The dog days of summer are almost here and that means it is time to fire up the grill and enjoy the backyard with family and friends. But for dog owners, there is one more task to be completed before feeling the green grass between their toes – poop scooping duty.
Dog waste is more than just a gross and unsightly mess – it is an environmental pollutant and a human health hazard. Bacteria, worms and other parasites, such as ringworm, roundworm, salmonella and giardia all thrive in unattended waste and can easily be transmitted directly to humans. Roundworm, for example, is one of the most common parasites found in dog droppings and it can remain infectious in contaminated soil and water for years.
Luckily, for those of us who don’t have enough time to pull out the rake or shovel and scour the yard for doggie deposits, local pet waste management services will help you wash your hands clean of the whole cleanup business.
Armed with rakes, shovels and bags, these pet waste management specialists take care of the single most unpleasant and time-consuming aspect of pet ownership – picking up where pooches “drop off.” Costing about the same as a large pizza, rates are generally based on number of dogs, size of yard and frequency of visits, ranging from weekly, bi-weekly, monthly and one-time clean-ups. Additional services often include cleaning, disinfecting and deodorizing decks, patios, dog runs and kennels, as well as providing on lawns to eliminate damage caused by pet waste.
For many pet owners, hiring a pet waste management service means they can spend more time doing the things they love – like spending time with family and friends, enjoying a nice clean yard and having a good old fashioned barbecue.