It’s not the best part of being a dog parent, but keeping your yard free of waste provides a variety of benefits to both your home and your community. Check out this fact-packed post to learn more about why you should pick up dog poop in your yard, dog park, or on walks around your neighborhood.
1. Damage to your local water tables
Dog waste left in your yard can slowly leech into local water supplies thanks to precipitation like rain and snow. Over time, the contaminants in your dog’s poop can cause nitrogen buildup in the water, hurting wildlife and aquatic vegetation.
2. Exposure to disease
Animal waste can sometimes contain harmful microorganisms like E. Coli and Salmonella, disease-causing bacteria that can easily be transferred to humans, resulting in serious illness and life-threatening complications – particularly with children. Another potential disease exposure is parvovirus, a common and devastating canine virus that can be transferred to other dogs through their feces. Sadly, if gone untreated, parvovirus has a 91% mortality rate. Thankfully, there are vaccinations to prevent parvo, but that doesn’t mean all pups have been properly vaccinated.
3. Parasites
Avoiding dangerous bacteria isn’t the only reason you should pick up dog poop. Roundworm and hookworm are common parasites that live in the intestines of animals. Leaving poop in your yard can transfer these parasites to the soil where they can infect you, your family, and your pet. While not life-threatening in most cases, roundworm and hookworm can cause inflammation and skin irritation.
4. Toxicity
Your dog’s waste contains toxins that can seep into your yard over time, making it difficult to maintain and beautiful lawn or flower garden. Additionally, dog poop can affect your vegetable garden by leeching toxic chemicals into the soil. Helping to improve your soil’s health is another reason why you should pick up dog poop.
5. Reduced curb appeal
Buildup of dog waste can kill your grass, leaving bares pots and reducing your home’s exterior charm. Additionally, your friends and family won’t enjoy stepping in surprises left by your dog, especially during sandal season. And don’t forget about smell: The buildup of dog waste in your yard during warmer weather will result in a disgusting odor that’s off-putting to both you and your neighbors.
6. Pests
Large amounts of dog waste in your yard will result in an increase of pests in your yard and inside your home. Your pup’s poop doesn’t only attract insects. Mice and rats are also common in places with excess waste. Avoiding an infestation of pests in and around your home is why you should pick up dog poop.
7. Your neighbors
From excess pests to a foul smell to ruined soil, leaving dog waste in your yard is an easy way to infuriate your neighborhood, and potentially violate HOA or community rules, resulting in potentially hefty fines.
Fortunately, keeping your yard and community free of dangerous dog waste is easy. Consider investing in a poop bag holder for your leash and a long-handled scooper to make picking up after your pet easy and mess-free. If you have a backyard, keep a trashcan outdoors to collect droppings.
Picking up after your pup isn’t the only way to be a great pet parent. See how our no-gimmick, no-gotcha pet insurance can help your pet live a happy, heathy life. Start protecting your pet against the unexpected today!
WILSON WEAVER
Copywriter
Wilson has written for brands in the tech, e-commerce, construction, health, and finance industries. In his free time, he enjoys cooking for friends and family, spoiling his dog-daughter (Penny), painting, and playing music with friends. And speaking of food, his favorite meal is his mom’s pot roast and mashed potatoes!