We originally saw glass on some high-rise patios near the ocean in California. For similar reasons of not blocking the view from our kitchen. When constructing a porch onto our patio, we installed tempered glass between the posts and below our railing rather than balusters. We used 3/8" glass, had a local glass shop cut to necessary dimensions and send them out for tempering.

We also have a dog. Because ours is on an egress porch, not a full patio, there isn't much activity near the glass. As far as cleaning, it really has never been a problem. Maybe once or twice a season.

Here's a photo. Look behind the pergola to the egress porch. Glass is below the railing - practically invisable.

{{!gwi}}

We have the same issues....we have fantastic lake views from 4 large back decks at our home in Lake Tahoe....cable was a little too contemporary for our home and I know the glass is going to be a pain to clean....but we've made the decision to do glass. Some companies have the glass louvered slats....I think that would even be more time consuming to clean.

We figure, if you have million dollar views, why on earth would you hide them?
We are putting wrought iron railings on the decks at the front of our house where we have no views. Good luck.