Saw this product in the petshop - http://www.dogrocks.org/

Claims that it eliminates the yellow patches caused by dogs.
Our grass is getting very patchy thanks to our two puppies. But even though it claims it's totally safe, tested, approved, yada yada, I'm still not sure. I mean it would be nice of course to get rid of the burns in grass, but not when it means risking the dogs' health.

So what do our local experts think? Have you used this product,would you?

I wouldn't use them myself. (Dog with a wonky bladder, need to be very careful with his diet.)

However, the topic regularly surfaces on another dog board:

http://www.dogpages.org.uk/forums/in...owtopic=210111
http://www.dogpages.org.uk/forums/lo...p?t231511.html
http://www.dogpages.org.uk/forums/in...owtopic=170197
http://www.dogpages.org.uk/forums/in...owtopic=170681

All I do is water the area right after the dogs have piddled; diluting the urine seems to help - the grass isn't too bad. My boys have seen off countless plants, so by trial and error I am learning what can - or cannot - withstand their weapons-grade toxic urine. Then next season I just plant more of whatever managed to survive the last summer.

Also, I'm not too fussy about weeding the lawn. It seems that a bit of plant diversity (i.e., leaving some of the weeds... erm... wild flowers growing in the lawn) helps.

Dogs first, garden second.

Sounds like complete and utter BS...



"Dog Rocks are made from naturally-occurring paramagnetic igneous rocks
which is known to increase Boron, Barium, Manganese and Strontium while
... blah blah blah"


Just send me the money, and I'll shake my crystals in the direction of Basel
every day - that'll work just as well.

Alternatively, take a real vet's advice...

I'm supporting both of the above posts.

The yellow spots are a reaction to the high concentration of Urea in the Urine.
In a dry state, Nitrogen makes up about 46%, so it's one of the highest forms of N.

Urea breaks down into Ammonia in the soil and this can also burn leaves (as a gas vapour).

The only way to combat this is by dilution.

Fortunately Urea is highly soluable, so watering is extremely effective. (I can't remember how soluable, but I remember that more than 100g can be diluted in 100ml water and you can get more in as the temperature of the water increases).

I used to water the lawn as well at night to reduce the amount of 'yellow spots'.


Throw those fairy Hippy crystals in the bin.


A long shot, but perhaps a bit more excercise with the dog would help (makes them thirstier, and so drinks more water).

I'm pretty sure this is not an issue, they get plenty of exercise and drink like little camels.
Some people on those dog forum topics claim that the rocks work but I'm not very comfortable experimenting on my puppies. I'll try watering the lawn right after the business, let's see if it helps.

If this product eliminates yellow patches in your grass, just think what it can do to your dogs' kidneys!

I would never consider using such a product. My dog's health and well-being are far more important than yellow patches in the grass.

Only one of our dog's urine seems to cause yellow patches in the grass. Our vet said there is nothing that can be done. It is really only a problem in the summer and less so on the shady parts of the garden.

I have noticed that the immergrun (periwinkle) at the front of our house seems to be resistent to dog's urine.

Hey Merrylegs,
Firstly, I think it's always wise to step back from a product that you are uncertain of how it works.

Secondly,
I have come across "paramagnetic igneous rock" products before in a range of different agricultural products.
In all cases, it is just useless "Moon dust" pedalled by snakeoil salemen to poor unsuspecting clients.... and by the time they realise the product doesn't work, the product doesn't exist.
They usually have a list of excuses as long as your arm why such products don't work, and generally make it out to be your fault (and proivde a beautiful glossy brochure with dubious 'scientific' results to support their lies).

At a glance, I would think that 'Dog Rocks' wouldn't actually pose any threat to your hounds, but it will to your wallet and ego.

Most snakeoil salesmen have no problem in selling something that doesn't work... it's when there are adverse effects that things go letigious for them.

I wouldn't be suprised if you are supposed to 'water it in'.


All in All....... I don't think you need this rubbish


(Aussie Dictionary)
*Moondust - a product that doesn't work
*Snakeoil salesmen - a retailer of moondust with no spine or morals

Good to know about Immergrun...

Another I've had good luck with is Cranesbill (true geranium, Storchschabel) as a border planting. Not only does it stand up to canine urine, but the slugs seem to leave it alone as well!

Can cats create these yellow patches too? They've recently started to appear in the lawn in front of our apartment building. Lily never pees in the lawn, and I've only ever seen other dogs rarely pee at the perimeter. I suppose a dog could be coming up peeing when I'm not around....I have, however seen several cats hanging about in the lawn. I was wondering if the yellow spots are from them?