Why Do We Pick Up Dog Poop?: A Guide to Understanding the Issue
Mar 9
6 min read
1
18
0
Why Do We Pick Up Dog Poop?: A Guide to Understanding the Issue
A lot of people don’t know or even think to consider if there is a difference between pet poop and wild animal poop and what the effects may be if not picked up. Let this blog post act as your guide to understanding the issue! Today we’ll go over the difference of these droppings, why we pick up dog poop, what harm unchecked pet waste can cause, as well as the areas of highest concern regarding this topic — whether it’s an actual physical location or just a talking point.
What’s the difference between pet and wild scat — How can you tell?
Wild animal poop generally looks different and comes in many different shapes and sizes where dog poop just comes in a variety of sizes and STINKS! This is due to the higher levels of nutrients.
Really the most important difference is what’s in it. While wild animal poop contains all the natural things of the forest in all the right amounts, dog poop can contain much more. Not only are there higher amounts of nutrients but also things like synthetic ingredients from processed foods or medications & chemical remnants from things like flea treatments, bad water, microplastics, etc…
Why we should pick it up
It’s Not Fertilizer
A lot of people think (I used to be one of them) “oh, it’s okay, I’ll leave it and it’ll give some juice to the plants and soil” and that’s admirable thinking of you since you’ve already thrown out the idea of picking it up — however, this isn’t the reality.
Dog poop contains much higher levels of nitrogen and phosphorus, in amounts that kill rather than sustain. Not to mention, all the other not-so-natural things that make up domesticated dog poop mentioned above.
Ever seen a brown patch of grass where a pile of poo has laid residence? Yeah, nutrient overload. These nutrients can also lead to an overgrowth of algae and weeds in waterways deeming them unusable for wildlife or human use/recreation.
As evidenced by our world over the past 50+ years, when we introduce synthetic or toxic ingredients to a natural environment or template, sickness or dis-ease occurs.
What are the effects of not picking up your dog poop ?
Contamination
Sickness
Aesthetic
Contamination
The range of contamination issues due to this neglect is quite wide; soil, water, animal and people are all the subjects at risk here.
Dog poop may contain bacteria or even parasites like worms! Leaving your dogs doo doo to natures resources especially in this case could lead to ground or water contamination and effect other wild animals, even pose a threat to people.
Here is a list of things that can be transmitted to animals, people or the ecosystem:
Salmonella & E.coli: can harm soil & water and wildlife/human health
Giardia: found in contaminated water causing sickness in both animals and people
Worms: roundworms, tapeworms, whipworms, hookworms can contaminate land and water or you & your dog
Parvovirus: highly contagious, can be deadly to some aniamls -- canines especially
Sickness
Parvo is another good reason to practice picking up your pets poop. Parvovirus is considered pretty dangerous and I’ve personally heard stories of pets taking a very fast, very bad turn, very quickly after coming in contact with contaminated feces. This virus isn’t just limited to harming your pup but even other wild canines like coyotes, foxes or wolves.
Aesthetic
A reason that should go without saying is that a maintained trail, park or sidewalk, etc… fosters a clean, pretty atmosphere & aesthetic. Nobody wants to have to brave the hall of poo just to have a nice walk.
Speaking of this, back when I lived in Colo Springs, there was a well known trail at a well know park that in my mind was know as this “hall of poo”. It was like the first few minutes of the walk you’re overwhelmed with dog poop surrounding you on both sides and it was disgusting. Needless to say I stopped going — also in part to the crowds. The worst part of this subject is the blatant disregard and frankly, ignorance of people who continue year after year to stay in the same habit despite having some idea what they’re doing isn’t right.
Areas of Highest Concern:
Conversationally and Geographically
Conversationally
We the people will be the ones to change the norm but it has to start with an understanding of why we do what we do — in this case cleaning up after ourselves/dogs.
I’ve always believed the better we as a whole understand something, the better we can go about succeeding.
I think this aspect to the topic is an important one because once we all understand leaving our dog poop to decompose brings along plenty of heath and environmental risks, we will begin to look at how we can play our role a little differently, for everyone.
Geographically
When out walking your dog some definite no drop zones for fido will be near water. So streams, rivers, lakes, wetlands, etc… Think of it as direct access into the blood vein of our environment — once water is involved especially moving water, things start spreading further and potentially in different ways. 200 ft. is the minimum distance you should be — this goes for people too.
(If you’ve taken our quick Safety & Sustainability Checkup Quiz, you already know this!)
In my opinion, if you’re going to remember any of this, remember that. Keep away from the water source!
High traffic areas of course are places that see higher amounts of pet waste so do your part and pick it up next time visiting a busy trail at the park — or really anywhere at the park.
OK —if you’re out in the middle of absolute nowhere and your dog's not making a habit of going in the same place everyday, no it probably doesn’t matter, but let’s be real, that’s most likely not your situation.
More likely, you live around a community park or heavily traveled trail system(s); these are high concern places in need of its people to make the necessary effort.
An interesting note by an animal pollution study says dogs carry higher levels of toxins in them than humans -- some even say even higher levels for dogs living in cities or urban areas.
In the US alone there are 80+ million dogs that excrete over 11.5 million tons of waste per year, coupled with the fact there are toxins in thier poop, this just adds to the recipe of environmental pollution.
Sensitive or protected lands/ecosystems. When places have this designation it’s generally for good reasons, whether it’s to regenerate plant life or fully protect the space forever, be sure to exercise respect around these areas — if you’re even allowed in there.
Lastly, campgrounds and picnic areas are again obvious places you want to keep free from pet waste. Why? Well, becuase you're eating and sleeping there. We've all heard the saying, "you don't poop where you eat" -- with many applications; here it's literal.
I remember camping on a backpacking trip in the Carolinas years ago, they told us “pack in it, pack it out”, the ground where we were going had enough campers poop buried in it and it needed to regenerate.
Let's not get to that point, what do ya say?
Conclusion
If we can all learn the effects of not picking up after our pets, that will be the first step in turning the masses detrimental way of thinking around. It’s all about the education, if people don’t learn the bigger picture than they have no reason to implement change. I think tackling this issue will be much easier if the motive comes from within and that’s only possible through enlightening the people, not demanding an action without an understanding.
I also want to say for those who need to hear this: I haven't practiced this my whole life but I woke up to this issue and made the change. It makes me happy knowing I’m contributing to a healthier tomorrow. And you can too!
Are you ready?
Eco Friendly Dog Bags
After doing some research I decided to start using Earth Rated dog bags. I decided on these because they’re a practical choice while trying be eco conscious. They’re made partly with recycled plastic and maintain their strength. That was the biggest draw me, as we know ‘bagasse’ (which is more natural) compromises strength in the dog poop bag department.
What bags do you use? Let us know in the comments!
Links:
4 Reasons Why Dog Poop Cleanup is Important
Parasite and Poop: The Importance of Picking up After your Dog
Toxic to Animals: How Environmental Toxins Impact your Dog
Scat and Droppings ID Key by Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management The Inside Scoop (on dog poop) Polluted Pets by ewg.org
*Restored Lands is not sponsored by any product we've shared in this post. Products we share are based off of personal use or belief & support of product.
