Dog poop has become a considerable pollutant to our environment — both outdoors and in your own backyard!
Dogs are our beloved pets, and when you’re a dog parent, you have to take the good with the bad — including picking up your pet’s waste. The problem that we’re facing is that not all dog owners are diligent in picking up poop, and this has resulted in our water sources being polluted.
The 20+ billion pounds of annual dog poop is becoming a major concern, and The Vet Set is here to explore it in today’s post.
Dog Waste — Why We’re Talking About It
The reason we’re tackling this subject is that dog waste is abundant and it’s chock full of harmful parasites and bacteria that are beginning to have an effect on our environment. Dog poop is a common carrier of a variety of worms, parvo, giardia, campylobacter, salmonella, and many more harmful things, and if it’s not picked up and disposed of properly, rain runoff can send dog poop right into our water supply.
In one study from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, it was found that 42% of controllable bacteria in the water supply originated from dog feces, so when it’s mentioned to leave no trace, parks and rec are being extremely serious. Clean, potable water is a resource both humans and dogs rely on, so the more we can keep its source unpolluted, the better it is for everyone.
What Dog Owners Can Do
If you own a dog, you know that picking up poop is just a part of the deal — this is a non-negotiable and if you aren’t doing it, this is a major problem. Picking up dog waste is a two-step process:
- You pick up all of the dog waste
- You dispose of the waste
This doesn’t mean you use your dog waste bag and pick up the poop and then leave it on the ground. You need to get that waste into the trash or a compost bin.
Picking up dog waste doesn’t just end at daily walking, hiking trails, or city parks, you also need to pick it up in your yard. If it piles up at home, the storm runoff enters streams, lakes, and oceans without treatment, so be diligent in picking up your dog’s waste and disposing of it in the trash can.
If you’re camping or in an area where you can’t find a trash can, the next best thing is to bury it in a 6- to 8-inch hole.
Tips For Picking Up After Your Dog
- Get a dog poop bag dispenser for your leash.
- Tie a couple of poop bags on your dog’s collar before you go out.
- Research the trails or parks that have dog poop bag dispensers.
- Get in the routine of picking up waste in your yard daily.
When it comes to being a responsible dog owner, picking up dog waste is one of the most important things you can do to be a better steward of your community and the environment. It protects the water source and decreases pollution.
Keep Your Dog Healthy With The Vet Set
The Vet Set vet clinic in Carroll Gardens provides comprehensive services from wellness exams to alternative medicine options — including acupuncture — for pets. Call and schedule today!