Elimination by pets, especially dogs, causing yellow patches in lawns is a common summer problem.  An article by Dr. Steve Thompson of Perdue University Veterinary Teaching Hospital discusses the causes as well as possible solutions.  In the process he debunks longstanding myths about the problem. 

Lawn spotting has often been attributed to female dogs due to the belief that their urine is more acidic.  All urine, male or female, primarily removes excess nitrogen from the pets’ system which is produced as a result of the animals’ high protein diet.  This elimination acts as a liquid fertilizer on lawns.  While male dogs tend to lift and mark in many areas thus spreading out the volume of urine, female dogs instead squat and eliminate a large volume in one puddle.   This “nitrogen overload” causes the brown spot in the lawn--just as accidentally dropping a large quantity of a commercial fertilizer would cause a brown patch.  While damage to lawns is thus attributed primarily to female dogs, male dogs can cause equal damage to shrubs, trees or plants if they pick only a few marking posts.  Kentucky bluegrass and Bermuda grass are more affected by urine damage than are perennial ryegrass and fescue.   

Possible solutions to urine-related brown patches include:

1.   training your pet—young or old—to eliminate in a designated area.  This area might be landscaped with mulch and include a marking post such as a large boulder or lawn ornament.  Urine collected in cup will create the necessary scent to encourage animals to eliminate in this area.  This takes time on the owner’s part but will be rewarded by no more random patches in the lawn.

2.   choosing an appropriate destination to walk your dog where they might be able to eliminate.  Make sure this does not create a problem in a public space elsewhere.

3.   fencing your yard so that other animals cannot cause damage to your lawn.

4.   advising neighbors in a friendly way of local leash laws. 

Dietary modifications are not usually successful and could be dangerous to your pet.  The concentration of the urine rather than the content is the real issue.  Tinkering with what the pet eats to change the nitrogen content could lead to various infections and / or bladder stones.  Consult with your veterinarian before making any changes.  

For any questions you have on this article, or any topic of concern, email us—or better yet, come by and talk to one of our professional staff members.  Remember, Phelan Gardens is open year-round! 

For additional information, check the following link:

• DOG-ON-IT LAWN PROBLEMS