Very and much safer than grass is. In fact, we’ve already touched on this topic before. But with the surge of homes and pet facilities switching to artificial turf in Modesto, we want to help you make the right decision for you and your pet. Today, let’s talk about safety.
The Potential Dangers of a Natural Lawn for Dogs
Just because something is “natural” doesn’t mean it’s 100% safe. That’s true for real grass. Every time your dog goes to play in the yard, they’re exposed to hidden hazards that many dog owners aren’t even aware of.
These are just top of the list:
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Toxic weeds and plants
For the average homeowner, most weeds and plants look the same. Weeds are just something to pull out of the ground before they spread. Plants, on the other hand, simply look and smell nice. But for curious dogs, they’re a fun thing to play with and maybe even eat.
Unfortunately, many of these plants and weeds can be perfectly safe for humans, but toxic to dogs. A few examples are:
- Oleander
- Yellow bird of paradise
- Yarrow
- English Ivy
- Hydrangea
- Foxglove
- Clematis
- Begonia
- Tulip
- Iris
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Fleas, ticks and other pests
If your dog has been infested with fleas and ticks, even once, it’s a safe bet they’ve infested your backyard already, too. Natural grass has the perfect conditions for pests to thrive.
For instance, the moist, dark soil is ideal for breeding. In addition, tall weeds and grass are perfect for hiding out in. Finally, a natural lawn is basically a smorgasbord of food and nutrients that can sustain a pest colony.
On top of that, it’s very hard to treat your lawn for fleas and ticks without poisonous treatments. Even then, it’s usually not enough to get them out of your yard— and off your dog.
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Grass seeds
Long grass and other grass seeds pose a major danger to all dog breeds. These arrow-shaped seeds tend to get lodged in dogs’ throats and skin. They can also get stuck on feet, fur and enter their nose and ears to cause severe discomfort and injuries.
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Grass pollen
Did you know dogs can be allergic to grass, too? Just like humans, grass pollen can trigger allergic reactions in pets. This can range from itchiness to sneezing and watery eyes, to anaphylaxis in severe cases. If your dog is allergic to grass, not only are they likely miserable during spring and summer, but in danger, too.
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Cocoa mulch
If you use a mulch to keep your yard under control, you may be exposing your dog to harmful substances. Mulch, specifically cocoa mulch, is toxic to canines who love to chew on and eat the material. It also presents a choking hazard.
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Slippery grass
Natural grass is extremely slippery when wet. Combined with hyperactive dogs who keep running and jumping around and you’ve got the perfect recipe for trips and falls.
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Bees, wasps and hornets
Dogs getting stung by bees and other stinging insects are more common than you think. One reason is that a lot of them burrow into the ground to make their hives. Just one wrong step and your canine can be the victim of a vicious sting attack.
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Debris on the ground
All sorts of backyard debris, like sharp twigs and stones, can wound the soft, fleshy under pads of dogs’ paws.
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A Busy Road
We know what you’re thinking – how can a dog be in danger from the road if they’re inside the yard? Well, determined diggers can tunnel under a fence in record time. And once a dog escapes your yard, they’re in even more danger than ever.
How Can Synthetic Grass in Modesto, CA Keep Dogs Safe?
Instead of trying to keep these issues at bay, you can solve them in one go with artificial grass installation in Modesto, CA:
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Artificial grass can eliminate almost all pests from your lawn.
Ticks, fleas, grubs, ants, mosquitoes and other lawn-loving insects that can harm your dog hate synthetic grass.
For example, it isn’t alive, so there’s nothing to eat there. There’s no shelter and hiding place either. The absence of bugs also keeps moles, skunks and other insect-eating animals from venturing into your yard.
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It is soft and gentle on the paws.
Artificial turf is soft and paw-friendly, making it the perfect pet-proofing material for your backyard. It can soften uneven terrain and sharp edges in your backyard. In addition, it will significantly reduce the chances of your pooch coming home with scraped or injured paws.
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Artificial grass is tough enough for the rowdiest pups.
Does your dog love digging up turf? Curb their antics with artificial grass in Modesto, which is tough enough to resist determined burrowing without getting damaged. Synthetic turf can last up to 15 years or more of constant use, so don’t worry about your dog wearing out its surface. Let them jump, roll around and tumble all they want!
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It prevents dogs from coming into contact with poisonous chemicals.
Synthetic grass does not need chemicals to retain its appearance, fight pests and control weeds. Such solutions typically linger long after their application, turning your yard into a danger zone.
For instance, a good fertilizer nourishes your yard and helps the grass grow. Unfortunately, most fertilizers contain high concentrations of potassium, phosphorus and nitrogen. These compounds can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs and even burn their paws. You’ll never need to fertilize artificial turf installations, effectively solving this issue for good.
In addition, herbicides used to manage unwanted plants and weeds can be incredibly toxic to dogs. In high amounts, these chemicals have been linked to canine cancer. It also irritates their skin and your dog can track the herbicides into your home and contaminate the space. Synthetic grass comes with a weed barrier that prevents weed growth and unwanted plants won’t grow on the turf. You won’t have to buy or use herbicides again after going synthetic.
Take off pesticides, herbicides, weedicides and other toxic chemicals off your yard care essentials when you go synthetic.
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It reduces pet injuries.
Dogs can be aggressive when they’re playing, resulting in trips and falls. To make sure they’re safe all the time, consider installing synthetic turf in your yard. It features soft shock pads so that your dog can quickly get up when they fall over. Artificial grass installers will also remove hard patches and stones in your yard, making it safer for your dogs to chase each other around.
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Synthetic pet turf is easy to maintain.
Live lawns are vulnerable to pet waste. Dog urine can burn and kill grass. On the other hand, poop can disrupt the soil content enough to affect turf growth. Both are not a problem with synthetic turf.
Even if you fail to rinse off urine or pick up solid waste from artificial turf immediately, the grass won’t get sick or die. Feel free to scrub off residue and get rid of unpleasant smells with a soap and water solution.
See any matted turf? Don’t fret. Simply brush up the trampled grass blades with a soft-bristled brush to bring them upright again.
Artificial Turf in Modesto for Safe Backyards and Happy Pets
All of these benefits apply not just to backyards, but for any facility in Modesto, California that welcomes pets. That includes vet clinics, dog daycares, dog grooming businesses and pet-friendly establishments. Interested in creating a pet-friendlier residence or business? We offer free estimates for synthetic grass for dogs. Call Modesto Artificial Grass today at 408-723-4954 or send us a message here!