Fake Grass for Dogs: The Ultimate Pet Turf Buyer’s Guide

Fake Grass for Dogs-Ultimate Pet Turf Buyers Guide

Artificial pet turf [or fake grass for dogs] has been steadily increasing in popularity among homeowners for use in front yards, backyards, play areas, and dog runs.

There are several reasons why people are attracted to this landscaping option.

In hot, dry climates, like the one we enjoy in ​Texas​, artificial grass is an affordable, low-maintenance alternative to natural grass.

It stays beautiful, lush, and green year-round without the watering required to keep natural grass from drying up in the Texas heat.

Why Should I Install Fake Grass for Dogs?

Maintaining a smooth, green natural grass lawn is a challenge.

It costs a lot of time, energy, and money to keep your yard looking beautiful—doubly so if you have dogs. 

Fido can do a lot of damage to your lawn by digging up the grass, creating brown dog urine spots from peeing in the same place, or running on the same path and wearing ruts.

Staying ahead of your dog’s impact on the landscaping is a constant struggle for many pet owners.

If you’ve thought about replacing your real grass with synthetic grass to avoid these issues, you may have more questions than answers.

  • Is artificial grass safe for dogs and children?
  • How much does it cost?
  • Is it environmentally friendly?
  • Does it drain well?
  • How do you clean pet turf?

If you’re considering taking the leap to try out artificial grass in your designated pet area/dog run, or your entire yard, read on.

We will answer the questions you have about the durability, safety, maintenance requirements, and overall pet-friendliness of artificial grass.

We also list our picks for the best brands of fake grass for dogs and other pets.

Is artificial grass safe for dogs & pets?

Is Artificial Grass Safe for Dogs & Pets?

Naturally, safety is a primary concern for your family, and your fur babies are no exception.

Rest assured that artificial turf is safe for dogs—sometimes even more than normal grass.

A common misconception about synthetic grass for dogs is that it contains lead and harmful chemicals.

This was true several years ago, but many artificial turf manufacturers have now eliminated lead and other harmful chemicals from their manufacturing processes. 

These improvements in manufacturing technology have made artificial grass safer than ever before—often safer than chemical-treated natural grass. 

In 2008 the ​Center for Environmental Health (CEH)​ and major turf manufacturers entered agreements to make sure synthetic turf would no longer pose this health concern.

This means that, as long as you choose an ethical, reputable artificial grass installation company, you can rest assured that lead exposure will not be an issue for your family or pets.

This does not necessarily mean that all existing artificial turf is safe for pets – or safe for children.

If you have synthetic grass in your yard that was installed before moving in, and is of unknown origin, you should consider having the lead levels tested.

Benefits of installing fake grass for dogs

Benefits of Installing Fake Grass for Dogs

The benefits of using artificial grass in a pet area, dog run, or your entire yard are numerous.

Homeowners across the country are opting for manufactured lawns because it is:

  • Low Maintenance
  • Eco-Friendly
  • Cost-Effective
  • Cleaner for dogs [requiring fewer baths and tick treatments]
  • Prevents Muddy Paws

The savings in time, money, and energy spent on maintaining a natural grass lawn makes artificial grass a definite win for you and your pet.

Even professional kennels and veterinarians often use fake grass for outdoor pet areas because mowing those areas is difficult and artificial grass cleanup is a cinch. 

Many dog parks and apartment complexes with dog areas use synthetic pet turf as well, and for many of the same reasons.

Fake grass will also withstand the heavy use of multiple dogs every day without wearing ruts or holes like normal grass would.

Lastly, it’s easy to install, whether the base is concrete or soil.

Real Grass VS. Fake Grass for Dogs

Real Grass vs. Fake Grass for Dogs

Real grass has its advantages.

Who doesn’t love cool, springy, green grass under their feet on a hot summer day?

But that natural grass comes at a high price—weekends spent mowing, edging, weeding, and fertilizing the lawn.

And let’s not even talk about the water bill in the heat of a Texas summer.

Fake grass may not have the same cool, padded feeling as real grass, but nowadays, it comes pretty close.

Artificial grass is made with blades of varying widths, textures, and colors to mimic the variation in natural grass.

Unless you look closely, you just might mistake it for the real thing.

By installing pet-friendly turf in your yard, you avoid all the problems that burden natural grass lawns:

  • Brown spots from dog urine 
  • Digging
  • Bugs/Ticks/Fleas/Other Pests
  • Mud

When it comes to maintaining a vibrant, smooth, attractive lawn, fake grass for dogs is head and shoulders above real grass.

Natural Grass Usually Requires Chemicals

A healthy-looking natural grass lawn usually requires a plethora of harmful chemicals, such as:

  • Fertilizers
  • Herbicides
  • Pesticides

These substances keep your lawn green and pretty, but they can contaminate groundwater, alter the chemistry of the soil, and even cause cancer and other diseases.

Chemical treatments for lawns should be avoided when possible.

What chemicals are used on artificial grass?

Artificial Grass Does NOT Require Chemicals

Artificial grass requires no chemical applications.

The backing of our artificial grass is made with antimicrobial additives that we’ve dubbed “Microbe-Safe™” which prevents the buildup of bacteria, mold, and mildew. 

The only maintenance required is the occasional spray down with the hose.

Without all the harmful lawn chemicals, your lovely, green lawn will be a safe place for both pets and kids to play. 

What's the difference between pet turf and artificial grass?

What’s the Difference Between Pet Turf & Artificial Grass?

Artificial grass has come a long way in the decades since AstroTurf first appeared in 1965.

The massive advances in technology and manufacturing processes have resulted in an incredible variety of synthetic grass products.

Artificial grasses are now produced with specific applications in mind—in this case, artificial grass specifically designed for dogs.  

Not all synthetic turf for pets is created equal.

While they may look and feel similar, there are some important differences between artificial grass and Pet Turf.

Pet turf is specially designed to withstand the wear and tear from running animals, as well as the high nitrogen concentrations in dog urine. 

Fake grass for dogs often has a 100% permeable backing that allows for faster drainage than typical artificial grass. 

Where can I install fake grass for dogs?

Where Can I Install Fake Grass for Dogs?

Artificial grass is unbelievably versatile, both in residential and commercial settings.

The only limit is your imagination.

Synthetic grass can be installed indoors and outdoors, on walls, around pools, between pavers, on rooftops, decks, and patios, just to name a few. 

The most common places that people install pet turf are:

You can install it in places you wouldn’t be able to mow and in small patches that wouldn’t make sense for regular grass. 

For a more detailed list of places you can install artificial grass around your home, check out our blog post on the 12 Most Common Residential Artificial Turf Applications.

Each year in the U.S. lawn mowers & gas-powered landscaping equipment use 800 million gallons of gas!

How Do I Maintain Pet-Friendly Artificial Grass?

When it comes to the maintenance of fake grass versus real grass, there’s really no contest.

Once it’s installed, artificial turf maintenance is practically non-existent.

There’s no mowing, weeding, edging, or watering needed to keep your lawn green year-round. 

Homeowners with synthetic turf lawns get to spend their Saturdays actually enjoying their yards instead of manicuring them!!

How to clean dog urine out of fake grass for dogs

How To Clean Fake Grass for Dogs

While fake turf for pets is much easier to maintain than a normal lawn, you should spray it down once or twice a week with the hose to ensure that the ammonia from pet urine doesn’t build up and cause odors.

Do not use a pressure washer to do this.

The force is unnecessary and can damage the grass.

You’ll still need to pick up the doggy do-do, but other than that,  the only maintenance required to keep your artificial grass looking beautiful is to rake up any debris that falls on it (like twigs and leaves) and fluff it with a broom or rake if it gets pressed down in high traffic areas. 

Do not use acidic or alcohol-based cleaners on your synthetic grass, as it can harm the fibers. 

For more detailed guidance on pet-friendly artificial grass maintenance and cleaning, check out the guides below.

How Durable is Fake Grass for Dogs? 

An artificial turf installation will last 10 to 20 years.

The longevity of the grass depends on a number of factors such as; how well it’s maintained, how much traffic it receives, and the quality of the product.

In general, the best artificial grass will last longer than cheaper alternatives.

What Makes A Turf Product Durable?

Below we’ll examine the individual components of artificial turf so that you’ll know what to look for when you begin shopping for it.

Turf Face Weight

Face Weight

The face weight of synthetic grass is a measure of the weight (in ounces) of the yarn within 1 square yard.

This includes the blades and thatch only and does not include the infill or backing.

Turf products with a greater face weight tend to be more durable. 

T°Cool Infill-How It Works

Infill

This comes in several forms like rubber, ceramic, silica, etc. and will vary depending on the turf application, turf product, and installer.

Infills play two important roles in turf installations, acting as a ballast to help keep the turf in place and mimic the soil between grass blades, keeping them upright and springy.

For applications involving dogs and pets, select an infill option that is antimicrobial to help combat odors.

I recommend checking out “T°Cool® Infill.”

Look for varieties that are non-toxic to pets, in case of accidental ingestion.

Fake Grass for Dogs: The Ultimate Pet Turf Buyer's Guide 1

Backing

Most pet turf products will have a fully permeable backing to allow water and urine to pass directly through it. 

We have a proprietary hybrid backing that we call “DUAL FLOW.”

It is a fully permeable backing and a hole-punched backing combined to create the ultimate drainage system for dogs and pets.

The holes allow tiny solid particles to pass through the turf and into the sub-base.

Turf Fiber Shapes

Fiber Shape

Turf fibers come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

For the most part, blades with a “w”  or “m” shape will retain their form and be easy to clean.

Some turf suppliers offer heat-resistant fibers to keep the surface temp down and your pet’s paws cool. 

While the fibers may be more resistant to heat, they’re often made of nylon, which is a very tough and rigid material.

We recommend turf products with polypropylene or polyethylene fibers combined with an evaporative cooling infill like T°Cool to help keep temperatures down.

How much does fake grass for dogs cost?

How Much Does Fake Grass for Dogs Cost?

There is an upfront cost with pet turf, and the price will vary depending on the size of the installation, the quality of the turf, and other environmental factors, like leveling that may need to be done before the installation.

On average, for a 500-1,000 sq. ft. installation plan on about $6.16 – $8.98 per square foot, depending on the quality of the product.

If you’d like to learn more about the cost of artificial grass or find out how much your installation will cost you can use our artificial grass cost calculator.

Bear in mind that synthetic lawns are made to last a decade or more.

After the initial purchase, artificial grass costs you next to nothing.

Another factor to consider is how much natural grass is already costing you.

If you were to put in new sod, you’d likely spend thousands of dollars to do so. 

Whether the lawn is new or established, you also need to buy expensive lawn equipment (like mowers and edgers), and you must fuel, and maintain your tools.

If you have to fertilize, aerate, or treat your lawn for pests, those costs add up too.

If the sticker price of artificial grass seems a bit shocking, bear in mind that the upfront investment in a synthetic lawn will pay for itself in a few years with water and maintenance savings. 

Nationwide, landscape irrigation is estimated to account for nearly one-third of all residential water use, totaling nearly 9 billion gallons per day!

Water Savings

One of the biggest financial and environmental savings that fake grass creates is in water.

The average American family uses 320 gallons of water per day, about 30 percent of which is devoted to outdoor uses.

More than half of that outdoor water is used for watering lawns and gardens. 

Nationwide, landscape irrigation is estimated to account for nearly one-third of all residential water use, totaling nearly 9 billion gallons per day!

That’s a lot of cash and empty aquifers just for green grass.

Fake grass for dogs VS. natural grass installation, maintenance & care over 25 years

Maintenance Savings

A lot of homeowners with synthetic turf get really excited about this one.

With artificial grass, you can say good-bye to your landscaper and the monthly landscaping bill.

There’s no need to take up garage space with mowers, edgers, or weed whackers.

Aside from costing money and hassle, mowing your lawn each week has a hefty toll on the environment.

Lawnmowers and other gas-powered landscaping equipment use 800 million gallons of gas each year in the U.S. alone, accounting for 5 percent of the overall air pollution.

Installing synthetic turf is a great way to reduce your overall carbon footprint.

Did You Know? The Average American spends 43.8 hours caring for their yard each year!

Time Savings

 Did you know that the average American spends 43.8 hours caring for their yard each year? That’s a full work week! 

Installing artificial grass is like giving yourself an extra week of vacation to spend with the people and pets you love, rather than behind a lawnmower.

What To Look For When Buying Fake Grass For Dogs

Just like steaks, lightbulbs, and tennis shoes, artificial grass comes in multiple grades.

Different brands and quality tiers of artificial grass will be more or less durable, and higher-end products come with additional features. 

To make an informed buying decision, here are a few important features to look for when shopping for fake grass for dogs. 

Durability

Look for a heavier face weight to ensure you’re getting artificial grass that will stand up to time and heavy traffic.

Fully Permeable Backing

This is a must-have for pet owners who want to avoid the buildup of odors from pet urine in their lawn.

Warranty

This is not a deal-breaker, but a warranty is a good indicator that the manufacturer is willing to stand behind their product.

Matches Neighborhood Grass Type

Take note of what grasses are common in your area, and match the color and look if you can.

Low Pile Height

A low pile height of around 1 inch is good for pet turf, as it makes cleanup of solid waste quick and easy.

Affordability

With so many choices on the market today, you can find an artificial grass product that meets your needs and fits your budget.

How Is Synthetic Grass Made?

Artificial grass is made by extruding colored, UV-resistant plastic through a machine to form threads.

Those threads are then punched through a backing to form sheets of artificial grass.

The process is similar to hooking yarn through a frame to make a rug. 

The length, type, and density of the fibers, as well as the type of backing material, all impact the quality of the final product. 

Most pet-friendly turf includes antimicrobial agents in the source material to prevent the growth of bacteria and neutralize odors. 

What’s the Best Drainage Technology for Pet Turf?

When it comes to fake grass for dogs, the most important feature is drainage.

All artificial turf products have a “Backing” and different backings drain in different ways. 

The two most common types of backing are:

  • Fully Permeable (or non-perforated) 
  • Hole-Punch (or perforated)

What To Avoid With Pet Turf Products?

We’ve covered the important features to look for when shopping for artificial grass for dogs and pets, but there are a few things that you should avoid as well.

A lot of turf companies are peddling ceramic infills or so-called “odor control” infills that supposedly complement fake grass for dogs. 

For turfs with a hole-punch backing, infill clogs the holes, preventing proper drainage.

If your dog has an occasional bout of diarrhea, cleaning the infill can be messy and infuriating.

How Do I Install Synthetic Grass for Dogs?

The installation process for pet turf is fairly simple and can be completed in just one or two days.

Here’s a rundown of what to expect.

Many do-it-yourselfers ask if they can save money by installing artificial grass themselves.

DIYers may be able to get away with installing a small strip of artificial grass on their own.

For entire lawns where seams are required, this is not recommended. 

Visible seams is a common artificial grass problem that DIY installers encounter.

Because this process requires a variety of specialized equipment and practiced techniques to hide seams and ensure a natural look, it’s best to leave the installation of synthetic lawns to the professionals. 

What’s the Best Fake Grass for Dogs?

The answer to this question depends entirely on the needs of your property and your budget.

This guide is intended to provide you with all the information necessary to make an informed buying decision.

While we have included Ideal Turf among the following products, we do so because we’re 100% confident in our products and installation process.

If you have any questions about how our pet turf measures up to the competition, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Here are a few of the best artificial grass for dogs products on the market today.

Global Syn-Turf – Pet Turf

Global Syn-Turf Pet Turf is great for any type of traffic and any size pet. It also has a slightly longer pile height than other pet turf options at 1 1⁄8”.The blades are ‘U’ shaped, which helps the grass stand upright after multiple uses.

Recommended Use​: Light to Heavy Traffic
Colors​: Emerald Green and Olive Green
Pile Height​: 1 1⁄8”
Drainage: Fully Permeable [121.4 in/hr]

Fake Grass for Dogs: The Ultimate Pet Turf Buyer's Guide 2

TigerTurf – Pet Turf

TigerTurf Pet Turf features beautiful field and lime green grass blade color tones in addition to a brown thatch layer. This turf was made for durability and comfort. Their pet turf uses a proprietary turf backing that’s incredibly resistant to pull force, so let your pup play all day! Made to withstand use by all sizes of dogs and their families, you can’t go wrong with TigerTurf.

Recommended​ ​Use​: Moderate to Heavy Traffic
Colors​: Field Green, Lime Green, Brown
Pile Height: ​1”
Drainage: Hole-Punch[30+ in/hr]

Fake Grass for Dogs: The Ultimate Pet Turf Buyer's Guide 3

K9Grass — Classic Pet Turf

K9Grass Classic pet turf is great for high-traffic dog areas. K9Grass is made with premium materials, is equipped with a Flow-through backing, and eliminates the need for infill. While K9Grass is arguably the best fake grass for dogs in the industry, it’s also the most expensive so be prepared to stretch your budget.

Recommended​ ​Use​: Light to Heavy Traffic
Colors​: Summer Green and Turf Green
Pile Height: ​3/4”
Drainage: Permeable [2,000+ in/hr]

Fake Grass for Dogs: The Ultimate Pet Turf Buyer's Guide 4

Ideal Turf — Aberdeen 84

One of our newest turf products, Aberdeen 84 is equipped with our proprietary “Dual Flow” drainage technology. An 84 oz. beautiful, lush, and soft natural grass replacement that’s 1.125″ tall featuring delustered and UV stabilized Summer Blend grass blades with Green and Tan thatch that combine to create the perfect artificial grass solution at an affordable price point. We hope that the incredible performance and value make Aberdeen 84 one of Ideal Turf’s top-selling artificial grass varieties.

Recommended Use: Light to Heavy Traffic
Colors: Summer Blend Blades w/ Green & Tan Thatch
Pile Height: 1.125”
Drainage: DUAL FLOW [2,000+ in/hr]

Aberdeen 84 product sample floating at 45 degree angle

SYNLawn — Pet Platinum

SYNLawn Pet Platinum is the ultimate artificial pet grass for animals of all shapes and sizes. Designed for maximum drainage, long-lasting durability as well as providing low surface temperatures and an elegant combination of natural colors for ultra-realistic natural beauty.

Recommended​ ​Use​: Light to Heavy Traffic
Colors​: Field Green & Apple Blades w/ Field Green & Beige Thatch
Pile Height: ​1 1/2”
Drainage: Permeable [1,200 in/hr]

Fake Grass for Dogs: The Ultimate Pet Turf Buyer's Guide 5

Final Thoughts on Fake Grass for Dogs…

Due to its low maintenance profile, lack of harmful chemical treatments, and long-term durability, fake grass for dogs is a win all around.

The initial investment of prep work and installation will pay for itself with savings on maintenance and water.

Spend your free time playing with your pet on your synthetic lawn rather than spending hundreds of dollars and a workweek each year maintaining it!

If you’re interested in having pet turf installed in your Texas yard, get a free estimate today!

We’ll ensure that you’ll have a dog-run or synthetic turf pet area that your family and beloved dog will enjoy for years to come, from the best artificial grass company in Texas.

Author:
Tim Taylor is an industrial engineer and entrepreneur with years of hands-on experience in the synthetic turf industry. As a member of the Synthetic Turf Council, he dedicates his time, energy, and resources to finding real solutions to real problems for synthetic turf products and installation processes.

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