Dog waste is an environmental pollutant. In 1991, it was labeled a non-point source pollutant by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), placing it in the same category as herbicides and insecticides; oil, grease and toxic chemicals; and acid drainage from abandoned mines. Cleaning up after your dog waste can be a stinky job, but someone’s gotta do it. Constant clean up is necessary for a healthy environment for you and your family.
Far from Fertilizer
Dog waste does not make for a good fertilizer. It is actually toxic to your lawn, causing burns and unsightly discoloring. Further than the grass, it is anticipated that one gram of dog waste can comprise 29 million fecal Coliform bacteria, which results in diarrhea, serious kidney disorders in humans, intestinal illness, and cramps. EPA even estimates that 2 or 3 days’ worth of poop pile-ups from about 100 dogs would contribute enough bacteria to momentarily close a bay, and all watershed areas within 25 miles of it, to swimming and shell fishing.
Dog feces are one of the most common carriers of the following diseases:
- Whipworms
- Hookworms
- Roundworms
- Tapeworms
- Parvo
- Corona
- Giardiasis
- Salmonellosis
- Cryptosporidiosis
- Campylobacteriosis
Which parasites can humans acquire?
Yes, humans are capable of contracting hookworms, tapeworms, threadworms and campylobacteriosis. This is the most significant reason to avoid allowing dogs (especially puppies) to like your face and mouth – affectionately known as “puppy kisses”. If a dog has recently eaten feces or attempted to groom their hind quarters and come into contact with this infectious material, there is a chance the parasites will be passed directly into your mouth. Children are particularly susceptible to diseases as they are inclined to enjoy playing in the dirt, where parasites like hookworm larvae lay latent waiting for a new host. Young children may also put dirty hands or toys in their mouth, further increasing the chance for infectious material consumption.
Disease Prevention
Pet feces can be calamitous to the local water table, polluting nearby drinking water, rivers, lakes and ponds. When feces are permitted to stay in the soil for extended durations, rainstorms will begin to adulterate and break apart the feces and slowly spread the bacteria on other contaminants into local water sources. However, in case your backyard happens to embrace water for long durations, the issue may be augmented. To circumvent prospective infection, dog feces should be removed from the yard every 1 – 7 days, depending on the size of the dog and number of dogs in the household. Larger dogs will need more frequent cleanup, as will households with more than 1 dog. A family with one Pomeranian will have a much lower environmental impact than the family with 2 Great Anes.
If you are too busy to clean up after your dog, or the thought of it just makes you gag, there are many services available today, such as Arrowhead Pooper Scoopers, that will gladly do the dirty work for you in Peoria, Arizona. Feel free to call 602-391-0160 or visit PoopRemoval.com for a free dog poop removal quote.