Picture this: you’re taking your dog on a walk. As you’re strolling across a sidewalk, you come across another person walking your dog. You try to step aside into the grass with your pooch, but your dog will not walk on the wet grass. ARGH!
If you’re perplexed about why your dog won’t walk on the wet grass, you’ve come to the right place! This article will go over all of the possible reasons why your dog will not walk on wet grass.
After reading through this article, you should have a better idea of why your dog may be refusing to walk on wet grass. Read on!
This Video Is Very Helpful For Dogs That Don’t Want To Walk In General!
9 Reasons Why A Dog Won’t Walk On Wet Grass
If your dog suddenly has no problem walking on dry grass but refuses to walk on wet grass, there may be a few reasons that could explain this behavior. Let’s take a look:
- Your dog doesn’t like the feeling of wet grass
- Wet grass can be cold
- Your dog may be afraid of wet grass as a puppy
- Your dog may be afraid of tall grass
- Dogs may smell the scents of other animals on the grass
- Your dog may have an injured paw
- Your dog could have a negative association with grass
- Your dog may be allergic to grass
- Grass could have been treated with chemicals
Your Dog Doesn’t Like The Feeling Of Wet Grass
If your dog is avoiding grass that is wet, the most obvious reason for this is simply because a dog may not like the feeling of wet grass.
There are many reasons why a dog wouldn’t like the feeling of wet grass.
The paw pads of a dog are quite sensitive, so the feeling of wet grass may not feel the best for your dog.
Moreover, dogs that do not enjoy getting baths may not care for the feeling of wet grass, as it could remind them of a bath.
It may sound silly that a dog wouldn’t like wet grass because they dislike baths, but bathing can be a traumatic experience for some dogs.
If a dog associates wet grass with the feeling of bathing, then it may not like to step on wet grass.
Moreover, some dogs simply are born with a dislike of being wet, so wet grass may not be a pleasant sensational to these pooches.
Wet Grass Can Be Cold
Another reason why dogs may not like walking on wet grass is that it can be cold during the early morning.
A dog that goes from being warm and cozy in a house to suddenly feeling the sensation of cold, wet grass is not likely to be pleased with its situation. Dogs that have short fur and limited fur on their paw pads are especially likely to get chilly from wet grass.
Therefore, don’t be surprised if a dog quickly goes potty and then retreats to a paved surface or to back inside the house.
Fortunately, your dog will not be at risk of developing any detrimental health conditions due to cold, wet grass. However, that doesn’t mean that they’ll be happy with their circumstances.
Your Dog May Be Afraid Of Wet Grass As A Puppy
Puppy owners know very well that these tiny, adorable dogs are often fearful of many of the things that they encounter during their first few weeks of life.
It turns out that wet grass is no exception for these petite pooches. Indeed, though dogs should naturally be drawn to grass, there are some dogs that are not fond of walking through this plant when they’re tiny.
This fear isn’t as ridiculous as it seems-especially for puppies of small dog breeds. Puppies that are the young of a small breed of dog may scarcely be taller than some of the grass that they’re walking through when they’re first introduced to this plant.
The unfamiliarity of grass coupled with a wet sensation can be unsettling for a young puppy and cause them to have a disdain for grass.
Not to worry-your puppy just needs time to adjust to the grass. Be patient with your dog if it is fearful of grass when it’s a puppy. Getting mad at your dog for its fear may make the situation worse.
Your Dog Could Be A Rescue Dog
Dogs that come from animal shelters may also undergo a fear period due to wet grass.
Rescue dogs may have troubling backgrounds in which they never became sensitized to grass. Therefore, when they encounter wet grass, they may be fearful of this plant.
This may seem ridiculous, but consider that some rescue dogs come from abusive backgrounds. If you own one of these dogs, be sure to exercise plenty of patience with these pups.
Your Dog May Be Afraid Of Tall Grass
The fear of manicured lawn grass is typically restricted to puppies, but older dogs may be fearful of taller grass.
Tall grass is typically not found in urban areas due to restrictions that are put in place by local communities, but for dogs that have access to tall grass, such an obstacle can be intimidating.
Tall grass is—understandably—more intimidating to small dogs than large dogs in most instances. While large dogs can bound through tall grass without many issues, tiny dogs may have difficulty navigating through tall grass.
If a dog who is fearful of tall grass has no option other than this environment in which they can go potty, then they may learn to adapt.
However, if given a choice between tall grass and manicured turf grass, most dogs will choose the latter for their latrine.
Dogs May Smell The Scents Of Other Animals On The Grass
Another reason that a dog may avoid stepping on wet grass has nothing to do with the grass itself. Rather, they may smell the scent of strange animals on the grass and choose to avoid the grass because of a scent.
Though many dogs would be excited about the scent of a wild animal and want to investigate, there are some scents that may cause a pooch to be weary.
Dogs can gather far more details from a scent than a human would be capable of doing thanks to their remarkable sense of smell. Therefore, a dog may be able to discern if an animal could pose a danger to them based on its scent.
Most dogs won’t be walking by grassy areas in which large carnivores live, so the most common scent that could deter a dog from a lawn would be that of another dog.
If your pooch smells a bigger dog that could potentially be dangerous, it may choose to avoid the lawn from which the scent is coming.
Owners should recognize that their dogs may want to avoid certain lawns with which they’re uncomfortable. Keeping the dog a considerable distance away from such lawns is the best outcome for all parties involved.
Your Dog May Have An Injured Paw
If your dog is willing to go on wet grass but seems uncomfortable while doing so, it could have an injured paw.
Though wet grass is a forgiving surface, some dogs with injured paws may find that wet grass is an uncomfortable place to walk.
Dogs with cracked paw pads may find the moisture in the wet grass to be irritating when it infiltrates the cracks within their paws. A dog that has a cut on its paw pad may harbor similar feelings about wet grass.
If you suspect that your dog is in pain because of wet grass, try to find the source of the pain and treat the problem so they can once again become comfortable on wet grass.
Your Dog Could Have a Negative Association With Grass
Some owners may struggle to deduce why a dog refuses to walk on wet grass. Their search for answers may even prompt them to wonder if their dog simply has a negative association with grass.
Is such a thing possible? Can dogs have a negative association with grass?
Though it may sound absurd to us humans, dogs can certainly have a negative association with grass. This negative association may have developed for a wide variety of reasons.
No matter the reason, the negative association likely developed after some traumatic event happened to your dog. Your dog’s brain then associated the event with grass.
It can be difficult for an owner to break their dog’s negative outlook on grass, and this can make it difficult to administer potty breaks to a dog.
It can be easy for an owner to lose patience with a dog that seems to have a negative association with grass, but remember that patience is key.
Owners should consult professional help if they are not able to break their dog’s negative association with grass.
Your Dog May be Allergic to Grass
Most dog owners that own a dog that has an aversion to grass may think that their dog’s disdain for wet grass is silly, but there may be a serious reason why your dog doesn’t like grass.
Just as humans can be allergic to grass, so too dogs can be allergic to this plant. Therefore, if you notice that your dog seems to be trying to avoid grass at all costs, perhaps your dog has a legitimate reason for trying to stay off of the grass.
Now, considering the possibility that a dog may be allergic to grass can make an owner anxious. Fortunately, grass allergies tend to be quite mild, so there is likely no reason to worry.
Nonetheless, if an owner thinks that their furry friend may have a grass allergy, it is best to take a dog to a vet to get their condition checked out.
Pet parents can try to discern if a dog has a grass allergy by checking for some of the symptoms of such an allergy in their canine companion.
If a dog gets really itchy after spending time outside, develops red or dry skin, or develops hives on its skin, then it may have some sort of grass allergy. Other indications that your dog may be having an allergic reaction to grass include watery eyes or a runny nose, so owners should watch out for these signs.
Taking a dog to visit a vet is the best way to tell for certain what the problem may be.
Grass Could Have Been Treated with Chemicals
Another serious reason why a dog may try to avoid wet grass is because the grass could have recently been treated with chemicals.
Dogs—and humans—that are exposed to fresh chemicals that have been applied to grass are in danger of suffering from a wide array of adverse health complications.
It usually takes a few days for chemicals to absorb into the grass, so if a dog owner notices that grass has recently been treated with chemicals, plan to stay off of the grass for several days.
A dog that walks on wet grass that has chemicals applied to it should have their paws thoroughly washed off immediately.
Pooches that lick their paws after walking on chemically-treated grass are at risk of suffering from vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, and even seizures.
Therefore, owners must really be vigilant when walking their dogs. If a landowner had a lawn that was recently treated with chemicals, there should be a sign that indicates the date of treatment. Watch out for these signs and adjust a dog walking route accordingly.
Some canine companions will try to avoid lawns that were treated with chemicals, but others may be attracted to the interesting smells that these lawns produce, so owners cannot rely on their dogs to avoid chemically-treated lawns.
If you suspect that your dog recently walked on a chemically-treated lawn and licked their paws, it would be a good idea to take them to a vet so their condition can be assessed.
This may sound like a hassle, but any responsible pet parent knows that this solution is far better than allowing a dog to become sick.
What Can I Do If My Dog Won’t Walk In Wet Grass?
Do you have a pooch that simply refuses to walk in wet grass? Those who own such a dog certainly still love their precious pup, but it can be frustrating to constantly find ways to accommodate their disdain for wet grass.
So, can an owner do anything to help their canine companion become more comfortable with wet grass?
Fortunately, owners of dogs that don’t enjoy walking on wet grass can breathe a collective sigh of relief, as there are ways to mitigate a dog’s dislike of wet grass.
The first thing someone should do if they own a dog who does not enjoy wet grass would be to observe their dog’s behavior and try to pinpoint the reason why a dog doesn’t like wet grass.
Note if a dog appears to be afraid, in pain, or uncomfortable when they are in or near wet grass. You can refer to the various reasons listed above to assist you in your effort to determine why your dog doesn’t like wet grass.
Once you’ve determined why your dog doesn’t like wet grass, there are several things that an owner can do to help their dog become comfortable in wet grass.
Take A Walk In The Rain
Going for a walk in the rain may be a great way to quell your dog’s fear of wet grass.
This solution may be particularly effective for dogs who don’t appreciate the sensation of getting their paws wet, as they will be less likely to notice wet feet if their bodies are already soaked from their rainy walk.
While it may not be the most comfortable walking solution for a dog or owner, it is a good place to start when dealing with a dog who dislikes damp grass. Just be sure that you watch out for lightning strikes when walking during heavy rain!
Throw Your Dog’s Favorite Toy Into Wet Grass
Giving dogs an incentive to overcome their negative associations with grass can be one of the best ways for them to conquer their fear, and what better incentive than throwing one of their favorite toys into wet grass?
Many dogs have a strong drive to chase after a toy when they see it get thrown by their owner, and it can be particularly hard to resist this temptation if the toy happens to be one of their favorites.
So, owners can try launching a toy into the wet grass and seeing how their dog responds. If all goes well, your dog will be so fixated on the toy that they forget all about running into the wet grass.
Allow Your Dog To Spend Time Around Other Dogs Who Enjoy Wet Grass
If you have a dog that is avoiding walking through wet grass, then perhaps it would be good for your dog to spend some time around pooches that do not have a fear of wet grass.
Most dogs love playing with other pooches, so if your dog has a natural aversion to wet grass, they may be able to get over their fear if their playmates are prancing around wet grass.
Seeing a dog friend navigate through wet grass can help your dog to create positive associations with wet grass.
You can also try restricting a dog friend to the wet grass so your dog has no choice but to venture into the wet grass if they wish to play with their friend.
Watching a dog friend repeatedly venture into wet grass will—hopefully—help your dog to eventually learn that wet grass does not pose any threat to them.
Incentivize Your Dog With High-Value Treats
Those who own a dog that is scared to walk on grass that is wet may want to try offering treats to their dog to coax them onto the grass.
However, not just any treat will do. Pet parents should offer high-value treats to dogs experiencing fear periods with wet grass, as the incentive of such a treat may be too tantalizing for a dog to resist.
Therefore, grab your dog’s favorite bag of treats and head out to the lawn if you’re looking for a way to mitigate your dog’s anxiety with wet grass.
Offer Positive Reinforcement To Your Dog
One of the reasons why your dog doesn’t want to go on the grass anymore could be because your dog thinks—for whatever reason—that they’re not allowed on the grass.
If your dog suddenly does not want to spend time on your lawn, try to offer positive reinforcement to encourage your pal.
This is one of the easiest things that an owner can do to help their dog associate grass with good emotions rather than bad ones. If you have a dog that is avoiding grass, giving it words of encouragement should be one of the first things that you do to change this behavior.
Outfit Your Dog With Dog Booties
If you own a pooch that does not enjoy the sensation of a wet lawn on their paws, pet owners can try outfitting their furry friends with dog boots that they can wear during a stroll.
Dogs that avoid walking on wet grass may simply dislike the feeling of the wet grass on their sensitive paws. If this is the case, then you could try putting some dog booties on your pup to see if they become more inclined to walk on wet surfaces.
Now, it is worth pointing out that dog boots can create problems of their own, as many dogs avoid walking altogether if they’re forced to wear such things.
However, if your dog seems to find dog boots or foot pads to be acceptable, then they could be a good solution for dogs afraid of real grass that is wet.
Can Dogs Go On Fertilized Grass?
If you’ve recently fertilized your lawn, you may be curious if your pooch can still step foot onto the grass.
Lawns that have recently had chemicals applied to them are not ideal environments for dogs, as a dog could accidentally ingest some of the chemicals that have been applied to a lawn.
Accidental ingestion of fertilizers could prompt an allergic reaction from your dog or induce some sort of medical condition.
Therefore, it is best to keep dogs off of grass that has recently had fertilizer applied to it.
What To Do If My Dog Accidentally Walks On Grass That Was Recently Fertilized?
If your canine companion accidentally walks through wet grass that contains chemicals from fertilizers, you will want to prevent them from licking their paws and ingesting the chemicals.
After noticing that your dog accidentally ingested chemicals, get your dog inside as soon as possible and thoroughly wipe off your dog’s paws with a wet towel.
If your curious pooch gets into fertilizers or other chemicals, it may mean that it’s bath time for your dog, as bathing them is a good way to ensure that the chemicals get adequately washed off.
Where Should My Dog Go Potty If My Lawn Has Been Recently Fertilized?
If your lawn has been recently fertilized, you may be wondering about what options remain for areas in which your dog can go potty.
Well, if your entire lawn was fertilized, then a dog walk will need to take place elsewhere for the days following the treatment.
A good way to avoid these circumstances would be to exclude a sizable portion of your yard from chemical treatment. Owners can then keep their dogs within that portion of the lawn for a few days while the rest of the lawn absorbs the chemicals.
Better yet, owners could consider doing away with the idea of treating their lawns with chemicals, as this practice is simply not good for your canine companion.