Diabetic dog urine - Ask Extension
I have an elderly Labrador with diabetes. He drinks a lot of water and naturally has to pee a lot too. All winter long he’s pee’d in a 10 square f...
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Diabetic dog urine #924204
Asked February 03, 2026, 5:30 PM EST
I have an elderly Labrador with diabetes. He drinks a lot of water and naturally has to pee a lot too. All winter long he’s pee’d in a 10 square foot area right outside our back door. My question is, when the weather warms and things begin to melt what would be the best way to try to save our grass and tackle the odor. I feel like this for both you and the veterinarians at the U of M. I’m including a photo, sorry for the content. Thank you
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
This is a common challenge for pet owners. I have copied a previous answer. A urine spot is inevitable so making an area and covering it with dog friendly pea gravel can save some aggravation. There are enzyme solutions for managing the odor.
Good Morning,
Unfortunately, there is little that can be done. You can keep your dog off of the turf that you want to be aesthetically pleasing and train him to use an inconspicuous patch of grass to urinate. You can also follow behind him and water the area thoroughly with a watering can to dilute the urine after he is finished. The best defense is also to employ cultural habits that will result in the strongest, thickest lawn possible. More details on good cultural care of your lawn is given in this article: https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/ay/ay-327-w.pdf
I hope this helps. Thanks for using our service.
Good Morning,
Unfortunately, there is little that can be done. You can keep your dog off of the turf that you want to be aesthetically pleasing and train him to use an inconspicuous patch of grass to urinate. You can also follow behind him and water the area thoroughly with a watering can to dilute the urine after he is finished. The best defense is also to employ cultural habits that will result in the strongest, thickest lawn possible. More details on good cultural care of your lawn is given in this article: https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/ay/ay-327-w.pdf
I hope this helps. Thanks for using our service.
