Although we perceive it as a sign of decency, there are actually much more important reasons to pick up after our dogs.
Did you know the U. S. Dog waste is classified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a pollutant, making it comparable to oil spills.
The EPA website states that “Pet waste carries bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can endanger the health of people and wildlife.” Additionally, pet waste contains nutrients that encourage the growth of weeds and algae (eutrophication). Eutrophic water that is green and cloudy makes swimming and other recreational activities unhealthy. ”.
Here are 4 Reasons Why Picking Up After Your Dog is More Important Than You Think!!
If you believe that dog poop will break down or just wash away, youre wrong. Dog waste can take up to 12 months to fully break down. Plus, when rainwater washes over dog poop, it flows into the drainage systems. Then the contaminated water is carried into lakes, streams, and rivers. What this means is the next time you go swimming in your favorite spot, you could be swimming in fecal water. Studies have shown that up to 30% of bacteria found in watersheds come from pet waste!
The parasites and bacteria in dog waste can spread disease to other dogs and even you if not properly picked up. E. coli and salmonella are some of the bacteria which are carried in dog waste. Even if your dog does not show symptoms of being sick their waste can carry diseases that are harmful to humans and other pets. Plus, Coronavirus, Giardiasis, Parvovirus, Cryptosporidiosis, Salmonellosis, and Campylobacteriosis, along with several types of worms like ringworm and tapeworm.
The bacteria and parasites can persist in the soil for many years. You risk exposing other people’s pets to harmful bacteria by failing to pick up after your dog. Gardeners and kids who play outside are most at risk for contamination
This harmful bacteria also affects water quality. There are nutrients and pathogens that can pollute the water if the poop is not disposed of correctly. When your furry best friend does his business and the waste ends up in the water, it decomposes and releases harmful nutrients that will cause excessive growth of algae and weeds in the water. The water will become smelly and unusable for locals to swim, fish, or boat in. When water is polluted with this kind of waste it can cause severe illness for humans.
You should never let your dog defecate in a storm drain and should never let your dog poop within 200 feet of a body of water.
Find food that fits your pet’s needs
It isn’t exactly the most enjoyable chore to clean up after your dog. It can be tempting to skip this task, but doing so is not only detrimental to the environment and public health, but it’s also frequently against the law. Continue reading to learn how to remove dog poop from grass and all of the reasons why you should pick up your dog’s waste.
Is It Bad To Not Pick Up Dog Poop In My Yard?
Dog waste needs to be removed as soon as possible.
Dog waste shouldn’t be used to fertilize your lawn because it isn’t fertilizer.
It also could be harboring diseases and parasites!
FAQ
Do you have to pick up dog poop in your yard?
If not right away, clean up all dog waste in your yard once a week at the very least. Never mow the lawn with dog poop in it. Any bacteria or parasites in the poop will be spread throughout your yard by your lawnmower. Winter dog waste should be removed as soon as possible.
What happens if you dont pick up dog poo?
If dog waste isn’t properly picked up, the parasites and bacteria in it can cause disease in other dogs and even you. E. Among the bacteria found in dog waste are coli and salmonella. Even if your dog isn’t displaying symptoms of illness, their waste can contain diseases that are dangerous to people and other animals.
How often should dog poop be picked up?
If you only have one small dog, you can usually pick up dog waste once a week because most dogs poop at least twice a day, sometimes more. Picking up dog waste at least once a day or whenever your dogs poop is a good idea if you have multiple dogs because you will have multiple piles of dog waste in your yard.
Do you get fined if you don’t pick up your dogs poop?
Fecal Fines in Major U. S. Cities Los Angeles, California fine: $500. Washington, D. C fine: $150 – $2,000. Chicago, Illinois fine: $50 – $500. Houston, Texas fine: $75 – $500.