As a conscientious pet owner, you know it is your job to take the best possible care of your canine family members. But that responsibility to be a good pet owner also extends to family members and neighbors. No one likes going for a walk or stepping out into their own yard and stepping in a ‘present’ left by the neighborhood dog. Responsible pet owners know they need to clean up after their pets, especially when in a public area or in another person’s yard. However, even the best dog owners often find themselves wondering about the best way to dispose of doggie poop and make the best choice in terms of what is best for their dog, their neighbors, and the environment. To help dispel some of the confusion, here are some key things you should and should not do with dog poo and pet waste.
What Not To Do
Don’t leave poop lying in the yard
More than just an eyesore and a source for an awful stink, poop left in the yard can pose a major health concern. Bacteria can thrive in the feces, and over time it can get leeched into the soil where it can contaminate your yard and garden and eventually, it can even get into the aquifer and contaminate water sources.
Don’t put dog waste in the compost pile
While at first, it may seem like a good idea to toss Fido’s presents into the compost bin, this is not the best choice either. Most compost bins will not get hot enough to fully kill the dangerous bacteria that can grow and thrive there. If the bacteria are not killed off totally, they can get into the compost and contaminate anything grown in that soil.
Don’t dump it into waterways
If you are out for a walk with your dog and have to pick it up after they do their business, it can be tempting to just toss it in a stream or lake or dump it down the sewer drain. Dumping animal waste into bodies of water is never a good idea because it can quickly pollute the entire water supply and make animals as well as people very sick.
What You Should Do
Do flush it or toss it in the trash
Picking up after your dog is important and necessary so no matter what you do with it afterward, it needs to be cleaned up. You can simply bag it and toss it in the trash or dump it in the toilet and flush it but it cannot be left lying around. You are supposed to be a responsible pet owner and that means cleaning up after your pet.
Do use paper bags or newspapers
If you do not want to use plastic, newspaper, or paper bags are a handy way to pick up after your dog does its business. You can then simply throw it away, knowing the paper will eventually decompose as well, or you can empty it into the toilet and flush the poop down as you normally would. There are always options available for dealing with pet waste.
No matter how you do it, cleaning up after your dog does its business is an important part of being a responsible pet owner. Reducing waste, recycling, and being a good steward are all important things we need to consider today. With these do’s and don’ts in mind, you can be better informed and make a better decision about what option is right for you!
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