A life that’s shared with a dog is full of many things, and one of those things is poop. There’s no getting around it, one of the least pleasant aspects of dog guardianship is poop patrol; cleaning up after Fido in public places, your own backyard and occasionally inside the house. Oops! It’s one of those chores that’s never “done” and rarely gets a thank you.
Because it is a smelly, yucky, thankless job it’s easy to understand why dog owners might want to take a short cut once in a while. You may be tempted to throw your dog’s waste in the compost pile, nearest storm drain or to not clean up after your best friend at all when the two of you are out for your daily walk. But not cleaning up after your dog is more than just rude; it’s a danger to your health.
The Dangers of Pet Waste
The waste of carnivores contains bacteria that can be harmful to humans. When it’s not properly disposed of, pet waste can be washed into the storm drains where it contaminates rivers, lakes, streams and marine water – and the fish you might eat that comes from those waterways. And if you don’t think a few pets can really have that big of an environmental impact consider this: The amount of waste produced by the cats and dogs in Seattle, WA is equivalent to the amount of waste produced by approximately 50,000 people, according to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Proper Waste Management
The best way to dispose of pet waste is to flush it down the toilet where it will undergo the same treatments as human waste. But bringing Fido’s special package into the house and flushing it down the toilet is not a practical solution for most people. The second best option is to scoop the waste into a plastic bag and throw it in the trash. When out and about, always remember to bring your special “doggie bags” to clean up with and dispose of the bag in a trash can. A third option is to bury small amounts of pet waste in the backyard, well away from vegetable gardens or areas where you and your family recreate.
Be Prepared
Your dog poops every day, several times a day. It’s not a surprise, and there’s no excuse to be caught without the proper tools to clean up after him. Make it a habit to keep a few plastic bags tied to his leash whenever you go out and you’ll never be caught short. Rolls of bags purchased at the pet store are handy, but grocery bags work just as well and don’t cast anything extra. A package of doggie wipes can also come in handy when things get messy.
The next time you think it’s too much trouble to clean up after your dog at the park or dispose of his backyard waste properly, think about what it would be like to swim with his poop at the lake or sprinkle a little bit of it on your next plate of scallops. Eww! And if you need a thank you for a job well done, just take a look into your dog’s happy, healthy eyes.
Resources:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Pet Waste Management
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Wastes – Resource Conservation – Reuse, Recyle – Composting