Three things are sure in life—in addition to death and taxes, as Benjamin Franklin said so many years ago—if there is a mess for kids to get into, they will find it. And though most kids know better than to play with doggy doo-doo, an accidental discovery can easily be made by their bare feet as they frolic through the backyard of any dog owner.
Certainly, kids and pet waste don’t mix. But it’s about far more than the annoyance and the need to put little Susie directly into the bad tub—pet waste can be dangerous for kids. In this article, we’ll tell you why a clean, pet-poo-free yard matters.
Why a Pet Waste Mess-Free Yard Matters
Okay, let’s start with the obvious here. Pet waste is gross. Why call it anything other than what it is? Think of it this way—do you want human waste lying around your yard? Of course not! So, it stands to reason that pet waste is just as gross, just as unsightly, just as smelly, and definitely just as germ-laden as human waste. Which begs the question—Why do so many pet owners leave pet waste in their yards to fester? And why do so many people not clean up after their pets on walks?
Well, while the second question is really about poor pet ownership and stewardship, the first question is really about a lack of knowledge. Many pet owners simply don’t understand the health and environmental risks that come with leaving pet waste in the yard for dates, if not weeks, on end.
This all said, the question we should be answering is, what’s really in pet waste? The answers may surprise you.
What’s Really in Pet Waste?
It’s so easy to think of pet waste just as poop and to not think about it again. But knowing what’s in that dog poop can help you reframe your brain about why picking up pet poop so promptly is so important. And so, without further ado, here’s what you need to know.
Dog poop can carry dangerous bacteria like E. coli and salmonella and parasites like roundworms and hookworms, all of which can live in soil long after the waste has decomposed. These can pose real health risks if kids or pets come into contact with contaminated areas. And it’s not just a backyard concern. Did you know pet waste is actually classified as a pollutant by the Environmental Protection Agency? It’s so hazardous that the EPA labels pet waste as a nonpoint source pollutant, placing it in the same category as motor oil, pesticides, and more.
Health Risks for Kids
Though exposure to pet waste isn’t good for anybody, young or old, kids can be at even greater risk. One of the primary reasons for this is that kids don’t necessarily have a frame of reference to the dangers within. Kids are curious. And when kids are at play, they often don’t want to let anything stop them—got some pet poo in their toes? Just keep playing, right? Well, not really.
Remember what we said earlier about how pet waste can carry parasites like roundworms and hookworms that live on in soil even after the “poo” is gone? Unfortunately, these parasites can sneak into the body through the skin, especially if kids are barefoot, leading to nasty infections and uncomfortable skin rashes.
And bacteria? E. coli and salmonella can make kids feel pretty sick if they accidentally touch or step in contaminated areas, even leading to tummy aches, fever, and more serious symptoms.
Need an example? Imagine this: little Johnny is running around, barefoot and carefree, then steps in something yucky. Suddenly, his “great adventure” leads to a rash and a trip to the doctor—not fun at all! Keeping the yard pet waste-free can help make sure playtime stays a lot more pleasant and safe for everyone.
Environmental Impact of Pet Waste in Yards
Unfortunately, our bad news doesn’t stop just with the health risks for kids. Leaving pet waste in the yard can be bad for the environment, too. This makes prompt pet waste removal even more important.
When pet waste sits in the yard, rain can wash it into nearby streams, rivers, and other water sources, contaminating them with harmful bacteria and parasites. This pollution can even end up in the local drinking water, which isn’t good news for anyone.
And even if you don’t have kids, the effects can reach places where local kids play, like parks and recreational areas. Contaminated water and soil from pet waste pose risks to public spaces, making these areas less safe for everyone to enjoy. The reality is pet waste doesn’t just disappear. By making prompt clean-up a habit, pet owners can help keep the environment healthier and prevent the spread of contaminants to the broader community.
Preventing “Surprise Encounters” with Pet Waste
We know that when you send Fido out to the yard to do his business, you don’t necessarily want to head out after him and scoop the poop right away. You’re busy. You’ve had a long day. Can’t you leave it until later in the week and pick it up all at once? The answer is yes, with a big note of kind of. And we’ll share more of that in a bit. But first, let’s talk about things you can do to prevent your kiddos from those surprise encounters with Fido’s doo-doo.
- Create “Poo-Free Zones”: Set up play areas in the yard where kids can roam, and make it a routine to check these spots for pet waste.
- Establish a Routine for Waste Removal: Regular clean-ups can make a big difference. If daily scooping isn’t feasible, consider hiring a service like Easy Scoops to keep things tidy consistently, giving you one less task to juggle.
- Think About Landscaping Tricks: Design your yard with clean-up in mind. Creating paths and designating separate play spaces can help you manage pet waste more easily, keeping the fun areas clear for your kids. For example, place gravel or mulch paths in areas your dog uses, making it easier to spot and remove waste promptly.
Keep Kids Safe—Keep the Yard Clean!
We get asked a lot about how often you should pick up dog poop. And we typically suggest that at least once a week is the best approach. However, as long as you are picking up the dog waste on some regular cadence and at least monthly, you’re probably not going to cause much harm. That said, if you know rain is coming, getting out there for a pick-up beforehand is good for the planet and will keep your yard from some serious stinkiness after the rain dries up.
But, here’s where the rubber hits the road. Many pet owners, even the very best owners, simply lack the time or energy that goes into regular pet waste removal. Maybe they leave for the office before sunrise and get home late at night. Perhaps a bad back makes bending over and retrieving the poo a painful proposition.
This is where Easy Scoops can help save the day. We’re here to help make your life easier as a pet owner. And yes, this means we’ll do the dirty work for you. When you sign up for our pet waste removal services, you can select bi-weekly, weekly, or twice-a-week pick-ups. All you need to do is make sure there is a proper receptacle for us to deposit the waste once we’ve done the pick-up.
It really is that easy. Are you ready to let someone else take dog poop pick-up off your plate? Contact Easy Scoops today.
