulched, or you can install artificial turf, where you can train your pet to "go". With positive reinforcement and praise, they will eventually and automatically head to that area to do their business. You can make this site visually appealing by placing potted hostas, ferns, or other greenery around the perimeter.

There are many over-the-counter products touted as "lawn-saving suppliments" that vets across the country advise against using. These suppliments alter the pH levels in dogs, which is unnecessary and dangerous, since pH has nothing to do with the nitrogen killing your lawn. Additionally, medications that alter the pH of the urine can cause urinary crystals or bladder stones in your pet. 

Pet spots aren't the only issue I've been facing in my lawn! Below, you'll find a FREE, DOWNLOADABLE GUIDE to the TOP FIVE common problems you might find in your yard during late Summer, and it will provide you with easy solutions and fixes.