Choosing the Best Turf for Dogs

We’ve lost count of how many times dog owners come to us saying, “We love the idea of artificial grass, but will it survive our dog?” It’s a fair question. Dogs dig, scratch, run zoomies like their life depends on it, and of course, they need a spot to do their business. Not all artificial grass can handle that.

Over the years, we’ve seen what works and what fails miserably. So, if you’re thinking about giving your pup a pet-friendly patch of green, let’s talk about what really matters when choosing the best artificial grass for dogs. As a pet owner, you should consider different lawn varieties and their maintenance requirements to ensure you select the best lawn for your needs.

But here’s the catch… It’s not just about rolling out some turf and calling it a day. The difference between a lawn that lasts and one that lifts, smells or gets patchy often comes down to the installation. Compared to real grass, artificial turf offers unique benefits for pet owners, such as improved durability and easier upkeep. So here are five things we always focus on when we’re creating a low-maintenance, pet-friendly lawn that’s built to last.

Why your choice of turf matters when you have dogs

Imagine this: it’s the middle of summer, your backyard is copping the full Aussie sun, and your dog steps out onto turf that feels like a frying pan. Or picture heavy rain with puddles forming, because the grass can’t drain quickly enough, leaving you with a swampy, smelly mess. Some turf varieties require full sun or full sunlight to thrive, and drought tolerant options are especially important in regions like the Victorian climate.

We’ve seen these issues firsthand at jobs where homeowners were misled by “cheap and cheerful” grass that simply wasn’t made for pets. That’s why getting the right type of artificial grass is more than just picking what looks good on a sample board. If you’re a dog owner, look for turf with deep roots or strong backing to ensure durability and resilience against digging and heavy use.

The key features of dog-friendly artificial grass

1. Strong, durable yarns that can take a beating

Dogs are rough. From tearing around the yard to sneaky digging missions, they’ll put your grass to the test. You’ll want turf made from tough polyethylene or polypropylene fibres, designed to handle high foot (or paw) traffic without flattening or wearing out.

We always say: if the grass can’t handle a labrador’s energy, it’s not dog-friendly. Self repairing turf varieties, such as Eureka Premium VG Kikuyu and Couch grass, are known for their fast repairing nature and ability to repair quickly after wear and tear, making them some of the best grass for dogs.

2. A short to medium pile height

While lush, long-pile grass looks beautiful, it’s not always practical for pets. Long blades trap odours and make cleaning up after your dog harder. A pile height of around 25-35mm strikes the perfect balance – soft enough for lounging, but not so long that it becomes a chore to keep clean.

3. Efficient drainage is a must

One of the biggest complaints we hear is about lingering smells after dogs relieve themselves on artificial turf. The solution? A high-quality drainage system. Look for turf with perforations that allow water (and other liquids) to drain through quickly. Efficient drainage also helps prevent urine burn, which can occur when dog urine is not quickly washed away from the turf. We install bases with proper sub-surface drainage to make sure nothing gets trapped underneath, keeping your yard fresh and dry.

4. Non-toxic and safe materials

This should go without saying, but not all artificial grass products are created equal. Cheap imports can contain nasties like heavy metals. Every product we use is certified lead-free and safe for pets and kids. Peace of mind is priceless.

5. UV resistance to handle the Aussie sun

Australia’s sun is brutal. Without UV protection, artificial grass fades, becomes brittle, and heats up dangerously. We only use turf with strong UV stabilisers, so your lawn stays cooler and keeps its colour year after year.

For yards with shaded areas, shade-tolerant turf varieties like Sir Walter Buffalo, Sir Walter DNA, and Sir Walter DNA Certified are excellent choices, as they maintain their colour and durability even with less sun exposure.

How dog urine affects artificial grass (and what to do about it)

Dog urine is one of the biggest concerns for pet owners considering artificial grass. While synthetic grass is designed to be tough and low maintenance, repeated exposure to dog urine can lead to issues like unpleasant odors, discoloration, and even damage to the turf’s fibers and backing if you don’t choose the right product.

When your furry friend does their business on artificial grass, the urine can seep through the blades and settle on the backing or base. If the artificial turf isn’t made with high-quality, urine-resistant materials, this can cause the fibers to break down over time, leading to patchy, worn spots and a lawn that doesn’t stay green. Cheaper artificial grass products are especially prone to absorbing urine, which can result in lingering smells and bacteria growth—definitely not what you want in your outdoor space.

To keep your lawn looking and smelling fresh, it’s essential to select artificial grass with a robust, triple-layer backing and advanced features like antibacterial protection. Products such as K9Grass are specifically engineered for pet owners, with technologies like Antibacterial and K9 HeatBlock that help prevent urine absorption and reduce the growth of odor-causing bacteria. These innovations make a huge difference in maintaining a clean, safe environment for both you and your pets, even in high traffic areas where dogs love to play.

Regular maintenance is also key. Rinsing your artificial grass with water after your dog urinates helps wash away residues and keeps bacteria at bay. For extra peace of mind, use a pet-friendly cleaning solution to tackle any stubborn stains or foul odours. This simple routine ensures your synthetic turf remains a low maintenance, beautiful lawn that can withstand heavy traffic and the wear and tear of active pets.

If you’re comparing options, it’s worth noting that some natural grass varieties, like zoysia grass, are known for their good wear tolerance and ability to withstand heavy traffic from dogs and other pets. However, artificial grass designed for pet owners offers the added benefits of being non-toxic, easy to clean, and incredibly wear resistant—making it an excellent choice for a low maintenance lawn that keeps your furry friends happy year round.

In summary, while dog urine can pose a challenge for artificial grass, choosing a high-quality, pet-specific product and following a simple cleaning routine will help you avoid urine burns, odors, and worn patches. With the right synthetic turf, you can enjoy a lush, green lawn that stands up to everything your four legged friends throw at it—so both you and your pets can make the most of your outdoor space.

Our go-to artificial grass options for dog owners

We’ve trialled and tested dozens of products over the years. For families with dogs, we recommend ranges that tick all the boxes above, with added features like odour-neutralising infills and antimicrobial backing. These little details make a huge difference in how your yard smells and feels. Choosing the right grass variety is essential for creating lawns that are pest resistant and great underfoot for both pets and people.

When we install artificial grass for dog owners, we always tailor the base preparation to suit pets. That means a solid yet permeable crushed rock base, geofabric to prevent weeds, and sometimes even a layer of deodorising sand depending on the property’s needs. Establishing a new lawn with the right base preparation helps ensure long-term durability, especially for active dogs.

Encouraging regular exercise for your dog can also help minimize digging and wear on your artificial lawn.

Common mistakes to avoid when buying artificial grass for dogs

Here’s where many people go wrong:

Choosing turf based on price, not quality
Ignoring drainage capacity
Overlooking pile height practicality
Thinking all artificial grass is “pet friendly” by default

We’ve been called in to fix botched jobs where these mistakes were made, costing homeowners more in the long run. It’s always worth getting it right the first time.

Final thoughts: it’s about matching grass to your lifestyle (and your dog)

At the end of the day, the best artificial grass for dogs is the one that suits both your lifestyle and your pet’s personality. High-energy dogs? Go for heavy-duty turf. Smaller, chilled-out pets? You might prioritise softness and aesthetics.

We’re not here to push whatever product is on sale that week. Our job is to guide you to the right solution for your home, your pets, and your peace of mind.

If you’d like to see samples or have a chat about your backyard, we’re always happy to help.