Artificial grass and dogs make an excellent combination, providing a low-maintenance and pet-friendly alternative.
To gain a deeper understanding of how temperature can affect artificial grass lawns, you can access the free e-book “Artificial Grass: How Hot Does it Get? Choosing the Right Product.”
The pet care expert emphasizes the importance of providing suitable measures for dogs to cope with the heat, especially if their gardens lack natural grass, which tends to stay cooler under the sun.
She advises creating shaded areas where dogs can rest and cool off, or placing damp towels for them to lie on and seek relief from the heat. It is crucial not to leave dogs unattended when outside in sunny conditions to ensure their safety.
Many people mistakenly compare artificial sports fields to artificial lawns designed for landscaping purposes. One significant difference between the two is the infill material used. Artificial sports turf typically uses black crumb rubber infill, while current artificial lawns rarely incorporate this material.
For those living in hot and sunny climates, there are choices available to minimize heat retention in artificial grass lawns:
- Temperature-controlled fibers: Some products are specifically designed to be heat-resistant, often referred to as “cool yarn” or similar terms.
- Less dense products: Opting for less dense artificial grass allows for better air circulation, facilitating faster heat dissipation.
- Lighter-colored fibers: Lighter shades absorb less heat compared to darker shades, resulting in a cooler surface temperature.
When it comes to the foundation filling, heat should not be the primary concern. It is crucial to carefully select the materials used in the bottom layers of the artificial lawn’s drainage system. We recommend avoiding certain substances:
- Mulch: Ingesting mulch can harm a dog’s liver.
- Pea gravel: It may contain sharp objects that can cause pain or injury to your pet.
- Pea gravel and decomposed granite: These materials can be a breeding ground for insects.
- Rubber matting: Rubber mats can foster bacteria, impede proper drainage, and contribute to increased heat retention.
Instead, the organization suggests using sand or stone as they allow water to move freely while providing a firm foundation for the turf layer.
It’s worth noting that artificial grass can also be used indoors. There are specialized artificial turf products designed for situations when it may be inconvenient or impossible for your dog to go outside, such as during traffic jams or when you’re unwell.
The expert also highlights the significance of monitoring temperatures and not allowing dogs to roam freely outside during the hottest parts of the day. Once the temperatures have dropped significantly, it may be safer to let dogs have more freedom outdoors. However, it is always recommended to perform a quick seven-second temperature check to ensure the ground is not too hot for their paws.
Certain dog breeds, particularly those with flat faces like pugs and French bulldogs, are more susceptible to heatstroke. Temperatures of 28 degrees Celsius or above are considered life-threatening for all dogs. It is essential to be aware of these risks and take appropriate precautions to protect dogs from overheating and potential heatstroke.