Introduction
Dog poop left on lawns and grassy areas can pose serious health risks to humans and the environment. According to research, dog waste contains harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites and other pathogens that can survive in soil and grass for months or even years if not cleaned up properly (Cinquepalmi et al., 2013). This bacteria, including E. Coli and Giardia, has the potential to be transmitted to humans and other animals through direct contact or contaminated water runoff.
Aside from the public health concerns, dog feces left to accumulate on lawns can also lead to unsightly yellow or brown patches due to nitrogen burn. The high nitrogen content in dog urine and feces causes excess grass growth and deterioration (SWFWMD, n.d.). Proper removal and cleanup of dog poop helps keep lawns green, minimizes disease risks, and maintains a more sanitary environment.
Dangers of Dog Poop
Dog poop can pose serious health risks if left on the lawn untreated. According to the article on Angi.com, dog waste contains harmful bacteria and parasites like Giardia, Salmonella, roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and E. coli that can be transmitted to humans and other dogs 1. These pathogens can survive in soil and grass for months. E. coli, in particular, is extremely dangerous if transmitted to humans and can cause kidney failure in dogs.
Beyond the spread of disease, dog poop can also attract rodents and flies to your lawn which are vectors for additional diseases. The acidity of dog urine combined with fecal bacteria creates the perfect conditions for these pests to multiply.
1. https://www.angi.com/articles/dog-poop-good-grass.htm
When to Act
It’s best to neutralize dog poop in your lawn as soon as possible after your dog goes to the bathroom. The longer you wait, the more likely it is that the urine and feces will damage or discolor the grass.
For feces, aim to pick it up and dispose of it properly within 12-24 hours. If left for longer, it can seep down into the soil and leave unsightly dead patches on the lawn.
For urine, try to flush the area with water within 6-12 hours. Urine contains high levels of nitrogen, which can burn and kill grass when concentrated. The quicker you can dilute it, the less likely it will leave yellow or brown spots.
Make it a habit to check your lawn at least once a day and look for any new dog waste. Take action as soon as you spot it. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to fully neutralize the effects.
Supplies Needed
Before starting the process of neutralizing dog poop on your lawn, make sure you have the proper supplies ready. The main items you’ll need are:
- Baking soda – Baking soda helps neutralize odors and clean dirt. It’s a natural deodorizer. Have about 1-2 cups on hand.
- Gloves – Wearing gloves prevents exposure to bacteria and keeps your hands clean. Have at least one pair ready.
- Scooper or shovel – Use a scooper, shovel, or spatula to pick up the dog poop without getting your hands dirty.
- Spray bottle – Fill a spray bottle with water. You’ll use this to dilute the baking soda into a cleaning solution.
Having these supplies ready ahead of time will make the process quick and hassle-free.
Scooping
When it comes to removing dog poop from the lawn, scooping is often the first step. Using a specially designed dog poop scooper allows you to quickly and efficiently remove the solid waste (source). Here are some tips for proper scooping technique:
– Choose a scooper with a long handle so you don’t have to bend over as far.
– Look for a scooper with a spring-loaded design. This allows you to easily secure the poop with a simple squeeze and release motion.
– Opt for a scooper with a rake end to help break up stuck-on poop and get under it for easy pick up.
– Use a back and forth motion and be sure to scoop beneath the poop to pick up all of it.
– Dump the poop into a garbage bag or designated waste bin when the scooper is full.
– Rinse or wipe down the scooper after each use to keep it clean.
Following proper technique will allow you to thoroughly remove all traces of solid dog waste from the lawn.
Baking Soda Application
After scooping up the dog poop, the next step is to apply baking soda directly to the affected area. Baking soda helps to neutralize and dissolve any remaining feces or urine that was not completely removed. It also helps to deodorize the area.
Apply approximately 1/4 cup of baking soda per poop spot, or more for larger areas. Simply sprinkle the baking soda liberally over the grass. You can use an old container with holes poked in the lid to help disperse the powder evenly. Focus on covering the entire area where you scooped up the waste.
Baking soda is an effective way to neutralize the acidity in dog urine and feces. It will begin dissolving and deodorizing the leftover waste. The baking soda will also soak up any excess moisture left behind. Allow the baking soda to sit for 10-15 minutes before moving to the next step of diluting it.
According to Petpedia.co, baking soda can be mixed with peppermint oil to create a homemade poop dissolver that simultaneously dries out the waste, kills bacteria, and deodorizes: https://petpedia.co/what-dissolves-dog-poop-in-the-yard/
Diluting the urine with water can help minimize the negative effects. The key is to dilute the nitrogen concentration before it has a chance to burn the grass.
One method is to spray the area with a hose or spray bottle immediately after the dog urinates (Tufts). The water will wash away some of the nitrogen and reduce the concentration touching the grass. It’s important to act quickly before the urine soaks into the soil. This will also spread the urine over a larger area, preventing concentrated patches.
You can also train your dog to urinate in an area where the dilution effect is already in place. For example, designating a spot and keeping it well watered. The moist soil will not absorb as much urine, allowing the nitrogen to disperse. Just be sure not to overwater and cause runoff issues.
Water Dilution
Sources:
Tufts, Cindy. “Prevent Pet Waste from Killing Your Lawn.” Vetstreet, 9 Oct. 2013, www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/prevent-pet-waste-from-killing-your-lawn.
Aerating the Lawn
Aerating your lawn can help further break down and neutralize any remaining dog waste in the grass. The process of aerating involves puncturing small holes into the soil using an aerator machine or tool. This allows air, water and nutrients to better penetrate the grass roots and soil underneath (Mountainhightree.com, 2017). The holes also allow beneficial microbes to spread through the lawn, helping to break down organic material like dog feces.
According to one Reddit user, after an HOA insisted on aerating to clean up dog feces on a shared lawn area, the process helped dissolve and disperse much of the remaining waste (Reddit.com/r/fuckHOA, 2022). Aerating brings more oxygen into the soil, which speeds up microbial activity and decomposition. Just be sure to pick up any larger feces first, so the aerator blades don’t fling it around. A thorough aerating session can help restore your lawn’s health after dog waste accumulation.
Disinfecting & Deodorizing
It’s important to disinfect and deodorize areas of the lawn where dogs frequently urinate or defecate. Dog urine contains ammonia and other waste products that can damage grass and leave stubborn odors (1). Vinegar is a safe and effective disinfectant for lawns. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist affected areas of the grass. The acetic acid in vinegar helps neutralize odors and kill bacteria (2).
Enzymatic cleaners specifically designed for pet messes can also disinfect lawns. Look for products containing beneficial bacteria strains that break down urine and feces on a molecular level. This eliminates odors at the source rather than just masking smells. Dilute the enzymatic cleaner according to package directions and apply to soiled areas. Let it soak in for 10-15 minutes before rinsing (3).
Avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia directly on the lawn, as these can damage grass when used improperly. Milder disinfectants like vinegar and enzymatic cleaners get the job done without harming your turf.
Sources:
(1) https://mrdogpoop.com/articles/1614721617_Lawn-Disinfecting.html
(2) https://www.cuteness.com/article/disinfect-dogs-yard
(3) https://mrdogpoop.com/disinfectant_treatments.html
Preventative Measures
There are a few simple preventative steps you can take to minimize dog poop on your lawn:
- Create a designated potty area for your dog, either in the corner of your yard or a nearby grassy patch. Train your dog to only go in this spot. This will contain the mess to one area that’s easier to clean.
- Scoop your yard frequently, especially in the dog’s preferred potty areas. Don’t allow feces to accumulate. The more poop that builds up, the more likely your dog will keep going in the same spot.
- Consider putting up a temporary barrier like a fence or row of bushes to block dogs from entering parts of your lawn. This is especially useful for side yards near sidewalks where neighborhood dogs tend to frequent.
- Use natural repellents around the perimeter of your lawn like citronella or predator urine. The scent often deters dogs from entering the area.
Staying on top of regular scooping and designating a potty area are two of the most effective ways to curb dog poop. It takes some work up front, but saves you hassle down the road.