In brief
Artificial turf and dogs go well together – provided the structure and maintenance are right. What matters is a water-permeable backing and a permeable sub-base so that urine drains away immediately, as well as regular rinsing of favourite spots. Faeces are collected as on natural grass; you can rinse away any residue with water. In return, there are no holes, no brown urine patches and no more muddy paws.
Many dog owners know the problem: the lawn has yellow patches, holes from digging, and after rain the dog brings half the garden into the house. Artificial turf is a popular solution. To ensure it remains hygienic and odour-free even after years, there are a few key points that we summarise here.
Benefits of artificial turf for dog owners
- no yellow or brown urine patches like on natural grass
- no holes and no mud – clean paws even after rain
- green all year round and ready to use immediately
- no fertiliser and no plant protection products that the dog comes into contact with
- a soft, even surface for playing and lying down
What matters when choosing artificial turf for dogs
| Criterion | Recommendation | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Backing | highly water-permeable | Urine must drain down quickly – see drainage |
| Sub-base | compacted, permeable crushed-stone/chippings base build-up | Liquid drains away instead of pooling under the surface |
| Pile height | rather short to medium (approx. 25–35 mm) | easier to clean; faeces are easier to remove |
| Density | high stitch density | robust against rough play and scratching |
| Infill | no infill | no sand or granules that stick to paws |
| Fibres | hard-wearing with good resilience | resting spots spring back up |
Urine and odour: how to keep artificial turf fresh
Urine is not a problem on artificial turf as long as it can drain away. Odours usually develop where residue accumulates in the sub-base or in the same spots time and again. Here is how to prevent this:
- Rinse favourite spots regularly – more often in summer, as heat intensifies odours.
- Use an enzymatic cleaner if needed that is suitable for artificial turf.
- Clean thoroughly from time to time – more on this in the guide Cleaning artificial turf.
- Avoid aggressive products: chlorine or solvents can damage the fibres and backing.
Removing faeces
Solid faeces are picked up with a bag as on natural grass. If it is soft, let any residue dry briefly, then rinse the area with water. Afterwards, brush the blades upright again.
Can artificial turf withstand claws and digging?
High-quality artificial turf is robust and withstands normal rough play well. The blades are firmly anchored in the backing – a quality feature is high tear-out resistance. However, dogs that deliberately scratch in one spot can also damage artificial turf. In this case, it helps to provide the dog with a dedicated digging area with sand.
Does artificial turf get too hot for paws in the sun?
Artificial turf heats up more in direct sun than natural grass. On hot days, check the surface with your hand, provide shaded areas and, if necessary, cool the surface with water. More information can be found under surface temperature.
Our advice
If you have dogs, plan the sub-base particularly carefully – it determines hygiene and odour. We will be happy to advise you on the right Royal Grass® range and, if you wish, take care of the complete installation. What the sub-base looks like is shown in our guide Artificial turf sub-base.
Frequently asked questions about artificial turf and dogs
Is artificial turf good for dogs?
Yes, provided the artificial turf is water-permeable and laid on a permeable sub-base. This allows urine to drain away quickly, prevents holes or stains, and stops the dog from bringing mud into the house.
Does artificial turf smell of dog urine?
As a rule, no—if water drains well and favourite spots are rinsed regularly. Odours mainly occur when urine cannot drain away or residue accumulates in the same areas over a longer period of time.
How do I clean dog faeces off artificial turf?
Solid faeces are picked up with a bag. Then rinse the area with water and, if necessary, use a mild cleaner suitable for artificial turf.
Which pile height is best for dogs?
A rather short to medium pile of around 25 to 35 millimetres with high density is recommended. It is robust, easy to clean and still provides a soft surface for lying down.