Dog Owners Might Want To Let Their Grass Grow A Bit Longer Before Cutting It

When you choose to become a dog owner, you sign up for joy, laughter, and a sense of purpose. But sometimes being a dog parent includes some less-pleasant factors, like potential damage to your lawn, among others. Your dog's repeated walking, lying down, and rolling around on the lawn compresses the grass blades, which could damage the grass roots over time. With enough repetitious compression, especially if you have a big dog, the grass could even die. However, by letting your grass grow a little longer before cutting it, you can prevent this damage.

The ideal height for a dog-friendly lawn depends on the type of grass you have. For Kentucky bluegrass and St. Augustine grass, aim for 3.5 inches and 3 inches, respectively. Perennial rye can be cut a little shorter, at 2.5 inches tall. As two of the most durable grass types, common bermuda and hybrid bermuda can withstand the most dog traffic, so they can be cut to 2 inches and 1.5 inches, respectively. Offering more durability against your dog's paws and body is a major advantage of a slightly taller-than-usual lawn, but it's not the only benefit.

Allowing your grass to grow a little longer between cuts doesn't just help your lawn; it can benefit your dog as well. Every true dog lover wants their canine companion to live a happy life with the freedom to enjoy their home, including their backyard. If they like being outside, whether it's to lie down and sunbathe or play fetch with you, they deserve to be comfortable. Having a slightly thicker layer of cushioning under their paws (or body, if they're lying down) can give them that comfort.

Another benefit of letting your grass grow a bit taller before cutting it is that it encourages your dog's sniffing instincts, which can provide mental stimulation and prevent boredom. Long grass (but not too long) gives them a little more depth to explore. Just think of the times you walk your dog on a paved path with no greenery nearby, compared to a path surrounded by grass or foliage. Chances are, the latter walks are the ones in which they're more exploratory. Dogs love sniffing grass during walks, in their yard, and elsewhere.