At Easy Scoops, we love pets. That is pretty much a given since we pick up dog poo for a living. But, we also share the message of responsible pet ownership every time we get the chance. And, responsible pet ownership is about far more than providing a loving and caring environment for your pet. It’s about considering the impact that your pet has on our environment.
Yes, pets impact the environment. No, they don’t leave the lights on when they’re not in the room. They don’t stand in the shower for 30 minutes using up all the hot water. And they don’t litter when they go out on a walk—well, not exactly. Pets do poo, and they’ll poo wherever they can when the urge strikes. And that means out in the community when you are out on your daily walk.
But is leaving that pet poo on the neighborhood boulevard really a big deal? After all, other pet owners don’t always clean up after their pets. The truth is, leaving that pet waste when you are out on a walk, or even in your yard for too long, can be super bad for the environment.
In this article, we’ll tell you what you need to know.
The Dangers of Pet Waste Contamination
While you can’t do much when your dog decides to urinate in the yard or when you are out on your morning walk or run, you can do something when they decide to do the number two. And the answer is simple—pick up the waste and dispose of it in a pet-waste-friendly bin, or plan to dispose of it at home, and continue on your way.
When we leave that pet waste, not only are we creating a stinky eyesore for everyone who passes by, but we are leaving the potential for some bad juju to get into the environment. That’s because when pet waste is left behind, it doesn’t just disappear. Instead, it can introduce harmful bacteria and other unpleasant things into our environment.
Pick Up Your Dog Poo, Please
Here’s how that little pile of poo can cause some positively putrid problems:
- Bacteria Party: Pet waste contains harmful bacteria like E. coli, giardia, and parvovirus. When left on the ground, these bacteria can find their way into our water sources, making the water unsafe for drinking, swimming, and other fun activities. Yikes!
- Water Woes: Once these bacteria enter our water, they can spread to lakes, rivers, and even the ocean. This contamination can lead to unsafe conditions for both humans and animals who might come into contact with the water. Imagine going for a swim or taking a sip of contaminated water—no thanks!
- Health Hazards: Contaminated water can lead to serious health risks. If humans or animals drink or even touch this polluted water, it can cause illnesses from stomach cramps to more severe conditions. It’s like a germy ripple effect that starts with one small pile of pet waste.
- Uninvited Guests: Besides bacteria, pet waste can also introduce parasites like roundworms and hookworms into the environment. These pests can stick around in the soil, waiting to infect other animals—or even humans—who come into contact with the contaminated area.
Leaving pet waste behind doesn’t just make a mess—it can actually harm our environment and put our health at risk. That’s why it’s so important to clean up after your pet, no matter where you are.
Environmental Impact of Pet Waste
Unfortunately, there’s more bad stuff that can come from leaving that putrid pet poo to fester. Bacteria and water contamination is just the start. Leaving that pet waste unattended can lead to some nasty consequences you might not even realize.
Oxygen Depletion
As pet waste decays in water, it starts gobbling up oxygen. Fish and other aquatic critters rely on that oxygen to breathe and survive. When oxygen levels drop, these poor fish can suffocate, leading to a less lively and healthy ecosystem. Imagine a pond with no fish—it’s just not the same! And there is no opportunity to catch and release if you can’t even catch in the first place.
Ammonia Release
As if robbing the water of oxygen wasn’t enough, decaying pet waste also releases ammonia. This nasty compound can be especially harmful when oxygen levels are already low and the water’s temperature is warm. The combination of low oxygen and ammonia can be a double whammy for fish and other aquatic life, making their environment downright dangerous.
Algae Growth
Pet waste is packed with nutrients that algae just love. When this waste breaks down, it fuels algae growth, turning clear water into a murky, green mess. Algae blooms can block sunlight, choke out other plants, and make the water unsuitable for swimming, fishing, or even just enjoying the view. Not exactly the picture-perfect pond you’d want in your neighborhood.
And to make matters worse, if your favorite furry friend loves to cool off with a quick swim in the pond, just imagine what could happen! So, leaving pet waste out in the open isn’t just gross—it’s a recipe for environmental disaster. Picking up after your pet is a simple way to help keep our water sources clean and our ecosystems thriving.
Good Pet Waste Stewardship
Obviously, picking up after your pet is where good pet waste stewardship begins. And, its a big component of responsible pet ownership. But, as we implied earlier, there is more to it than just picking up the poo when you and Fido are out for a stroll.
Here is how you can practice good pet waste stewardship when out in your community and at home.
Carry a Bag
Always carry a plastic bag or, even better, a biodegradable bag when walking your dog. It’s an easy habit to get into, and it means you’ll never be caught off guard when Fido decides to do his business.
Just remember that plastic bags can cause their own problems if they’re not disposed of properly. If they end up in water bodies, they can break down into tiny pieces called microplastics, releasing toxic chemicals that contaminate our water sources.
Prompt Waste Removal
Don’t let that pile of poo sit around! The sooner you pick it up, the better. Leaving pet waste on the ground increases the chance that it will get washed away by rain or the water from irrigation systems and sprinklers, carrying all those nasty bacteria and nutrients straight into our water systems. You’re doing your part to reduce water pollution and protect our local ecosystems by scooping it up right away.
Scoop Waste in Public Spaces and Your Yard
Good pet waste stewardship doesn’t stop at the park—it extends to your own backyard, too. Make it a habit to scoop pet waste from your yard at least once a week. This keeps harmful bacteria and nutrients from building up and spreading. Plus, it helps maintain a clean and pleasant environment for you, your family, and your neighbors.
Easy Scoops Can Take the Poo Off Your Hands
While we can’t do much to help you with pet poo when you are on the go with your pooch in tow, we can help keep that dog poop from piling up in the yard. At Easy Scoops, we literally take pet waste pick up off your hands.
We will come out to your home weekly—or more often if you choose—to clear your yard of that stinky soiled dirt. After all, why not enjoy the fun of your pet and let us do the dirty work? To get started, contact Easy Scoops today.
