Why Proper Disposal Matters
Improperly disposed dog waste poses significant health and environmental hazards. According to the EPA, pet waste left on the ground can contribute dangerous pathogens like E. coli and Giardia to local waterways (EPA Says Dog Poop is an Environmental Hazard). When pet waste is washed into storm drains and ends up in lakes and rivers, it causes algae growth and depletes oxygen levels in the water, harming aquatic life. Just a few days’ worth of waste from 100 dogs can temporarily close a bay or beach area due to contamination.
Dog feces also spreads parasites like hookworms, ringworms, and tapeworms, which can be transmitted to other pets and humans, especially children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 20 diseases can be spread through dog waste if left on the ground. Steps like immediately picking up after your dog and proper disposal can help reduce these health and environmental risks.
Scooping the Poop
Picking up after your dog is an essential part of being a responsible pet owner. Using the right supplies like bags, scoopers, and gloves can make the process easier and more sanitary. Most experts recommend picking up solid dog waste from your yard at least once a week, if not more frequently.
Poop scoopers with long handles allow you to pick up waste without bending over. Look for ones with a spade or claw design to efficiently pick up solid waste. Biodegradable and compostable bags that are specifically made for pet waste make cleanup and disposal easy. Wearing gloves is recommended to avoid contact with bacteria from the waste.
In terms of frequency, sources recommend picking up solid dog poop from your yard at least once a week, if not more often such as twice a day or daily [1]. During winter months when poop may become frozen, try to stick to a regular schedule such as once a week [2]. More frequent pickup when possible reduces odor and prevents feces from impacting your lawn.
Trash, Toilet or Compost?
When it comes to disposing of dog waste, pet owners have three main options: throwing it in the trash, flushing it down the toilet, or composting it. Each method has its own pros and cons to consider.
Throwing dog poop in the trash is the most common and convenient disposal method. Scooping the waste into a plastic bag and tossing it in the garbage ensures it will end up safely contained in a landfill (The Best Ways to Dispose of Dog Poop). However, significant waste can accumulate in landfills. Some municipalities prohibit or discourage throwing away pet waste this way.
Flushing dog feces down the toilet seems like a quick and easy disposal method, but it can clog pipes and interfere with water treatment. Waste should be flushed only when a municipality’s sewer system is equipped to handle it. Even then, flushing excessive amounts is inadvisable (How to Properly Dispose of Pet Waste).
Composting dog waste allows it to break down naturally and return nutrients to the earth. But this requires proper composting conditions to avoid risks. Feces should compost for at least a year at temperatures high enough to kill pathogens before using the finished compost. This takes effort so many owners do not compost dog waste.
Public Spaces and Parks
When bringing your dog to a public park or space, it’s important to follow proper etiquette for disposing of waste. Most public parks have laws requiring owners to clean up after their dogs. According to the Dog Park Etiquette Guide, “When it comes to pets doing their ‘business’ in the community dog park, it is your responsibility to scoop and dispose of it.”
Be prepared with bags or poop scoopers to immediately clean up after your dog. Many parks provide waste bags and trash bins for convenience. If none are available, you should bring your own bags and take the waste with you to dispose of properly later. Never leave waste behind, even if you plan to pick it up on the way out. Other dogs may get into it, spread bacteria, and make a mess.
It’s not just good etiquette to clean up immediately – in many areas it is the law. For example, Los Angeles County Code states that pet owners must remove pet waste in public parks. Failure to do so can result in fines. Be courteous and follow posted rules about pets and waste disposal at each public park.
Backyard and Property
For homes with a backyard, designating a waste area can be an effective solution for disposing of dog poop. This involves picking a spot in the yard, away from high traffic areas and digging a small hole or trench. After scooping the poop into a bag or bucket, it can be buried in the designated waste area and covered over with dirt. The poop will decompose naturally over time.
Composting dog waste is another option, as long as proper composting methods are followed. According to DoodyCalls, dog poop should only be composted if the temperature reaches 140 degrees Fahrenheit for three days to kill parasites and pathogens. It’s best to have a dedicated dog poop compost pile separate from the main garden compost. Dig a hole or use an enclosed compost bin and layer the waste with plenty of carbon material like dry leaves, sawdust or shredded paper.
For septic tank systems, most experts advise against putting dog feces into the septic tank drain field, as it contains pathogens that can contaminate groundwater. According to the EPA, pet waste should be disposed of in the garbage.
Apartments and High Density
Picking up your dog’s waste immediately is especially important when living in an apartment or other high density housing. Apartment rules often prohibit leaving dog feces on the property, and you can face fines or even eviction if you fail to clean up after your pet.
Check with your apartment management to see if there are designated pet waste stations on the property that you can use. Many complexes provide these stations with trash cans and waste bags to make disposal easy for residents. If none are available, you’ll need to pack out the waste in bags and dispose of it in outside trash receptacles.
Some tips for apartment dog poop disposal:
- Always carry waste pickup bags with you when walking your dog on apartment grounds.
- Dispose of packed waste bags in outside garbage bins, not down the toilet.
- Consider getting a small outdoor trash can or dog waste container for your patio or balcony.
- Don’t leave waste bags sitting on your balcony or patio – take them to the dumpster promptly.
- If allowed, you can compost pet waste on your balcony with a dog waste composter.
Living in close proximity means being considerate and cleaning up promptly after your pet. Follow apartment rules for waste disposal and be mindful of your neighbors.
Travel and Transportation
When traveling with your dog, whether by car, train, or plane, you’ll need to be prepared to properly dispose of their waste along the way. Plastic bags are essential for collecting and containing feces while in transit. Many dog owners recommend biodegradable or compostable bags that can be found at pet stores.
It’s recommended to have a dedicated waste bag dispenser and pick-up bags with you at all times. Consider attaching it to your dog’s leash for easy access when out for walks at rest stops. Some even clip it around their waist like a fanny pack.
For cars, have bags and paper towels on hand to quickly clean up any accidents. For air travel, notify the airline ahead of time that you are flying with a dog. Take your pup for a walk before going through security and be prepared with bags at the gate. Hotels often have designated pet relief areas, but call ahead about their policies for proper cleanup and disposal on the grounds.
It’s courteous to double bag any waste and dispose of it properly at pet stations, outdoor bins, or ask hotel staff for guidance. Having the right supplies on hand makes traveling with dogs much smoother when it comes to their potty needs.
Poop Disposal for Puppies
Puppies require more frequent poop disposal while they are being house trained. Puppies under 4 months old may need to go out every 30-60 minutes and should be taken out frequently to encourage going potty outdoors (Source). When puppies have accidents indoors, the poop should be cleaned up immediately. Paper training pads can be used to make clean up easier.
During the house training process, some puppies may begin going potty on pads or newspaper indoors. These training pads should be disposed of properly after each use. Once soiled, pads should be securely wrapped in a plastic bag and placed in an outdoor garbage bin. Used pads should never be flushed down the toilet.
As puppies are learning, any indoor accidents should be cleaned up completely using an enzymatic cleaner to fully remove odors that may attract the puppy back. Taking the puppy out frequently and rewarding outdoor potty can help speed up the training process.
Special Circumstances
Some dogs and situations require extra care and consideration when disposing of waste. Elderly or disabled dogs may have difficulty making it outside to relieve themselves, leading to indoor accidents. Diarrhea or upset stomachs can also result in messes in the home. In these cases, immediately clean up any messes with paper towels and dispose of them in a securely closed bag in your main garbage can outside.
For elderly or disabled pets, consider setting up pee pads or artificial grass patches indoors to give them an appropriate place to relieve themselves if they cannot make it outside. Be sure to switch out pads and properly clean indoor potty areas daily. Accidents should still be promptly cleaned up and discarded.
For dogs with chronic diarrhea or stomach issues, speak to your veterinarian to identify any underlying illness and get treatment. In the meantime, feed them a bland diet like boiled chicken and rice until their stomach settles. Clean up any messes immediately and discard securely bagged waste from these episodes.
Being patient and adapting your disposal process is key for special needs dogs. Their accidents are not their fault, so never punish them. With some adjustments, you can maintain proper hygiene and stop the spread of waste in your home.
Being a Responsible Owner
Being a responsible dog owner means properly disposing of your dog’s waste. Proper disposal is important for a few key reasons: social norms, environmental stewardship, and public health. According to DoodyCalls, dog waste contains bacteria and parasites that can contaminate water sources and spread disease if left on the ground.
Allowing your dog to poop on public or private property without picking it up is often considered rude, lazy, and irresponsible. No one wants to step in dog poop or have their yard littered with it. Dog poop left on the ground can spread germs and attract rodents. Treehugger notes that many cities and states even have laws requiring pet owners to clean up after their pets in public areas.
As a responsible dog parent, do your part to keep your community clean and prevent the spread of disease by promptly picking up and properly disposing of your dog’s waste whenever they poop. Carry poop bags, find appropriate receptacles, and be courteous to others by taking care of your pet’s bathroom needs.