Dog Urine

Dog urine is a common source of concern for most pet owners. Not only do owners need to know how often their dogs are using the bathroom, they also need to know where. The excess nitrogen in the urine of dogs kills grass. Female dogs, who have a tendency to urinate in all areas of the yard and all in one burst, are often the culprits of such destruction. Also, when your dog urinates, he or she is spraying the acidic ammonia, which can build up in the soil and become toxic to surrounding plants. One solution to such a problem is spraying the area that your dog urinates in with plenty of water as soon as the dog finishes. But how many owners have the time to do such a thing? In this case, it is often easier to simply train your dog to urinate in one place and one place only, in order to keep the devastation to a smaller area.

In the animal world, urine often fulfills more than one role. Not only is urine excess fluid that has been passed through the dog’s system, it is also a means for animals to show possession. Dog urine is no different. Contrary to popular belief, both male and female dogs urinate to mark territory. Only their methods of doing so differ. Females leave a trail of urine as they go, sometimes squatting to pee every few feet. Males usually pick a landmark and stay with that same target.

As they grow, male dogs begin to lift their leg to urinate. This dog urine can oftentimes be sprayed many feet up a tree (or post, if it looks like a tree!) by different dogs of the neighborhood in an attempt to compete for the spot of “top dog”. Next time you take your pet for a walk, keep track of where he or she urinates. You may see evidence of this competition. At the very least, you’ll see just what dog urine can do to your yard!