8 Best Grass Seeds for Dog Urine Spots – 2024 Reviews & Top Picks
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Grass provides a fun place for dogs to run and play, but it also serves as your dog’s bathroom. Dog urine can cause burns, bare spots, and discolored patches on your lawn. The good news is that having a dog and a well-groomed lawn at the same time can be achieved if you have the right grass seed.
Treating urine spots with a proper grass seed can help healthy grass grow back quickly. Grass that is hardier and resistant to dog pee can withstand much more damage and prevent you from having to constantly reseed the lawn. In this list of reviews, we look at the best grass seeds for dog urine so you can decide which one is right for you. Once you’ve considered each one, browse the buyer’s guide for helpful tips and ideas for a beautiful, dog-friendly lawn.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024
| Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
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Best Overall
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Scotts EZ Seed Dog Spot Repair |
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Best Value
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X-Seed Quick and Thick Dog Spot Lawn Repair Mix |
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Premium Choice
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Pennington Smart Seed Dense Shade Grass Mix |
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Jonathan Green Heavy Traffic Grass Seed |
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GreenView Fairway Formula Grass Seed |
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The 8 Best Grass Seeds for Dog Urine Spots
1. Scotts EZ Seed Dog Spot Repair — Best Overall
| Size | 2 pounds |
| Light demands | Sun and shade |
Scotts EZ Seed Dog Spot Repair is our best overall grass seed for dog urine spots. It contains a combination of mulch, seed, and soil to repair damaged grass and help it grow back anywhere. The mulch absorbs six times its weight in water, protecting the seed by forming a moisture layer. It also helps protect the seed from birds. The soil in the mix contains a salt neutralizer that helps repair damage caused by dog urine.
This seed is great for areas of high traffic, digging, and dog pee. It even grows on slopes. A special protectant is added to keep the seeds disease-free, along with a tackifier to keep them from washing away. The added fertilizer feeds the seeds to promote fast growth. The seed blend can also be mixed with other types of grass seed to make your own blend if you prefer a particular look.
- Contains mulch, fertilizer, and soil to promote fast growth
- Repairs damage caused by dog pee
- Stands up to high-traffic areas
- Contains more filler than actual seed
2. X-Seed Quick and Thick Dog Spot Lawn Repair Mix — Best Value
| Size | 1.75 pounds |
| Light demands | Sun and shade |
The X-Seed Quick and Thick Dog Spot Lawn Repair Mix is our pick for the best grass seed for dog urine spots for the money. It grows well in sun and shade. One bag contains enough seed to cover up to 200 dog urine spots. It contains fertilizer to promote fast growth. With proper use, new grass growth can be seen in as few as 7 days.
This seed can be applied directly to the damaged spots, or it can be soaked first in a bucket until it takes on a sponge-like consistency. The mix contains an expanding growth medium to lock in moisture and protect seeds. For the first week, this seed should be watered two to three times a day until the grass fills in. Once it’s growing, water the grass once a day to keep it healthy as it continues to grow.
- Can cover up to 200 urine spots
- Contains fertilizer
- Will grow in sun or shade
- Needs frequent watering
- Some dog owners found no new grass growth
3. Pennington Smart Seed Dense Shade Grass Mix — Premium Choice
| Size | 7 pounds |
| Light demands | Partial sun |
The Pennington Smart Seed Dense Shade Grass Mix is specially formulated to thrive even in shady areas. If your yard doesn’t get many hours of sunlight, this grass seed is an ideal option. It contains fertilizer to feed the seeds and help them grow quickly. The grass can stand up to heavy traffic and diseases. It’s strong and durable, growing in over 8–16 days from the time of planting.
Loosen the top layer of the soil beneath the dog pee spots in the lawn, and evenly spread this seed, using a handheld rake to work it into the soil. Then, water the spots daily until the growth reaches 3 inches tall. While this grass seed tends to germinate quickly, it may grow patchy in certain spots.
- Grows well in the shade
- Contains fertilizer
- Usually grows in 8–16 days
- May grow patchy in certain spots
4. Jonathan Green Heavy Traffic Grass Seed
| Size | 3 pounds |
| Light demands | Partial sun |
The 3-pound bag of Jonathan Green Heavy Traffic Grass Seed will cover up 1,200 square feet, giving you plenty of seed to cover the dog urine spots in your lawn. It grows well in areas that receive partial sun. This mix contains seeds of hardy grasses that will withstand high-activity areas and dog urine.
This seed is reported to be ideal for the “lazy gardener,” someone who just wants to get their grass growing quickly without putting in much effort. Just spreading the seeds and letting rainfall do the watering is enough to get grass growing within 7 days.
Unfortunately, the seed seems to be large enough for birds to spot easily. If it isn’t covered well enough, they will quickly eat it.
- Low-maintenance product
- Growth appears within 7 days
- Durable enough to withstand heavy traffic and urine
- Easily visible to birds
5. GreenView Fairway Formula Grass Seed
| Size | 3 pounds |
| Light demands | Sun and shade |
The GreenView Fairway Formula Grass Seed contains no fillers or coatings. The bag contains only seed for maximum coverage that’s 99% weed-free. It works best in areas that receive 4–8 hours of sun each day.
Remove the burned, dead grass from the dog pee spots, and rake the top layer of soil. Spread the grass seed evenly, and rake the area to cover them with soil. Water at least once a day to keep the area moist. This seed mixture contains perennial ryegrass, which will be the first to sprout. Over time, the other types of grass will fill in, giving the lawn a full, lush appearance. New growth can take anywhere from 5–8 days. The seed mixture is made to work well in areas prone to heat and drought. In some areas with excessive heat, new grass didn’t grow for 30 days.
- 99% weed-free mixture
- Mixture of grasses provides full spot coverage
- Requires only 4–8 hours of daily sun
- May take over a month to show new growth
6. Amturf Lawn Patch Sun/Shade Mix
| Size | 5 pounds |
| Light demands | Partial shade |
The Amturf Lawn Patch Sun/Shade Mix repairs bare spots in your lawn, including those caused by dog urine. It gives you 100 square feet of coverage and is safe for use around children and animals.
The grass seed mix combines seed, fertilizer, and mulch to promote fast growth and moisture absorption. It produces thick, durable grass that can tolerate heavy traffic, activity, and dog urine. It requires regular watering to keep it looking healthy and full.
This seed is good for getting grass to grow quickly, but some dog owners prefer the look of other grasses. This blend is not as vibrant as some others. It works well to fill in dog pee spots but not to cover the entire lawn area.
- 100 square feet of coverage
- Safe for use around children and pets
- Contains fertilizer
- Grass isn’t as vibrant as some other brands
- May take longer to grow than some other brands
7. Scotts Turf Builder Quick Fix Mix
| Size | 3 pounds |
| Light demands | Full sun |
If you’re looking for a fast, temporary fix for the bare spots in your lawn, Scotts Turf Builder Quick Fix Mix is a great choice. The results may not last long, but you’ll be able to quickly repair your lawn for having company, hosting an event, or just enjoying your yard for the season. The grass comes up quickly but tends to brown after the summer and not return. The grass seeds in this mix are annuals. This means you’ll have to use it again next season or use a long-lasting seed instead.
This 3-pound bag will cover up to 500 square feet, giving you plenty of seed to use on dog pee spots. Some dog owners have used this for a quick lawn repair during HOA inspections. On dog urine spots, grass has been reported to fully grow in after just 1 week.
- Grass grows quickly
- Provides lush coverage for bare dog urine spots
- Inexpensive
- Temporary solution
- Leaves noticeable patches of new grass
8. Bonide Quick Grow Grass Seed
| Size | 3 pounds |
| Light demands | Partial sun |
The Bonide Quick Grow Grass Seed is designed to work in even the poorest soil conditions. It germinates quickly and provides fast-growing, durable grass.
If you need to cover bare patches quickly, this seed will do the job even in areas of heavy traffic and drought. The grass is resistant to neglect and salt, making it ideal for dog urine patches. New grass is seen within 10 days.
This grass is not that heat tolerant, however. After it grows in, extremely hot weather can kill it. There are reports of patchy growth that never fully fills out. Reseeding will be necessary the following season if you live in a hot climate.
- Works in poor soil conditions
- Grows quickly
- Can tolerate neglect and heavy traffic
- Salt resistant
- Cannot tolerate high heat
- The lawn may require reseeding the next season
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Grass Seeds for Dog Urine Spots
What Is the Best Grass for Dog Urine Spots?
The following grass types will stand up to dog urine. Look for these in your seed mixes.
- Kentucky Bluegrass: This is one of the hardiest grasses that can grow well even in suboptimal conditions. It grows quickly and can revive itself when it’s damaged by trampling or dog urine. It grows well in cool climates but tends to burn in extremely hot weather.
- Perennial Ryegrass: This grass is tolerant of dog pee. It requires more care than some other grass types, though. To maintain its beauty, it needs regular fertilizing and watering. This grass has a strong root system that establishes itself quickly for fast growth. It stands up to winter climates quite well.
- Fescue Grass: This grass is easy to care for and low maintenance. There are many varieties of Fescue grass, and you’ll need to make sure you choose the right one for your climate. This tough, hardy grass is known for its ability to absorb moisture, making it an ideal choice for yards with excess amounts of dog pee.
- Bermuda Grass: Bermuda grass thrives in the heat, making it an optimal choice for those who live in hot climates. It’s also low maintenance, requiring little watering. It can repair itself if it’s damaged. This grass usually turns brown in the winter and changes back to a vibrant green when the weather warms up again.
- Zoysia Grass: This grass can hold up well against heavy trampling, dog pee, and shady areas. It’s also drought resistant. This grass produces a lush, thick lawn that is soft on bare feet. It can take a few years before the root system of this grass is fully established. Once it’s in place, you can cut back on the maintenance.
Why Does Dog Pee Burn Grass?
Dog pee contains nitrogen. While a specific amount of nitrogen can help plants grow, an excessive amount will kill them. When you see little brown circles across your lawn, these are the spots where your dog has peed. It is often an inevitable part of dog ownership if you have a dog that pees on your lawn. However, there are a few things that you can do to mitigate the issue.
- Water down the spot where your dog urinates to dilute the nitrogen.
- Train your dog to only pee in one area of the yard.
- Prevent your dog from using the grass while it’s wet and more vulnerable to damage.
- Create a spot in the yard filled with gravel for your dog to use as a potty area.
Will Grass Recover From Dog Pee Damage?
Grass types with deep root systems are harder to damage because it takes longer for the dog urine to reach the roots and kill them. If you have deep rooting grass, the damaged spots can repair themselves within 14 days. If the grass doesn’t grow back within this timeframe, you’ll have to reseed the area. Grass with a quick growth rate will also help it recover from damage.
Any grass that you choose should be suitable for your climate. Even quick-growing grass seeds can get stressed in the wrong climate and not be able to repair themselves from or prevent any damage caused by your dog.
Can Dogs Walk on Freshly Planted Grass?
Until the grass shoots have had plenty of time to develop, your dog should not be allowed to walk in the area. This new grass is fragile and needs time to develop a root system.
While waiting for the grass to become thick and rooted, try fencing off the area so your dog can’t access it. Going for walks may have to replace playtime in the backyard.
Poor Growing Areas
If you already have an area of your lawn that struggles to grow grass, take advantage of this by training your dog to use this area as a potty spot. If they pee in just one area, you won’t have to worry about multiple brown spots covering the lawn. Since the grass is already difficult to grow in this spot, it makes a perfect place for a doggy bathroom without killing healthy grass.
What About Poop?
With dogs, it’s not just their pee that can cause damage to your landscaping. Poop is also full of nitrogen. The longer poop sits on your lawn, the more time it has to kill the grass underneath it.
Be sure to clean up your yard regularly to keep your grass looking as healthy as possible. A yard full of dog poop can also attract rodents and start to stink quickly.
Conclusion
When it comes to grass seeds for dog urine spots, our best overall choice is Scotts EZ Seed Dog Spot Repair. It contains fertilizer to help the grass grow quickly. It’s resistant to heavy traffic and dog pee damage. The X-Seed Quick and Thick Dog Spot Lawn Repair Mix can grow in sun or shade and contains enough seed to cover up to 200 urine spots.
With a bit of maintenance, you can be a dog owner and still have a beautiful lawn. We hope that these reviews have helped you learn about different grass seeds and decide on the best one to suit your needs.
Featured Image Credit: Fiery Phoenix, Shutterstock
