Dog Spots on Your Lawn? How to Fix & Prevent It

If you’re wondering what dog spots on your lawn look like, here’s a good example:

One day, your lawn’s lush and green; the next, it’s covered in mysterious yellow polka dots—courtesy of your four-legged friend’s “contributions.” If your grass is looking more like a cheetah than a lawn, don’t worry! We’re here to help you fix those unsightly dog spots and prevent them from returning. Because let’s be honest—your pup’s adorable, but your yard deserves to be, too!

Why Do Dog Spots Show Up on My Lawn?

The yellow spots that develop after your dog urinates on your lawn are caused by the high concentration of nitrogen-containing compounds and associated salts that are naturally present in dog urine. While nitrogen is actually good for grass in small amounts, concentrated urine can burn grass and overload the soil, leading to yellowing and dead patches.

Some lawns are more vulnerable to urine damage than others. Here are some factors that increase the risk of dog spots:

• Dry, stressed, or weak grass: If your lawn is already struggling from drought or poor soil health, it’s more likely to suffer from urine burn.
• Short-cut or recently mowed grass: Freshly mowed grass has less surface area to absorb excess nitrogen, making it more prone to damage.
• Certain grass types: Kentucky bluegrass and Bermuda grass are highly sensitive to dog urine, while ryegrass and fescue tend to be more resistant.
• Female dogs vs. male dogs: Because female dogs squat in one spot, their urine tends to concentrate in one area, causing more noticeable damage. Male dogs often spread their urine over multiple spots, reducing the impact.

How to Fix Dog Spots On Your Lawn

Minor damage may fill in with surrounding grass over time, but you don't have to wait on nature. Even though you can't bring dead grass back to life, you can repair dog spots so they look as good as new.

Step 1: Flush the Area

If you catch a urine spot early, you can prevent long-term damage by flushing the area with water as soon as possible. Water deeply and repeatedly to dilute nitrogen and wash away excess salts before they cause damage.

Use a garden hose or watering can for this. A deep soak helps leach nitrogen below the root zone, reducing its impact. For high-traffic areas, consider keeping a watering can nearby to rinse fresh spots as soon as they happen.

Step 2: Remove Dead Grass & Prep the Soil

Once the grass turns yellow or brown, it won’t easily recover. You’ll need to clear out the dead grass and prepare the soil for regrowth.

• Rake out the dead grass to expose the soil underneath.
• Loosen the soil with a rake or garden fork to improve seed-to-soil contact.
• If the soil is compacted, aerate the area slightly to help roots establish more easily.
• Topdress the area with compost before reseeding to restore soil health and improve nutrient retention.

Step 3: Reseed & Restore the Lawn

To regrow grass in the affected area, use a dog-spot repair mix or a blend of soil, premium grass seed, and compost. Choose a drought-tolerant, pet-friendly seed mix that matches your existing lawn. Fescue and perennial ryegrass are more resistant to urine damage than Kentucky bluegrass.

Apply a light layer of compost or mulch to help retain moisture and protect new seedlings. Water lightly and frequently to keep the area consistently damp but not soaked while the new grass establishes.

Alternatively, for instant results, you can use sod patches. You can cut out the dead patch and replace it with fresh sod. Sod needs to be watered thoroughly for the first few weeks to help roots establish.

Step 4: Protect New Growth

Freshly seeded areas are delicate, so keep your dog (and kids) off the spot by:

• Blocking off the area with temporary fencing, plant markers, or garden stakes.
• Waiting until new grass has been mowed at least a few times before allowing foot traffic.
• Using pet-friendly lawn protectants, like clover or mulch areas, to reduce wear and tear from daily dog activity.

Timeline for Lawn Recovery

Your lawn won’t magically regrow overnight, so if the above methods aren’t showing results, wait it out. Here’s how long the process takes:

0–2 weeks: Water regularly; seeds begin to germinate. Sod will start rooting in.

3–4 weeks: New grass starts sprouting but is still delicate, so keep pets off the area.

5–6 weeks: New grass thickens; first mowing can take place.

7–8 weeks: The area should blend in with the rest of your lawn, and normal pet activity can resume.

How to Prevent Dog Spots on Your Lawn

So you’ve fixed the dog spots. Our next challenge is preventing them from appearing again. Here’s what you can do:

1. Train Your Dog to Use a Designated Potty Area

The best way to limit lawn damage is to train your dog to relieve themselves in a specific spot. Choose an area covered with pea gravel, mulch, or artificial turf. These materials are easier on your lawn and make clean-up simpler.

Use other training tactics like positive reinforcement to help your dog adapt to their new potty zone. Keeping your dog hydrated also helps since it dilutes the urine and its harmful effect on the grass.

2. Keep Your Lawn Hydrated & Healthy

A well-maintained lawn is naturally more resistant to dog urine damage.

• Water your lawn deeply and regularly to dilute urine and minimise burn spots.
• Mow at the right height. Keeping your grass at 2.5 to 3 inches strengthens roots and reduces stress.
• Aerate and overseed your lawn annually to promote thick, resilient grass.

3. Consider Resistant Grass Types

Certain grass varieties are more resistant to dog urine than others. If you have a dog, consider planting:

• Fescue and perennial ryegrass, which is more tolerant to nitrogen than Kentucky bluegrass.
• Clover lawns are a natural alternative resistant to urine damage and require less maintenance.

Keep Your Pup Happy and Your Lawn Healthy With Professional Lawn Care Services

Your lawn and your dog can coexist in harmony. For a lush, healthy lawn that stands up to daily pet traffic, let Green Drop’s expert lawn care services do the heavy lifting. Our fertilization, overseeding, and aeration solutions help keep grass strong, green, and ready for play.

Serving Winnipeg, Regina, Red Deer, Edmonton, Saskatoon, and Calgary, we specialise in lawn care treatments designed for your yards—pets included!