Pets and well-kept yards don’t always mix, but there are ways you can make sure your yard remains both visually pleasing and safe for your beloved canine companion. One popular strategy involves strategically placing pea gravel around areas frequented by your canine.
Pea gravel offers many advantages to both dogs and their owners beyond its aesthetic appeal, including easy cleaning and disinfection. Training your dog to use a pea gravel area for their personal needs can also be simple.
Your lawn may become discolored due to scattered brown patches across its surface due to dog urine. This is especially the case if multiple dogs have been trained to urinate in specific spots in your yard.
However, when you use pea gravel, it protects your grass while decreasing the smell of dog urine. It will neutralize the acidity caused by dog urine, thereby protecting your yard.
If you are planning to install pea gravel in your yard, we can help you. In this guide, we are going to discuss the best pea gravel for dogs as well as show you how to set it up.
Pea Gravel for Dogs – A Complete Guide
Looking for ways to make your yard more visually appealing and functional for your pup? Consider installing a pea gravel landscape. Pea gravel is one of the best materials to create a space suitable for your dog’s bathroom needs, as it drains well, remains undisturbed during rainstorms, and remains durable enough to withstand all sorts of elements.
As the name goes, pea gravel is a type of small round stone commonly used in landscaping projects, as this versatile material can be utilized in a number of ways, making it an excellent addition to your backyard garden.
Pea gravel is an increasingly popular choice for dog potty areas as it’s easy to keep clean, doesn’t emit as many unpleasant odors, and provides an exceptionally safe surface for your pup to relieve themselves on. It is also quite easier to set up your backyard using pea gravel.
These rounded gravel stones make an economical ground cover material choice for your yard while being safe for both you and your dog’s paws compared to materials such as stone dust or crushed limestone that absorb more heat than it.
Here are some benefits of using pea gravel for dogs:
- Odor & Stain
Gravel is an ideal surface for dog potty areas as it’s simple to keep clean, drains well, and doesn’t emit unpleasant odors like artificial grass can. Furthermore, this surface makes it an easy way for owners to pick up solid waste before disposing of it in the trash can.
- Safer Option
Pea gravel can make for an excellent solution when it comes to dog-friendly landscaping. Round, smooth-shaped gravel is safer for your pet than other forms, which may contain sharp edges which could potentially graze their paws when walking on them.
- Protects Your Grass
Pea gravel is used in the yard primarily to safeguard grass from damage caused by dog waste, which contains high concentrations of nitrogen that can quickly increase soil acidity levels, making it harder for your grass to stay green. To prevent this, strategically place pea gravel in areas your dog frequents for pooping and defecating.
- Protects from Infection
Pea gravel dog runs provide another advantage to keep your pup safe from germs. When playing in dirt and mud, bacteria can settle onto them, which can cause allergies, skin conditions, and other issues for your pup. Pea gravel helps shield him from infection by keeping bacteria at bay that could otherwise infiltrate into their system and become harmful.
- Helps Prevent Digging
Dogs are naturally territorial, and they will typically pace, run around or dig the yard. Pea gravel landscaping can help prevent your dog from digging. It is an ideal solution to avoid canines digging up grass or soil, as well as protecting flowers and other plants from being trampled upon by them.
Best Pea Gravel for Dogs
Pea gravel makes an excellent material to choose when landscaping with pets in mind; it’s cost-effective, easy to work with, and looks fantastic.
If you are planning to buy pea gravel for dogs to set up your backyard, here are some of the best options in the market:
- CJGQ 18 Pounds Natural River Rocks Mexican Beach Pebbles
CJGQ’s 18 Pounds Natural River Rocks Mexican Beach Pebbles are a popular option for use as pea gravel for dogs.
These pebbles are a natural, unpolished mix of various sizes and colors, providing a unique and organic look to any outdoor landscape.
These pebbles range in size from 1 to 2 inches, which is generally an appropriate size for most dogs to comfortably walk on.
Additionally, these pebbles are smooth and don’t have any sharp edges or corners that could pose a hazard to your dog’s safety.
In terms of durability, CJGQ’s river rocks are sturdy and able to withstand outdoor weather conditions.
Additionally, these pebbles are easy to clean and won’t hold onto odors or bacteria.
- Voulosimi 12 Pounds River Rock Stones
Voulosimi’s 12 Pounds River Rock Stones are a natural decorative polished mixed pebble gravel that can be used for a variety of outdoor purposes, including as a ground cover for dogs.
These river rock stones come in a range of colors and sizes, providing a natural and aesthetically pleasing addition to any landscape.
These river rock stones are smooth and polished, which reduces the likelihood of sharp edges or jagged pieces that could injure your dog’s paws.
Additionally, they are easy to clean and won’t hold onto odors or bacteria, which can be a plus for pet owners.
Overall, Voulosimi’s 12 Pounds River Rock Stones can be a great option as pea gravel for dogs.
- ZOOFOX 10lb Natural Rocks Stones
ZOOFOX’s 10lb Natural Rocks Stones are a popular option for use as pea gravel for dogs.
These stones are a natural, unpolished mix of various sizes and colors, providing a unique and organic look to any outdoor landscape.
ZOOFOX’s natural rock stones can easily absorb dog urine and prevent stains or bad odors. They will also help protect your yard.
In terms of durability, these natural rock stones are sturdy and able to withstand outdoor weather conditions.
These stones are not polished or treated. Instead, they are simply washed, which makes them safer for your dog.
- Akka Naturals 5 lbs. of Small River Pebbles
Akka Naturals’ 5 lbs. of Small River Pebbles are a natural and unpolished mix of small pebbles, which can be used as pea gravel for dogs.
When considering the use of Akka Naturals’ small river pebbles as pea gravel for dogs, it’s important to note that size and safety are key factors to consider.
These river pebbles are small and range in size from 0.5 to 1 inch, which can be a comfortable size for dogs to walk on.
The best thing about these river pebbles is that they are safe and non-toxic.
- Natural Decorative Polished Mixed Pebbles
Natural Decorative Polished Mixed Pebbles 3/8″ Gravel Size can be a suitable option for pea gravel for dogs.
These mixed pebbles are polished and have a smooth surface, making them comfortable for dogs to walk on.
Additionally, their small size of 3/8″ can provide a good texture and coverage as a ground cover for dogs.
These pebbles are durable and will last for a long time while offering protection to your yard.
Setting Up a Pea Gravel Backyard for Dogs
As a dog owner, you know the difficulty of keeping up with maintaining an ideal backyard for your furry friend can be frustrating. But there are ways you can make sure it remains beautiful without compromising its appearance or safety for them.
To protect the grass and reduce any smell caused by urine and feces, consider installing a gravel layer for your dog’s potty area. This can protect both grass and reduce odor caused by urine/feces deposits.
Pea gravel comes in many different forms and colors to meet your yard and dog’s needs. Find one that best meets both theirs and yours today. Here are some steps you need to follow to set up a pea gravel backyard for dogs:
- Step 1: Choose The Right Location
If you own a dog and want to create a pea gravel backyard for them, there are a few considerations you must keep in mind when creating one.
First and foremost is finding an appropriate space. Location selection is important as it will help you to determine the amount of pea gravel you will need to cover the area.
Make sure you select a location that is suitable for your dog. You can choose a location that is frequented by your dog when it comes to elimination. This way, your dog will easily get used to peeing and pooping in the area.
- Step 2: Remove Any Existing Grass Or Debris
The next step in creating a pea gravel backyard for dogs should involve clearing away any existing grass or debris in your yard, which will help ensure it remains tidy.
Sod cutters can be useful tools for cutting grass. Make sure you remove all the grass, huge rocks, or stones from the area and make it plain.
- Step 3: Create A Border
The third step is to create a border. Create an eye-catching pea gravel backyard for dogs by adding borders from metal edging, stone, or brick edging materials.
Borders can help to contain gravel, prevent it from blowing away in windy weather, keep weeds at bay, and complete the look of your garden – an excellent way to make pea gravel backyards for dogs more visually appealing and unique.
- Step 4: Install A Weed Barrier
Next, you need to install a weed barrier to avoid growth or weed. By decreasing the number of weeds that grow in the soil and making it easier for you to keep it tidy, weed barriers help make maintaining an outdoor space easier than ever.
Weed barriers work by suppressing weed growth and keeping them away from planting areas. There are various kinds of weed barriers available, but the two most frequently used are landscaping fabric and cardboard boxes.
- Step 5: Add A Layer Of Gravel
Now, you just need to add a layer of gravel to the area. You can buy pea gravel in bulk or purchase it online, depending on your requirement.
You can cover 2 inches of the ground to create a base later using rocks and then cover it with pea gravel. The gravel’s smooth surfaces offer more safety for dogs’ paws than other forms of gravel, especially as sharp corners may puncture or cut through them.
Make sure you create a 3 to 4-inch layer of pea gravel to prevent it from moving and shifting.
Is Pea Gravel Safe & Good For Dogs?
Many pet owners are uncertain whether pea gravel is safe and suitable for their dogs. Dogs are very sensitive to different surfaces; for the best experience, they must remain on surfaces that don’t harm their paws.
While gravel may add charm to driveways and sidewalks, it can be rough on some dogs’ paws and lead to pain or infections. Gravel stones can become lodged between the paw pads of large or small breeds’ feet, causing injuries and irritation.
In order to prevent this from occurring, it’s crucial that you choose a type of gravel without sharp stones that could harm your pup. As pea gravel is round and doesn’t have any sharp edges, they are often safe for your dog. They are also polished and non-toxic.
However, to be on the safer side, only use pea gravel that has been approved by the Consumer Product Safety Commission – or consult your veterinarian if in doubt about safety issues surrounding pea gravel use.
Can Dogs Walk On Gravel?
Yes, dogs can walk on gravel, but it depends on the size and texture of the gravel. The size of the gravel can impact a dog’s comfort level and safety when walking on it. Large or sharp-edged rocks can be uncomfortable for dogs to walk on and may cause injuries to their paws. On the other hand, small, smooth, and rounded gravel can be comfortable for dogs to walk on.
Pea gravel can generally be considered safe for dogs as they are round. Dogs can easily walk on pea gravel as it doesn’t hurt their paws. It is an excellent option for use in yards with pets, as it is non-toxic, easy to maintain, and cost-effective.
Conclusion
If you’re a dog owner, you know how challenging it can be to maintain a clean and hygienic yard while keeping your furry friend safe and happy.
One way to tackle this issue is by installing dog-friendly gravel or ground cover, like pea gravel. It is a dog-friendly ground cover that can create an easy and odor-absorbing potty area for your pet while preventing them from digging up your lawn.
We have shortlisted some of the best options for you to purchase online and install in your yard, ensuring a clean and safe outdoor space for your furry friend.
Some of My Favorite Products For Dog Owners
I hope this article has helped you just a bit in everyday life as a dog owner. Being a dog owner for more than 25 years, I’ve tried many different products with varying success, but these products below are some that I can highly recommend to every dog and their owner without hesitation!
These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. But it’s products that I use daily myself, and I have the utmost praise for.
Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. But since 2015 when the company was founded, I’ve been using Ollie Petfood. With their product being tailor-made to suit every dog’s specific needs, and as my dogs absolutely love the product, I’m pretty sure I’ve found a product I will continue to use for many years more. If you use my link you can get 50% off your first order.
Dog Training: If you’ve ever owned a puppy, you know that it requires a lot of training to grow into a well-behaved adult. Brain Training for Dogs has helped me immensely with the mental training part of raising a dog, and it’s something I strongly recommend you consider.
Grooming: If you have a dog in your home, you’re going to need a brush, and for this, I recommend a Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush. For that price, you simply can’t beat this brush for everyday grooming.
If you’re looking for the most up-to-date recommendations, check out my recommended products section that I’ve created to help every dog owner!
