Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Paper Roses

(7,504 posts)
Mon Feb 6, 2012, 01:35 PM Feb 2012

I have been dog sitting for 5 days for 2 Bernese Mountain dogs.

They are huge peeing and pooping machines.
I know my back lawn will be a wreck come warm weather. Do any of you fine folks know of a product that I can spray or spread on the now frozen grass(or later when it thaws) that will neutralize the urine? Of course I keep it picked up but there is going to be a mess of dead grass come spring.
Thanks for any hints.

This sitting was for a good cause but I'll not do it again.
My poor kitty has been locked on the second floor for days. She is really mad at me.

7 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
I have been dog sitting for 5 days for 2 Bernese Mountain dogs. (Original Post) Paper Roses Feb 2012 OP
You don't have to tell me that cats are capable of getting mad rocktivity Feb 2012 #1
Actually, a couple of things help. Denninmi Feb 2012 #2
There are products for sale at Lowes' and HD that claim to fix the problem. It's just a sinkingfeeling Feb 2012 #3
i doubt there will be any real signs after only mopinko Feb 2012 #4
Hair??? I could have stuffed a mattress with the sheddings from these two (wonderful) beasts. Paper Roses Feb 2012 #6
yeah, short hair dogs only for me. mopinko Feb 2012 #7
I agree with Mopinko. Curmudgeoness Feb 2012 #5

rocktivity

(44,883 posts)
1. You don't have to tell me that cats are capable of getting mad
Mon Feb 6, 2012, 01:46 PM
Feb 2012

I was visiting my sister, and as she got her cat's supper ready, she mentioned that she usually fed her fifteen minutes earlier. As her cat walked across the room, she stopped right in front of me and glared -- she knew that I was the reason why her life had been interrupted!


rocktivity

Denninmi

(6,581 posts)
2. Actually, a couple of things help.
Mon Feb 6, 2012, 02:07 PM
Feb 2012

Try pouring a lot of water on it, if that is feasible -- I know you said the ground is frozen, if its not too much work, take a gallon jug (or a couple) of water at about body temperature out there, and after they pee, pour about half a gallon on each spot to immediately dilute it out.

Also, sprinkle some sugar on each spot, about a quarter cup -- this feeds the microbes that will use up the urea, and it really does help. Unfortunately, if the ground is frozen, that puts all of them into suspended animation.

When spring comes, you can dig out the dead patches and backfill with clean soil and either plugs of sod or seed -- I always seem to have sod that grows over the edges of the walks and driveways, so I just go out there in April and edge, then use that to fill bald spots in the lawn. My major problem isn't my dog, but actually moles that make those big mole castles, leaving behind dead spots. Plus where I gouge things with the snowplow if I go over the edge -- but this winter, so far, I haven't had to plow at all, and barely have had to shovel.

sinkingfeeling

(52,962 posts)
3. There are products for sale at Lowes' and HD that claim to fix the problem. It's just a
Mon Feb 6, 2012, 02:35 PM
Feb 2012

case of too much nitrogen in one spot.

mopinko

(71,652 posts)
4. i doubt there will be any real signs after only
Mon Feb 6, 2012, 05:15 PM
Feb 2012

5 days. especially since the ground is frozen. relax and enjoy the kisses. and the hair.

Paper Roses

(7,504 posts)
6. Hair??? I could have stuffed a mattress with the sheddings from these two (wonderful) beasts.
Wed Feb 8, 2012, 06:34 PM
Feb 2012

They are home now, I spent yesterday vacuuming the whole first floor of my house. Some of that fuzz just does not come off. Sent my den rug to the cleaner today. Hands and knees on the floor with 3 scatter rugs and a velcro type lint brush---after the vacuuming. All this gave me an opportunity to wash the den floor-that was the good side.

Love all animals but will not volunteer for dog sitting again. Too stressful. It was like having two ponies in 2 rooms with me.

mopinko

(71,652 posts)
7. yeah, short hair dogs only for me.
Thu Feb 9, 2012, 12:17 PM
Feb 2012

been there done that. but you could send them to me next time. i wouldn't mind a short visit.

Curmudgeoness

(18,219 posts)
5. I agree with Mopinko.
Mon Feb 6, 2012, 07:04 PM
Feb 2012

By the time growing season starts again, this will all be so diluted or possibly broken down that there will be no ill effects. Just one rain before growing time will be enough to dilute/wash it away. But if you ever have to deal with it during the growing season, water is all you need to dilute it----and diluted urine is great for plants!

Latest Discussions»Culture Forums»Gardening»I have been dog sitting f...