The Importance of Pet Waste Disposal
Contrary to common belief, if you have pet waste left on the street or lawn it does not fertilize the grass. Pet waste doesn’t just decompose. It actually adds harmful bacteria to local waters when it’s not disposed of properly.
That means your pet waste will end up down storm drains and into waterways like rivers, bays, and beaches. Animal waste contains two main types of pollutants that harm local waters: nutrients and pathogens. The pathogens will ultimately make the water un-swimmable, un-fishable, and cause severe illness in humans.
That’s why it’s critical to dispose of your pet waste the correct way. We’ll cover the dangers and correct pet waste removal tactics.
The Dangers of Pet Waste
Pet waste carries a number of bacteria, parasites, and other diseases that can be transmitted to humans, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Dog feces are one of the most common carriers of the following diseases:
- Whipworms
- Hookworms
- Roundworms
- Tapeworms
- Parvo
- Coronavirus
- Giardiasis
- Salmonellosis
- Cryptosporidiosis
- Campylobacteriosis
These dangers are extremely harmful for your family and pets. For example dog droppings can transmit roundworms to both children and adults. Another hazard is Campylobacteriosis. It causes gastrointestinal problems and can cause life-threatening infections in infants, older persons, and people with weakened immune systems.
In cities the problem is compounded by rats and other rodents. Dog waste is often a leading food source for rats in urban areas. Rat urine and feces have been linked to a number of diseases that can easily be passed to humans, including leptospirosis, typhus, and salmonellosis, E. coli, and other infections.
What Should I Keep In Mind With Pet Waste
Keep a supply of bags handy on every dog walk. Use the bag to pick up the waste, and tie it closed. Then throw it in the nearest trash can, and you’re done! Many parks and recreational areas have courtesy bags and disposal boxes, designed specifically for dog waste.
Follow local rules and signs about pet waste disposal and removal. Some cities and towns have fines for not picking up waste on streets, in parks, or in dog parks. It is the law nationwide (with few exceptions) that dog owners must clean up after their dogs. Fines ranging from $20 to $10,000 are commonplace coast to coast in every state, city and township.
How Should I Remove My Pet Waste at Home
It’s important to dispose of the waste in the garbage only. Do not dispose of your pet waste in any of the ways indicated below.
- Do not throw waste near or into storm drains.
- Do not dump your pet waste outside.
- Do not flush pet waste down your toilet.
It’s advised to not compost your pet waste either. Waste from meat eaters (dog or cat) should not be placed in a compost pile because the parasites, bacteria, and viruses are not destroyed during the composting process and can be passed on to humans causing serious illness.
It’s also a good idea to pick up after your dog at home. Some diseases can be transmitted from pet waste to humans through contact with the soil. Children playing outside and adults who garden are most at risk. You can use a “pet waste pick-up” service that will come to your home.
If you have large animals, barnyard and manure management is critical to the protection of water resources. Please visit your state website for more information.
Do You Scoop The Poop?
If you need help picking up the poop or simply don’t want to do the dirty job, let us do it! We come “do the duty” on a weekly or biweekly basis. You’ll also have your lawn sanitized and deodorized. Sign up for Poo Patrol LV.