We’ve all stepped in dog poop at one time or another, whether it’s on the street, in a park or even on our own lawns. As we scrape it off our shoes, we mutter a few choice words about people who are too lazy or irresponsible to pick up after their animals.
Dog waste that’s improperly disposed of is more than just a disgusting nuisance. It’s unhealthy for people and other dogs, and it’s also bad for the environment. Curbing your dog (aka picking up his poop) is an ordinance in most cities now, although a lot of people still don’t do it – and that makes all dog lovers look bad.
Reasons to scoop poop
• The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classified pet waste as a dangerous pollutant. And this doesn’t come from folks jumping on the “green” bandwagon; this classification was made nearly 20 years ago.
- The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed that pet waste can spread parasites – including salmonella, tapeworms, roundworms and hookworms.
- Un-scooped poop can be washed into storm drains and wind up in distant rivers and streams.
- Dog poop is a team player and likes to get together with harmful bacteria like E. coli and fecal coliform bacteria. These can cause intestinal illness including cramps and diarrhea, and even kidney disorders.
Safe and clean pickup
- Always pick up your dog’s waste, even if it’s in your own yard or in a wild area where people don’t often walk. Use a scoop, as it keeps your hands safely away from the waste. Pooper scoopers come in portable sizes that are perfect for walks, or opt for a scooper with a long handle for your yard.
- Instead of using plastic bags, which don’t break down in landfill, you can purchase biodegradable poop bags such as BioBag in which to dispose of the waste. These are eco-friendly and easy to use. Biodegradable waste bags are made from renewable sources like corn, contain no chemical additives, and decompose naturally when exposed to the earth.
- Another option is to hire a company that will come to your house and pick up the poop in your yard. Poop scooping companies are a safe alternative because they disinfect all their equipment, shoes and tools after each visit. That way your lawn will be clean and ready for outdoor activities.
- Once picked up, the bagged waste can be placed in the garbage, or you can separate the waste from the bag, flush it down the toilet, then dispose of the biodegradable bag. Or, believe it or not, you can compost it.
Garbage in, garbage out
Dogs that eat poor quality diets full of synthetic additives, and/or that take a lot of medications, will produce waste containing chemical toxins, thereby adding to environmental pollution. One way to help the planet (and your dog!) is to feed him a natural whole-foods diet and keep his immune system healthy enough that he doesn’t need drugs.
For details on Composting dog poop check out our website at www.dirtydogsspa.com/compostingpoo
Article reprinted from Animal Wellness Magazine with permission.