P destroying new grass!

[big easy]

We just recently invested a ton of money redoing the landscaping in the backyard.Most people were convinced that our little angel Jazz was going to destroy it.Well she hasn't other than the brown spots that she is leaving in the grass where she pees.We live in Las Vegas so I don't know if the intense heat has anything to do with it too.Someone told us that there is something you can put in their food to offset this problem.If anyone has any suggestions it would be appreciated.Thanks,Chris

[IRIE'S MAMA]

Chris,


There was a post on this little problemo a couple of weeks back. I think that we all have those little brown spots. I remember reading from the other posts that that "stuff" to put in food is bad news. I deal with my spots by watering often (it doesn't help much though) but it makes me feel like I am doing something about it. :) Maybe you could find a spot that is at the side of the house or something that isn't seen as much where Jazz can take a wiz. Like I said....I don't think there is much that can be done, but maybe someone can help a bit more.

[Judi W]

Extra and deep watering should help, but please do not attempt to change an otherwise healthy dog's body chemistry simply because your lawn has some brown spots. Find another solution or simply admire the spots and consider them decorative and interesting. Like a bonsai tree or sculpted hedge, they add to the landscaping and speak of those who live there. If you spent a lot on the lawn, don't blame poor little Jazz as I'll bet she was happily peeing on what you had before. Give that angel a hug and tell her that each pee spot attests to how lucky you are to have such a wonderful dog in your life. (how's that for tricking the mind???):D

[spidey]

Irie's Mama's idea is good. Perhaps you could even put in one of those little Japanese sand gardens (where you can rake the sand into interesting patterns), or have a little cactus garden area on sand or something and teach her to urinate there only (it could be the "Jazz Garden"! Just remember to leave enough space between cacti for Jazz to squat comfortably ;) ). That way your grass will stay green, you don't mess with your dog's body chemistry, and you have a conversation piece in your garden to boot (you don't have to tell people what it's for if you don't want to). ISTR (and slightly O/T) reading somewhere that male dogs' urine doesn't make grass as brown as female dogs' urine, does anyone know if this is true? My sister's Irish Setter (who is absolutely adorable, sorry, had to get that in :) ) is male and I haven't noticed any brown spots in our garden from him.

[macho rottie]

Sprinkle a bit of garden lime on the spot where she peed and water it in. Do it right away when you see she has peed.

[mburnickas]

(2) TBSP of tomato juice with each meal. It neutralizes the acid in the urine. Works great

[Miabella]

Oh yes, the grass in the backyard is toast. I have to buy some of that Green 'Um spray, which you put on the grass, not in the dog. That will work, but you have to try to spray the spot right after the dog pees in order to prevent lawn damage. The lawn is pretty low on my list of priorities, so I usually can't be bothered. I just don't let the dogs go in the front yard, so the damage is limited to where only my eyes have to see it.

[JonandMichelle]

I totally agree with Judi W. One should not mess with Mother Nature. This is something we all have to deal with and learn to except it. Sounds like more watering is in order. We have the hose hooked up 24/7 with a spray nozel. When Eiko goes, we spray it down on the spot (no pun intended). This helps eliminate the spots. We also run our sprinkler system a lot.

[rottmama]

Lawn...what lawn???!!! My two energenic babes have worn my formally beautiful grass bald!
My outlook... as long as they are doing their business outside, I'm a happy, happy camper.;)

[Jamie & Odin]

Hubby has no idea why there are so many patches of dead grass on his lovely lawn. I'm not telling him :D :D

I just keep moving the tie out around the house, so the lawn can grow back before it gets too bad.

(On a side note; the dogs are not left tied out, the yard has yet to be fenced and I am with them every moment they are outside)

[Chester'sMom]

I would be happy as long as the spots are on the grass. Worst case scenario: they could be on the carpet in your house!!! ---- PS: Please don't use those anything "abnormal sprays"! Listen to the other members!

[Chantal]

mburnickas - Does the tomato juice thing really work? What about just tomatoes? I should have a ton soon from the garden.