On average a dog will poop 274 pounds a year with one to three deposits a day. That means a lot of dog poop disposal each year as well.
You may not think that picking up your pet waste or using a proper dog poop disposal method matters. But it does matter and can quickly turn a beautiful park into an icky mess and a health issue for dogs, people, and the community.
It doesn’t take much to pick up your poop. Yet it makes a huge difference for animals and humans. Today, let’s dig in and discover the reasons some dog parents don’t pick up their pup’s poop and dispel these beliefs.
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Budget tip:
Yes, picking your dog’s poop can save you money. It keeps your pup (and other pets and wildlife) free of disease, and your community healthier. It also keeps you from being fined. Even better when you pick up your dog's poop you may inspire other dog parents to do the same. That means a big impact in your world and a major win-win-win-win for you, your pup, your wallet, and your town.
In a nutshell (or doggie cookie) here are the tools I use:
- Environmentally friendly bags – Dog poop bags
- Scooper stores away and picks up poop in your yard easily – Pooper scooper
- Accesible bag holder that clips to your pup’s leash or your belt loop – Bag holder
1. My dog’s poop will break down and decompose
Truth: Yes, your dog’s waste will decompose, but it can take between 9 -52 weeks to decay. The time frame depends on the size, weather, and dog food.
In the meantime, it can spread bacteria and parasites to other dogs and wildlife. Dog poop can carry harmful bacteria and parasites like E. coli, Salmonella, Giardia, and roundworms. This can all pose a health risk to both humans and other pets.
Tip: If your dog is on any medication, that is also a contaminant to other dogs, animals, and wildlife. Some dogs with kidney disease, liver disease, pregnant, or nursing shouldn’t take heartworm medication.
Additionally, some breeds such as Collies, Australian Shepherds, German Shepherds, Skye Terriers, and Shepdogs are advised not to take heartworm medication. Although no one knows exactly what such medications will do to wildlife like deer, wild horses, bunnies, coyotes, bears, or mountain lions. I like to err on the side of caution.
2. I forgot a poop bag
Truth: You can generally find free bags at a dog waste station in most pet-friendly walking areas. Or you can even ask another dog parent for a waste bag. Keep in mind that when dog waste is left on the ground, rain can wash it into storm drains and waterways. That means it ends up polluting rivers, lakes, and oceans with harmful pathogens and nutrients. No one wants polluted waterways.
Tip: I’m always afraid I will forget my dog, Henry’s poop bags when we are out hiking. So, I’ve stashed a few in the car that I can always grab.
This is the type of dog poop bag I use for Henry. I like biodegradable bags.
3. It’s not my yard
Truth: Dog feces in someone else’s yard can run off into the waterways, make the area stink, increase insects, and spread disease. Also, dog poop not picked up causes bad odors in the neighborhood. No one wants to be chased inside by the smell of dog waste. I can nearly guarantee you wouldn’t like such a thoughtless dog owner treating your yard like a dog toilet.
Tip: Remember that a yard is someone’s home. That could be another dog, cat, or wildlife. Be kind with picking up your dog’s poop.
4. It’s hidden in the grass or snow, so I don’t need to worry about picking up my dog’s poop
Truth: Any time of year, dog poop can be an issue if not picked up. While snow or grass can hide your dog’s poop, it’s not hidden from other dogs, watershed, or bare feet. Moreover, kids playing in yards or parks (or anyone walking barefoot) is at risk of stepping in poop, which is both gross and a health hazard.
For example, about a year ago, a neighbor let her dogs run free into my yard. I didn’t see their poop they left behind. But Henry found it quickly and sniffed it thoroughly before I could see what he was doing. The poop was tar black and runny.
In other words, it was from an unhealthy pup. Luckily, Henry had an appointment with his vet that day. I told him about the poop sniffing incident. Henry’s vet was very concerned and immediately tested to make sure he hadn’t contracted any parasites or diseases. I’m thankful to say that Henry was fine. And, yes, I was a responsible pet owner and I did immediately pick up the poop and disposed of it to aid in disease control. But it did make my vet visit pricier than I had planned.
5. It’s just fertilizer
Truth: Dog poop is too hot to be used as any kind of fertilizer and can harm or kill plants and lawns. This ends up costing the yard owner more money. Additionally, no one likes a neighborhood filled with stinky mine fields of poop piles attracting insects. Cleaning up after your dog helps maintain a cleaner, more respectful community.
On my property, I use this handy pooper scooper and then dump the the contents into the garbage.
6. I didn’t see where my dog pooped or it’s just too embarrassing to pick up
Truth: It’s never a good idea to leave your dog unsupervised. Also, your dog’s poop can be the first indication of illness. By paying attention to your pup’s poo you can act before there’s an urgent issue. No matter where your dog’s poop is left in the environment, it can spread disease. Being a responsible dog owner and picking up the deposit only takes a few minutes at best.
7. It’s just a little one, and it can’t do any harm
Truth: Even small poop is still loaded with bacteria and can even have parasites. Also, by picking up even small poo you help to keep the community and environment clean. Remember that even small dog poop attracts flies and other pests, which can carry diseases and make life miserable for people and pets.
8. No trash cans nearby
Truth: While it can be an inconvenience to carry your dog’s poop, it’s very doable. By picking up your dog’s poop and putting it in the trash, it prevents insects, flys, and the spread of diseases.
Tip: Dogs sniff and sometimes even eat feces. Leaving poop behind increases the risk of disease spreading between dogs.
9. Someone else will take care of the dog poop disposal issue
Truth: Being a responsible pet parent doesn’t end at good food, shelter, and exercise. It also means picking up your dog’s waste. While I pick up poop from other dog’s in my yard, I do it so that Henry doesn’t get sick, our wildlife doesn’t contract an illness, and I don’t step in it. However, many cities have laws requiring dog owners to clean up after their buddies. That means failing to pick up your dog’s poo could mean a hefty fine.
10. It’s just this once
Truth: That mentality adds up quickly. For example, when I drive down to Las Vegas with Henry, there are a few spots that people have let their dogs poop repeatedly without picking up the waste. I will see dogs sniffing the fresh poo and even young children playing in the areas. It’s not safe, and it is a health hazard. One dog parent not picking up their pup’s poop encourages other to do the same, especially if they are traveling. It spreads disease, even when traveling.
11. The bag ripped
Truth: This can happen. That’s why it’s a good idea to carry spare bags. If you don’t have a spare, then look for a free dog waste bag stand or ask another pet owner for a bag. It’s never a good idea to leave the poop and walk away. Also, dog waste can disrupt the natural balance in ecosystems, harming plants and animals that rely on the environment to live.
12. Everyone else leaves it
Truth: Action can often inspire action. Rather than turning a nice area into a health hazard, be the change and pick up the poop. You may inspire other dog parents. That means you are showing the way to be a more responsible pet parent and keep disease down. How wonderful is that?
Can I flush my dog’s poop?
Flushing dog poop is not recommended due to how long it takes to decompose and the possible parasite and bacterial issues. Also, if you have a septic tank, the pet waste can throw off the balance of your tank.
However, keep in mind that flushable dog poop bags can clog up a toilet. That means the best method is to toss pet waste into the trash.
What about burying my dog’s poop or putting it in a compost pile?
I actually tried burying my dog’s fecal matter many years ago. We bought a bucket that we buried in the ground and lifted the lid to add to it. The idea was that it was supposed to decompose the waste in a safer method for the environment. The problem was the smell! Every time I went to add to the pile, the smell that escaped could’ve woken the dead. It really made it unpleasant to be anywhere near the buried bucket. Personally I wouldn’t recommend burying dog poop.
As far as compost, there are a few problems. First, it is hot and tends to burn plants. Second, it can have a pathogen and end up with contaminated soil. Lastly, it can be stinky and attract insects, causing more issues in your yard.
I really don’t want to pick up my dog’s poop. Can I pay someone to do it?
Yes! There are people and companies who will come to your home, pick up your dog’s waste, and haul it away. While it may cost between $15 and $20 for a visit, it may work better for you. There’s even an app you can use and they’ll pick up your dog’s poop no matter where it’s located. It’s a great idea! You can find the app here.
How does picking up my dog’s waste save me money?
You may not think about leaving your dog’s poop as costing you money. But consider the following for a moment.
| Issue | Estimated Cost |
| Parasite treatment | $130 – 6,000 |
| Bacteria vet visit | $75 – 3,000 |
| Virus treatment | $500 – 2,000 |
| Lawn repair | $1 – 3/per square foot |
| Medical bills from parasites | $89 – 2,600 |
| City fines | $50 – 1,000 |
| Being a responsible dog parent | PRICELESS!!! |
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Surprising Reasons Smart Pet Parents Pick Up Dog Waste
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Since dog’s can poop a lot in a year, it’s critical to pick up the waste to keep your environment clean and safe. It doesn’t take much effort or take much time to pick up your dog’s feces, but it can make a big difference.
Also, it can inspire others to do the same. I’ve carried Henry’s poop a mile to a garbage can rather than leave it in the wild. It’s all part of being a good dog parent. That means being the person your dog needs you to be and doing the right thing because it’s the right thing. With that being said, who wouldn’t want to pick up their dog’s poop?
I get so angry when people do not pick up after their dogs I want to scream, I carry poop bags on Nili’s leash and it my pocket and check before going out just in case plus will carry the poop till I find a garbage bin. In our park no one is ashamed to yell at a dog owner if their dog pooped to make sure they pick up so our lawns are generally clean but you always have one that ignores it all. As you said health comes first when it comes to our dogs or us and we should keep all areas clean.
I’m with you. It doesn’t take much to pick up your dog’s deposit. I like to say that it’s part of being a good dog parent and responsible person. Henry says Nili needs a cookie.
This is great! It really annoys me when people leave their poop. If my dog poops and I don’t have a bag (usually because all 3 of them pooped multiple times on the same walk so I ran out) I will walk back, get a bag, and walk out to pick it up again!
I even carry bags when I don’t have the dogs so when someone says “I forgot a bag!” when I catch them with their dog pooping on a walk, I can whip one out for them.
Thanks, Andrea! I’ve walked a ways as well to find a garbage can or to go back and pick up Henry’s deposit because he pooped more than I had in my pocket. I’ve almost always have a bag on me. I love that you do as well. Great minds! 🙂
We all poop so why can’t people be responsible dog poop people. If they saw your list of the expenses with might incur because they don’t do things properly should make their hair curl!!!
Thanks for including the septic tang information. Some people here have tanks and may think dog poop is a good idea. Thanks to you they will be told NO!!!
Thanks, Marjorie! I’m on a septic tank as well so I tend to think of those things. Most don’t though. I do like seeing the expenses associated with not picking up dog poop. I hope it’s enlightening to folks.
People who don’t pick up after their own dogs…stink! (Pun intended). Seriously, though, I get so aggravated, especially when folks let their dogs do their business on other people’s lawns. I remember visiting a lake town years ago with my daughter and mother. We sat down on a bench in front of an ice cream place to eat our cones when a man walked by with a Great Dane (you KNOW how big that poop was!) and let him go right in front of us…on the sidewalk…in a tourist town…and he kept going without cleaning it up! Even when my mother called to him, he ignored us! The business owner came out shaking his head and told us he would clean it up. I was shocked at that dog owner! If he did there in a tourist town on the sidewalk, you know he did elsewhere, too. And you are so right about disease and other dogs (and people stepping in it)…and wow…I knew it took a long time for dog poo to decompose, but up to 52 weeks was a shocker!
I used to carry a poop bag dispenser on all five of my Huskie’s leashes. And, when I walked them, I always walked them along the edge of the road and never on someone else’s property. As a matter of fact, a funny story – one time on a walk with Wolfie, he popped a squat in the middle of the road and did his duty! When I tried to pick it up, it was (here comes TMI…) it was not only hot, but mushy! I called to have my hubby meet me, with buckets of water, when I heard a neighbor laughing as she brought me over her hose! (Oh, thank you!) I was beet red, but she found it humorous and was so helpful! Whew. But my hubby still came over and made sure it was all washed up well as we didn’t want any kids on bikes or walking or other dogs going through it. He even used soap!
Unfortunately, I have seen folks let their dogs right up on our lawn on extendable leashes (another pet peeve) and do their business! One day, we came out of the house in the winter and someone’s dog had peed all over the snowman my grandchildren built – and it was halfway up our lawn so they let their dog up that far!
Once again, a great post, Terri! Every (irresponsible) dog parent needs to read this!
OMD!!! Those mushy poops are something else. I’ve gone back and wiped the area down further as well. Honestly, with Henry’s stomach issues, pumpkin, and Miralax, he tends to have mushy poo. It can be a challenge, as you know, but I always make sure to get it cleaned up. I’m grateful when he goes on dirt or something that’s easy to pick up every little bit. I bit Wolfie was laughing at you and your husband. I swear Henry does at me at times. Those extendable or retractable leashes are one of my pet peeves as well. I’m glad your mom told off that guy. We would’ve gotten along well. So, here’s my funny story. The first training class I took Henry to, we were placed next to a Pittie puppy. He was only 8 months but more than 150 lbs. I can’t imagine how big he is today. His owner wasn’t even 100 lbs soaking wet. So, this cute Pittie at one point went poo. Henry watched in amazement. The pile was literally bigger than Henry who was about 15 lbs at the time. It wouldn’t fit into doggie poo bags. So, the instructor got a shovel and mop. The poor gal was so embarrassed. Needless to say Henry had a MAJOR bromance with Oakly. 😀