It is very important that we, as responsible pet owners, pick up after our pet whether in the yard or on a walk. See our article on “Pet Waste and the Environment” to learn more about the dangers of leaving dog waste on the ground.
The common misconception
What is most commonly misconceived is the idea that dog waste can be used as a natural fertilizer and therefore can be left on the soil to slowly break down. It is true that cow and horse manure is commonly used in farming as soil enhancers, but dog waste (due to the meat in their diet) can contain a load of pathogens. Dog waste, without being properly composted, can harm your soil, kill your grass, weaken your plants, and potentially infect both humans and pets.
Dog waste can contain a great amount of bacteria
Typically, dog waste contains a great deal of bacteria even if coming from a healthy dog. Anything from ringworm, roundworm, salmonella and giardia are commonly found in dog feces and are easily transferable to both humans and dogs upon contact. This bacteria, in a typical yard will retain that bacteria, as well as any soil or water it touches, from weeks to even years.
The CDC found that approximately 13.9% of the U.S. population has tested positive to Toxocara (roundworms).
What about composting?
Composting is a natural process that breaks down organic waste to then be used as a nutritious source for plants. Dog waste, an organic matter high in nitrogen, can be composted when mixed with the correct ratio of carbon, BUT it must be of a certain volume, certain temperature, and – most importantly – must be safely contained within the first month of the break-down process. For those who have tried composting dog waste in a backyard pile will notice that after a long period of time – the poo will still remain. Not only will your “poo pile” stick around for a lot longer than you want it to, but potential parasites may not be killed off and can spread throughout your yard. Backyard composting for dog waste is not recommended as it should be conducted in a very controlled and secure environment.
How to properly dispose of pet waste
Look into the services that your county has to offer. Will your sewage plant allow you to flush your dog’s waste?
Does your city offer compost services for dog waste specifically? Of course the most common way to dispose of pet waste is to bag it and trash it. In fact, double bagging it is even better to protect garbage workers from any potential exposure to the bacteria.
Pet Poo Skiddoo offers services for weekly and biweekly scoops to ensure your pet’s waste is being properly disposed of to keep your family happy, healthy, and safe.