UK pet owners warned one garden item could cause serious danger to animals
Experts have warned about common one thing in UK homes that could pose a serious risk to pets.
In warm weather, pets love to be outside, but for artificial grass owners, this can pose a hazard to their pets' paws.
Dr Linda Simon, Resident Vet at Pooch & Mutt warned: “Owners need to be aware that artificial grass does not act like real grass, and can heat up quickly to much higher temperatures.
“Due to this it can pose a hazard to dogs, who can easily burn their paw pads.
“It is important to continually check the temperature of the grass, so lay your palm flat on it for five seconds - if this is uncomfortable, your dog should not be walking on it.”
To address this, the artificial grass experts at Grass247 have shared their top tips on keeping artificial grass cool during the summer and heatwaves to protect pets' paws.
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Summer can be a challenging time to maintain lush gardens, but artificial grass offers a low-maintenance alternative that stays green year-round.
However, with summer temperatures sometimes reaching up to 30 degrees C, it's crucial to ensure that artificial grass remains safe for both human and animal feet.
Grass247 has detailed three ways to cool down your artificial lawn to prevent damage to both human and animal feet.
Firstly, keeping your lawn hydrated is essential.
In hot weather, watering your grass is one of the quickest and easiest ways to keep it cool.
This can be done with a watering can, garden hose, or even just a bucket of cool water.
For a more even and consistent cooling method, consider adding a misting system around your artificial grass.
Secondly, providing shade is another effective method.
Adding umbrellas, awnings, or pergolas over your artificial grass can drastically lower its temperature by shading it from the sun's rays.
Shade sails or pop-up tents offer a flexible, short-term solution, allowing you to control the temperature of your fake grass whenever needed.
Thirdly, using the right infill is crucial for keeping your artificial grass cool and comfortable.
Cooling infills or underlay products can hold onto moisture and release it slowly, creating a refreshing effect as it evaporates.
Adding the proper infill to your artificial grass installation is a practical way to combat the heat and ensure your lawn remains a comfortable area throughout the summer.