If you’re a dog owner, you’ll know the struggle: muddy pawprints on your kitchen tiles, scorched lawn patches from toilet time, and endless garden repairs that never last. Natural grass just can’t cope with the wear and tear of active pets. That’s why so many homeowners are switching to dog-friendly artificial grass – a low-maintenance surface that stays green, drains well, and keeps your outdoor space looking its best.
This guide explains exactly what to look for when choosing turf for pets, the key technical features that matter, and which As Good As Grass products are best suited to dogs of all sizes.
Jump to:
- Why Artificial Grass is Popular with Dog Owners
- What to Look for in Dog-Friendly Turf
- Drainage & Backing: Stopping Smells Before They Start
- Can Dogs Damage Artificial Grass?
- Which As Good As Grass Products Are Best for Dogs?
- How to Maintain Artificial Grass with Dogs
- Final Verdict: Which Turf Should You Choose?
Why Artificial Grass is Popular with Dog Owners
Dog owners are often the first to see the flaws in a natural lawn – muddy pawprints through the house, urine patches that never recover, and bare spots from endless digging. Artificial grass removes those headaches while giving dogs a safe, consistent space to play. That’s why so many pet households are making the switch.
- No more mud: Rain or shine, your dog can enjoy the garden without dragging dirt inside.
- No patchy lawns: Dog urine kills natural grass – but synthetic turf resists burns and stains.
- Year-round use: A clean, safe surface whatever the weather.
- Easier cleaning: Waste is simple to scoop and hose away.
👉 Explore our full Kids & Pets Artificial Grass range.
What to Look for in Dog-Friendly Turf
When comparing artificial grass for pets, the right technical features make all the difference:
- Pile Height (25–35mm recommended): Shorter piles are easier to clean and drain faster.
- Dense Fibres: Helps turf bounce back after play and reduces flattening from heavy use.
- Permeable Backing: Ensures urine drains away rather than pooling in the base.
- Soft Yet Durable Fibres: Keeps paws comfortable without sacrificing strength.
- UV & Pet-Safe Materials: Non-toxic, long-lasting turf that won’t fade or release harmful chemicals.
💡 What is the best thickness for artificial grass for dogs? → Between 25–35mm is the sweet spot.
Drainage & Backing: Stopping Smells Before They Start
One of the biggest concerns for pet owners is odour. The key isn’t just cleaning – it’s drainage.
- A free-draining sub-base (granite chippings, not sand) is essential.
- Turf should have perforated backing holes to let urine pass through.
- Infill matters – some pet owners use odour-absorbing minerals to neutralise smells.
💡 How can I stop my artificial grass from smelling of dog pee? → Good drainage + regular rinsing + enzyme cleaners if needed.
Can Dogs Damage Artificial Grass?
Modern synthetic turf is designed to resist digging, chewing, and heavy play. As long as:
- The turf is secured properly at the edges.
- You choose a durable, reinforced fibre type.
- You maintain it with brushing and cleaning.
…it will withstand years of daily use.
💡Will dogs tear up artificial grass? → Not if it’s installed correctly.
Which As Good As Grass Products Are Best for Dogs?
Here’s how our range compares when it comes to pets:
| Product | Pile Height | Price per m² | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Play Care | 30mm | £19.50 | C-shape fibres, reinforced rootzone | Family gardens, kids & pets |
| Sol | 35mm | £18.50 | Soft mid-pile, natural tones | All-rounder for pets & play |
| Eden | 30mm | £16.99 | Soft fibres, Mediterranean look | Comfort & family life |
| Play Care Extreme | Short dense pile | £24.50 | Ultra-durable, safety compliant | Big dogs, high-impact play |
| Elite | 36mm | £24.99 | Premium, realistic C-shape fibres | Stylish dog-friendly gardens |
| Economy | 28mm | £12.50 | Budget option, light traffic | Landlords & cost-sensitive installs |
👉 For most dog owners, Play Care and Sol strike the best balance of durability, comfort, and easy cleaning.
How to Maintain Artificial Grass with Dogs
Keeping your lawn dog-friendly doesn’t stop once it’s installed. Artificial grass is low-maintenance, but it isn’t no-maintenance – especially when pets are involved. A simple cleaning routine will keep your turf looking fresh, smelling clean, and performing well for years to come. Here’s a quick guide to what that looks like day-to-day, week-to-week, and beyond.
- Daily: Scoop solids and give a quick hose rinse.
- Weekly: Rinse thoroughly, brush the fibres upright.
- Monthly (summer): Use a pet-safe enzyme cleaner for odour control.
- Yearly: Book a pro maintenance service for deep cleaning.
👉 See our Artificial Grass Maintenance Guide for a full breakdown.
💡Can dogs ruin fake grass? → Not if you clean and install it right. | Can you clean dog poop off artificial grass? → Yes, just scoop and rinse.
Final Verdict: Which Turf Should You Choose?
If you want a pet-proof lawn that lasts, look for:
- Pile height around 30–35mm
- Dense fibres that spring back
- Proper drainage backing
Among our range, Play Care and Sol are the go-to choices for most dog owners. If you’ve got a large breed or heavy foot traffic, upgrade to Play Care Extreme.
👉 Shop our Dog-Friendly Grass Range or Request a Free Quote.
