PROTECTING YOUR HOUSE AND LAWN AGAINST DOGGIE DOO

WED, 26 NOV 2014 BY LINDA ROSADO

Potty training is a major accomplishment for dog owners. It means the freedom to finally trust your new best friend to roam the house as they please. However, accidents happen, even after training.

Outside the doors of your home, dog waste can also take a toll on your property. Your lawn can see some serious damage if your pet leaves behind a not so pleasant present, so knowing how to protect your surroundings from your furry friend’s droppings can save you time, money and plenty of headaches in the future.

A CLEAN HOME IS A HAPPY HOME

Here’s what to do if your pet sticks you with an unpleasant surprise.

Urine

Soak up as much as possible with paper towels or a rag.
Rewet the area with water to dilute the urine.
Spray stain product to break down the smell and stain (be proactive and buy this from the pet store before you need it).
Soak up as much as possible once again.
Make a few passes with the vacuum to dry up any remaining moisture.

Feces

Remove as much as possible with a paper towel without spreading it in.
Coat the stain with pre-wash laundry detergent.
Use soapy water to scrub the stain away.
Soak up as much as possible, then rewet and scrub as needed to remove the remaining soap.
Layer the spot with baking soda to absorb the smell and remaining moisture.
After letting this sit for at least an hour, just vacuum away.

Carpet is like a sponge. The sooner you clean up the mess the better off it’s going to be. And unfortunately not all poops are solid; so make sure to be prepared for the worst. Hardwood floors are a little better than carpet when it comes to clean up, but that doesn’t mean they are immune to stains or damage. Make sure to clean up as soon as possible to avoid any permanent issues.

KEEP YOUR GRASS GREEN AND PET WASTE FREE

Unfortunately, your floors aren’t the only place in danger of doggie damages. Both urine and poop can kill grass and leave noticeable dead spots.

Prevention

Keep your dog on a leash while they do their business to help control where they can go.
Have a designated spot in mulch or gravel to avoid the grass completely, think of it as your “dog poop station” and get your pup used to this routine.
Leave a full watering pot outside to pour over urine, which will dilute the nitrogen that causes burn marks.
Make sure to keep your dog well hydrated to dilute the nitrogen content in their urine.
Clean up poop immediately to stop the slow release of nitrogen, but also to keep your yard free of disease.
Carry dog bags with you even if you’re just going for a walk around the front yard so you can take care of your pet’s waste right away.

Recovery

For instant repairs, cut out the burn mark area and replace the sod.
For more effective long term blending, reseed the area during the appropriate time of year.

Remember above all else that the best offense is a good defense, so stay proactive and stock up on the right cleaning supplies, and use effective prevention lawn techniques to keep your grass looking pristine.