Doggy Doo Doo Be Gone
Doggy Doo Doo Be Gone
Cleaning up pet waste is not just a responsibility, but also helps to protect your yard and your family- including the family dog. Dog waste has a huge impact on safety and visual appeal and in many cases, it can be seen as a reflection of yourself. Imagine as a guest you visit a friend and step in the poo, and not your stuck scraping it off. This impression of visiting you may affect future relationships and the interactions with those guests.
Pet poo has a high level of nitrogen, reducing nutrients levels by 97% in phosphorus and 56% in nitrogen (Topics, 2023). Dog poop actually has such a high content is can be considered too high in certain nutrients, even beyond legal limits. On average, dogs contribute around 11 pounds of phosphorus per hectare (2.5 Acres) and 24 pounds of nitrogen per hectare, and even more around pathways in nature preserves, leading to potential ecosystem damage in sensitive nature preserves.
Pet poo also is a breeding ground for bacteria that can be harmful to other animals and children. Some of the bacteria common to dog poop includes Campylobacteria (symptoms include diarrhea, cramping, fever, and pain) which can last about a week, but for people with compromised immune systems, it can be fatal (Canadian Public Health Association, n.d.). E Coli is another common bacteria of dog poop, and again can be fatal to those with compromised immune systems. Salmonella and Yersinosis are another two common bacteria found in dog waste not cleaned up.
Bacteria is not the only concern, as roundworm and tapeworm are two parasites that linger in poo. Giardia is another parasite found in dog poo, though most commonly is thought about in water and a concern for many hikers when needing to refill hydration devices. Dog poop is also known to cause the growth of a fungi that can be harmful to the environment in some cases. Simply put, not cleaning up pet waste has lasting effects to both animals and people, and even the environment.
What about the law? Many places have ordinances and statutes pertaining to the clean up of pet waste. Even some organizations have established requirements for cleaning up pet poop on the property grounds, or have designated poop stations. Medford, Wisconsin, for example, has an ordinance under 9.2.01 that requires all fecal matter to be cleaned up immediately on both public and private land. According to Stevens Point, Wisconsin, in some areas it can actually be illegal to dump it in the trash, so make sure you follow proper disposal (WI, n.d.).
Lastly, it’s the neighborly thing to do. Leaving waste can cause many issues that affect the soil and water, which in return can affect property value and curb appeal. It also leaves a lasting impression of how others think of you as a person. This leaves us at some choices to make. Choices that affect us, our pets, the pets of others, adults and children, and the land around us. Some simple solutions include:
· Hire a doggy waste clean up service. Let them handle the clean up and disposal, and save you the time and hassle. Its not a costly service, either.
· Check with your local government about ordinance and recommendations for disposal. Some may require special procedures, while others may suggest placing it in the trash.
· Carry poo bags with you. They even make awesome key chain style ones that can be left in the car, in your purse, on your keys, or even attached to some leashes.
· Make sure you designate specific areas of your yard for your dog to poop around. This will also help keep it collected and organized, reducing the spread. Never mow it, as it just spreads the potential for harm.
· Always clean it up immediately. Never let it sit for long periods as that is how bacteria grow. Plus, it will cause flies and maggots to breed.
Works Cited
Canadian Public Health Association. (n.d.). Human Disease Trasmitted Dog Poop. Retrieved from Canadian Public Health Association: https://www.cpha.ca/human-diseases-transmitted-dog-poop
Topics, T. (2023, February 6). Pet Waste and its cost to the environment. Retrieved from Piedmont Master Gardners: https://piedmontmastergardeners.org/pet-waste-and-its-cost-to-the-environment/
WI, S. P. (n.d.). Pet Waste. Retrieved from Stevens Point: https://stevenspoint.com/763/Pet-Waste