Top 4 Reasons Why Picking Up Pet Waste is Crucial
If you think that leaving your dog’s poop isn’t a big deal, you should reconsider. In this article, we will explain what happens when your dog’s waste isn’t properly disposed of.
Once you learn what those consequences are, you will be convinced that picking up after your dog is essential.
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Dog Waste Dirties Up the Environment
Dog poop contains pathogens that harm the environment. If it ends up in the water, it could harm aquatic animals and organisms. Being that water is essential for life, we can’t afford to pollute it. But that is exactly what happens when pet waste finds its way into storm drains. Those drains provide a direct route to streams, rivers, lakes, or the ocean, bypassing a sanitation or sewer treatment plant. Over time the waste will begin to decay. That process takes oxygen from the water and causes the release of ammonia. If the amount of pet waste in the water is high enough, algae will grow, and fish will die. Furthermore, the water will also become unsuitable for recreational purposes. Fishermen and boaters won’t be able to use the polluted body of water. At this point, you might be wondering if your dog’s waste alone could really cause that much damage. The answer is no. If your canine were the only dog in the whole neighborhood, the environmental impacts of your pet’s waste would be significantly reduced. But don’t forget that your dog isn’t the only one around. According to iHeartDogs, “Our natural ecosystem can handle two dogs per square mile. In urban areas, there are 125 dogs per square mile.” That should put things into perspective! Are you starting to understand why it’s crucial to pick up after your dog?
It Could Make You or Someone Else Sick
Your dog’s waste could carry harmful bacteria and parasites. Those pathogens can make humans sick through indirect contact with pet feces. Transmission occurs via flies and other animals that had direct contact with the poop. But that’s not the only way that pet waste spreads illnesses. If someone steps on feces that contain parasite eggs or hookworm larvae, that person could become sick. Unfortunately, many other dangerous organisms could be found in your dog’s waste. Some examples include:
- Roundworms
- Salmonella
- E. coli
- Giardia
- Leptospira
- Parvovirus
- Coliform bacteria
- Cryptosporidium
As you can see, leaving dog poop in your yard is a risk that isn’t worth taking, especially if you have young children who love to play outside.
You Shouldn’t Use It on Your Plants
Have you heard that leaving dog waste will fertilize the grass? Don’t be so quick to believe that claim. In reality, your dog’s poop is far too acidic for your lawn and will probably end up destroying it. But could you compost it? That’s possible, but the process might be more trouble than it’s worth. Remember, dog poop has lots of pathogenic parasites and bacteria. Those pathogens need to be killed in order to keep your compost safe. But that requires relatively high temperatures. Your compost heap will need to maintain a temperature of 165 ° F for five days. However, most backyard compost piles aren’t going to reach that temperature. To further complicate matters, you would also need to set up a separate pile for your dog waste. This will ensure that your other compost materials will remain safe to use even if something goes wrong with the dog waste pile. But after all the trouble you go through to compost pet waste safely, the finished product still won’t be safe enough to use on any plants that you are growing for food. So, rather than using it in your garden, wouldn’t it be much easier and safer to dispose of your pet’s waste?
It Just Isn’t Pleasant to Have Around
Sure, it takes some extra effort and time to pick up after your dog. But isn’t a clean yard that doesn’t smell like dog doo worth it? And it eliminates the risk of stepping in a pile of waste. That means you can actually enjoy the time you spend in your yard. And when you have guests over or host a party, you won’t be embarrassed by a yard that smells and looks terrible. Instead, there will be no trace of waste! By now, you should be convinced that picking up after your dog is vitally important. It’s easier than composting it, and it’s better for the environment. It’s also safer for you and your loved ones, and your yard will become a more enjoyable place to relax in.
Want some more Savvy Secrets? Check them out:
Can Dogs Get Seasonal Depression? Yes: Here’s How to Care for Them
Dog-Friendly Pumpkin Patches in Central Florida
Best Dog-Friendly Beaches Near Central Florida
Pros and Cons of Different Dog Training Methods: Board and Train Facilities, In-Home Training, and Group Training
About the Author:
Savanna Westwood
Savanna Westwood is the Owner and Founder of The Savvy Sitter, Pet Sitting and Dog Walking, LLC. She has grown up with animals all her life and enjoys spending time with them. Savanna has lived in the Winter Garden and Windermere Area for over 30 years. When she is not taking care of Fur Friends, one can find her reading, practicing archery, riding, and devising ways to provide additional and excellent services to clients. Savanna is a Certified Professional Pet Sitter with Pet Sitter International's CPPS certification and also holds certification in Pet First Aid and CPCR for Pet-Care Professionals.
