Artificial grass may look like a quick fix for a muddy garden, but is it really dog-friendly? As more pet parents opt for low-maintenance lawns, concerns are growing over the impact of synthetic turf on dog health and comfort. In this blog, we dig into the facts—chemicals, heat, smells, and wear—so you can make the best decision for your four-legged friend.

What Is Fake Grass Made From?

Artificial grass is typically made from synthetic materials like:

• Polyethylene (PE): Soft and lifelike but heat-retentive.

• Polypropylene (PP): Cheaper, stiffer and less durable.

• Nylon: Hard-wearing, but the most abrasive.

These fibres are backed with latex or polyurethane, and infill materials (like rubber crumb, silica sand, or plastic pellets) are often added for stability and cushion.

Quote:

“Many artificial turfs use rubber infill made from recycled tyres, which can contain heavy metals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs),” warns Dr. Karen Becker, integrative veterinarian and author of The Forever Dog.

These chemicals may slowly degrade in the sun and heat, potentially releasing fumes or particulates dogs could inhale or ingest while licking paws or rolling around.

The Heat Factor: How Hot Does Fake Grass Get?

One of the biggest concerns is how hot synthetic turf becomes in direct sunlight. On a summer’s day, fake grass can easily exceed:

• 50°C (122°F) when ambient temperatures are 30°C

• Up to 70°C (158°F) in direct sun with dark rubber infill

This can burn paws, especially for dogs that love to sprawl out or play fetch outside. Real grass, by comparison, stays significantly cooler due to moisture and natural ground contact.

Practical Tip:

Press the back of your hand onto the turf for 10 seconds. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog.

What About The Smell?

Fake grass doesn’t absorb urine. It often ends up smelling worse than the real thing.

• Urine sits on the surface until hosed away

• Without drainage, it seeps into the infill and creates odour pockets

• Sun exposure bakes the scent in

Some owners report having to clean and disinfect weekly, adding chemicals to the environment they hoped would be low maintenance.

How Does Fake Grass Hold Up Over Time?

A brand-new artificial lawn might look neat, but after a few years of wear and tear from energetic paws, the picture isn’t so pretty:

• Matted patches where dogs zoom around

• Infill displacement from digging or running

• Faded colouring from UV exposure

• Odour build-up from trapped moisture and waste

Dogs are creatures of habit. If they develop a habit of using one patch of turf as a toilet, it can become unusable unless cleaned regularly.

Is It Safe for Dogs Long-Term?

There’s no official UK regulation for pet-safe artificial grass, which means materials and installation methods vary. Concerns include:

• Off-gassing from VOCs and plastics

• Ingestion of loose turf fibres or infill

• Toxicity from anti-microbial or flame-retardant treatments

Vet View:

“While not all dogs react badly, long-term exposure to synthetic turf and the chemicals it contains could contribute to skin irritation, respiratory issues or digestive upset,” notes holistic vet Dr. Nick Thompson.

Natural Alternatives for Dog-Friendly Gardens

At Poppy’s Picnic, we believe nature always knows best. If you’re reconsidering synthetic grass, try these alternatives:

• Hardy real grass varieties like fescue or rye

• Dog-friendly clover lawns (low maintenance, soft, and nitrogen-fixing)

• Shaded soil areas with bark or pea gravel

• Rotating play zones to give grass time to recover

Healthy dogs need access to natural textures, smells, and environments. The microbes in real grass even help support the gut microbiome—a benefit artificial turf can’t offer.

What if you already have fake grass?

If you have fake grass and dogs, a bit of extra care can make all the difference to keep it fresh and dog-friendly. While artificial turf is convenient and low maintenance, it can get warm in direct sunlight and trap odours from wee. To keep things pleasant, rinse the area regularly with water to dilute urine and wash away debris. Use a pet-safe artificial grass cleaner once a week to tackle lingering smells and bacteria. Make sure the grass is well-drained—standing water can lead to soggy patches and hygiene issues. If your dog likes to dig or scratch, choose a durable, high-quality turf with a solid backing. Adding a shaded area, such as a canopy or pop-up tent, gives your dog a cool spot to relax on sunny days. With a bit of attention, your fake lawn can stay a clean, comfy space for both of you.

Final Verdict: Is Fake Grass Good or Bad for Dogs?

Bad? Not always. But ideal? Not quite. For occasional use or decorative spots, fake grass might be fine. But for active dogs who spend hours outside, it’s hard to beat real turf.

At Poppy’s Picnic, we’re all about natural choices—from wholesome raw dog food to supporting outdoor play that’s kind to paws, noses and tummies.

Explore our natural dog food range today:

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