Lawn care for dog owners

Credit: Flickr / mawel

Q: I live in Langley, B.C., and have three dogs that pee on my lawn—and now the grass is dead-looking where they have urinated. What can I do to fix this problem; is there something I can do to make the lawn look healthy again?
 

It would be nice if the dogs could be taught to go to the same area each time to relieve themselves. Until then, though, the best thing to do is to water the entire area in question immediately after the dogs have urinated. This should dilute some of the concentrated urine, which tends to burn the grass. Consult with an animal veterinarian to see if something could be done with the dogs’ diet that may make the urine less potent. Keep the grass longer by cutting no lower than 5 cm (2 in.). Overseeding (broadcast grass seed over the existing lawn) with perennial ryegrass multiple times during the season will help to keep the lawn thick. Topdressing (no more than 1 cm or 1/2 in. thick of good-quality topsoil) may also help in maintaining good lawn health.