Health Resources: Why Scoop the Poop?
The Truth About Doggy Deposits
America’s Overlooked Environmental Pollutant
Dog waste is more than an unpleasant backyard problem; it’s a documented environmental and public health hazard. Since 1991, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified dog waste as a non-point source pollutant .
How Dog Waste Pollutes the Environment
When dog poop is left on the ground, bacteria, worms, and parasites continue to thrive. Rain and irrigation can wash these contaminants into storm drains, streams, and other waterways, eventually affecting drinking water and local ecosystems.
Just two to three days’ worth of waste from a population of 100 dogs can contribute enough bacteria to temporarily close a bay and surrounding watershed areas.
Health Risks of Dog Waste
Dog waste poses unique health risks when left behind because it contains parasites and bacteria that can be transmitted to humans and animals.
Some of the most common health concerns linked to dog waste include:
- Roundworms: One of the most common parasites found in dog waste.
- Canine Parvovirus (Parvo): A highly contagious virus.
- Giardia: A microscopic parasite.
- Whipworms: Parasitic worms.
- Dog poop can also carry heartworms, hookworms, tapeworms, Salmonella, and E. coli.
The Solution: Scoop Every Time
The most responsible thing pet owners can do is simple: make sure their pets are picked up after.
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