Introduction
Owning a large dog can be a very rewarding experience. Giant breed dogs like Great Danes, Mastiffs, and St. Bernards make loyal and loving companions. However, their substantial size also comes with unique care and maintenance requirements. One consideration for giant breed owners is properly managing their dog’s waste disposal. Large dogs produce larger volumes of waste that can tax standard septic systems.
This article explores the relationship between extra large dogs and septic system capacity. We’ll cover septic system basics, how to calculate septic tank size, and alternatives to traditional septic systems. Proper waste management is essential to prevent septic system failures that can lead to costly repairs, fouled groundwater, and environmental contamination.
Challenges of Owning Large Dogs
Large dog breeds come with their own set of unique responsibilities and challenges. With their larger size comes increased food requirements, space needs, and waste production.
Food costs for large dogs can be substantially higher than for smaller breeds due to their greater caloric needs. For example, a St. Bernard may require 6-8 cups of food per day or more depending on activity level and age. This can mean buying dozens of pounds of food per month. Additionally, bigger dogs will naturally produce larger, smellier waste in greater quantities.
More living and outdoor space is also a must to accommodate large breeds. Apartments and small homes are often impractical. Fenced yards provide room for exercise and play. Housetraining very large puppies poses unique challenges as well. Owners need patience and commitment when embarking on the rewarding yet demanding journey of raising a giant dog breed.
Managing Large Dog Waste
Owning a large dog comes with the responsibility of managing more dog waste. According to the EPA, the average dog poops about 274 pounds per year, so a larger dog’s waste can easily exceed this (source). Proper disposal is essential for sanitation, environmental protection, and being a good neighbor.
The first step is daily scooping to keep your yard clean. Scoop all solid waste and dispose of it properly. Many municipalities prohibit disposing dog waste in the trash due to contamination risks. Composting dog waste can allow the organic materials to break down safely, reducing waste (source). There are specific dog waste composters available, or a designated compost pile can work. The key is allowing time and microbial action to render the waste innocuous before using the compost.
For dogs, consider training them to use a designated toilet area. This allows concentrating the waste for easier pickup. Prompt removal and proper disposal will keep your yard clean and prevent any potential issues with waste accumulation.
Septic System Basics
A septic system is an onsite wastewater treatment system that uses a septic tank and drain field to treat and dispose of household wastewater. The septic tank is a buried, watertight container that provides primary treatment of wastewater through a natural process called anaerobic digestion. As wastewater enters the tank, heavier solids settle to the bottom forming a sludge layer, while lighter solids like oils and grease float to the top forming a scum layer. The wastewater in between contains dissolved and suspended organic matter.
Anaerobic bacteria inside the septic tank digest organic matter, reducing the volume of solids. But the wastewater exiting the septic tank still requires further treatment to remove pathogens, nutrients, and other contaminants before dispersal. This secondary treatment occurs as the clarified effluent percolates through the soil in the drain field. Microbes in the soil provide additional treatment by filtering, adsorbing, and transforming contaminants.
Septic System Capacity
The average capacity for a residential septic tank is between 1,000-1,500 gallons. This provides adequate capacity for a typical 3-4 bedroom home with 2-5 occupants. According to Angi, the general guideline is to have a minimum of 1,000 gallons for up to 3 bedrooms and add 250 gallons for each additional bedroom in the home.
Several factors impact the overall capacity needed for a septic system:
- Number of occupants – More occupants means more wastewater being produced so a larger tank is required. The average person produces 50-70 gallons of wastewater per day.
- Number of bedrooms/bathrooms – More bedrooms and bathrooms increases water use and wastewater production. Typically an extra 250 gallons per bedroom is recommended.
- Tank material – Concrete tanks provide more capacity than plastic tanks of the same dimensions. Plastic tanks usually require 10% more capacity than concrete to provide an equivalent working volume.
- Garbage disposal use – Using a garbage disposal significantly increases solid waste entering the tank and necessitates a larger capacity.
- Pump systems – Septic systems with pumps or lift stations need higher effective capacity since not all tank space can be used before pumping.
When determining the needed septic tank size, it’s always better to err on the side of being too large rather than too small. An undersized tank will get overloaded more quickly and can lead to clogging, backups, and system failures. Allowing for extra capacity provides a factor of safety and better protects septic system performance long-term.
Large Dog Waste and Septic Systems
Septic systems rely on bacteria to break down and process waste. The average septic tank is designed to handle the waste from an average 3-4 bedroom home with around 300 gallons of wastewater per day 1. Large dogs produce significantly more solid waste per day compared to humans, so their waste adds a much higher organic load to the septic system.
This increased load of solids can overwhelm the septic tank, causing solids to carry over into the drain field and clog pipes and soil. Anaerobic bacteria also multiply rapidly with the excess waste, producing hydrogen sulfide gas which corrodes concrete tanks and PVC pipes.
To prevent septic system failure, owners of large dogs should have their septic tank pumped more frequently, at least every year. Solids that build up in the tank should be removed before they can flow into the drainage field. The size of the septic tank may also need to be increased to handle the higher daily waste volume.
In addition, it’s important not to use harsh chemicals or antibacterial cleaners when cleaning up after dogs, as these can kill the beneficial bacteria in the tank. Owners should be diligent about collecting dog waste immediately and disposing of it properly, rather than flushing it down toilets into the septic system.
Preventing Septic System Failures
There are a few ways that pet owners with large dogs can help prevent septic system failures due to excess waste:
First, avoid putting additives down the drain or flushing them into the septic system. While some additive products claim they help digest solids and grease, they can often do more harm than good by upsetting the bacterial balance in the septic tank (Source).
Second, have the septic tank pumped more frequently if you have large dogs. Normally septic tanks are pumped every 3-5 years, but with large dogs you may need to increase the frequency to every 1-2 years. The extra pumping helps remove excess solids before they can build up and potentially back up the system (Source).
Finally, divert as much waste as possible from going down the drain. Scrape off extra food before washing dishes, collect dog hair during brushing/grooming and dispose in the trash, and avoid using garbage disposals which add solids to the septic tank. The less waste that enters the septic system, the better it can handle what does go in.
Installing a Larger Septic Tank
For homeowners with large dogs or multiple dogs, one solution is to install a larger septic tank. This can increase the capacity of your septic system to handle the additional waste and prevent overloading. According to Forbes, installing a new 1,000 to 1,500 gallon septic tank typically costs $3,000 to $4,500, depending on local rates.
Prior to installation, you’ll need to get a permit from your local health department or permitting office. Your contractor should pull the required permits as part of the job. Be sure to hire a licensed septic contractor, and get at least 3 quotes to compare pricing. Discuss the tank size and material (concrete, plastic, fiberglass) to fit your needs and budget.
The contractor will assess your site, existing tank size, household usage, and make a recommendation on the new tank size. They will excavate to access the old tank, pump out any sludge, disinfect the old tank, and install the new larger tank with modified piping. Most of the cost comes from the labor of excavation, hauling away fill, and installing the new materials. The concrete or plastic tank itself ranges from $1,200 to $2,000 from a septic supply retailer.
By investing in a larger tank, you can avoid expensive septic failures and backups. Just be sure to have it pumped regularly, follow usage guidelines, and spread out wastewater flows throughout the day.
Alternatives to Septic Systems
For dog owners who cannot install a traditional septic system, there are some alternative options to handle large dog waste:
Composting Toilets: These toilets collect solid and liquid waste in separate chambers where it is composted. The liquid often goes into a graywater system. Composting toilets avoid the need for a leach field and can work well for dog waste [1].
Municipal Sewer: If available, connecting to municipal sewer is often the easiest solution, avoiding the need to install and maintain your own onsite system. However, availability and costs vary greatly by location [2].
Other options like incinerating toilets, graywater systems, and holding tanks may also work well for large dog owners in certain situations. The key is finding a sustainable system to handle the increased waste capacity needed.
Conclusion
Owning a large dog can lead to outsized headaches when it comes to managing their waste, especially if you rely on a septic system. Giant breeds produce giant droppings, which can overwhelm a standard-sized septic tank. Preventing backups and overflows requires proactive planning.
To recap, large dogs generate large volumes of waste. A standard septic tank may lack the capacity to handle those loads. Work with a septic system professional to determine if your existing tank is adequately sized. Pre-treat the waste, pump frequently, or install an oversized tank if needed. Going with a composting toilet or municipal sewer hookup are other options.
Taking these steps will help prevent septic system failures, back-ups, and malfunctions. Your family, home, and the environment will benefit. Give your big dog plenty of love while keeping your septic system running smoothly.
For more information on septic systems and large dogs, consult with septic professionals and veterinarians in your area. They can provide tailored guidance so you can manage your pet’s waste safely and responsibly.