Dog Waste looks and smells unpleasant. However, many of us do not know all the facts about canine waste and the effects on the environment, our health and lawn quality.

Here are some Facts.

• Dog waste can transmit bacteria and viruses including, tapeworm, roundworm, E. Coli, Pravo and more.
• Canine fecal matter is a top contributor to storm water pollution.
• Waste matter accumulation can negatively affect your lawns appearance and health.
• Dog waste SHOULD NOT be used as a fertilizer.
• A pile can take a year or more to fully breakdown.
• Dog waste accumulation can attract mice , parasites and other unwanted pests.

Are you putting your family and pets at risk by not regularly picking up the pet waste in your yard?

Dog Waste Contains:

• Hookworms: In people, these larvae usually migrate in the skin causing an itching red track to develop.
• Roundworms: Can cause vision problems and nervous deficits.
• Cryptosporidium: Common symptoms include diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea and dehydration. May be fatal to people with depressed immune systems.
• Campylobacteriosis: A bacterial infection carried by dogs and cats that frequently causes diarrhea in humans.
• Giardia: Can cause extreme diarrhea

"The bottom line is if we pick up the feces passed by our dogs and cats when they are outside and dispose of the feces, we can reduce the level of environmental contamination and possibly reduce the risk of dog and cat infections and the possible involvement of the human population."

Ellis C. Greiner, Professor of Parasitology
College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Veterinary Medicine

Did you know that pet waste negatively affects our environment?

Feces deposited in yards, fields and trails runs off into streams, rivers and even into groundwater. This negatively affects water quality.

Dog waste is estimated to cause between 20-30 % of stream pollution.

Dog Waste contains nitrogen and phosphorus. These nutrients promote algae growth in lakes, ponds, and streams. This limits light available to aquatic plants. As the algae decays it uses up oxygen that is needed by fish.

Runoff containing dog waste also causes bacteria levels to rise in waterways and can make beaches unsafe for swimming.

Here is a link to learn more about the affects of pet waste to our ground water.

Can I use pet waste as fertilizer?

NO! Pet waste should not be used as fertilizer for you lawn or garden. Although pet waste contains some nutrients that are beneficial to plants it contains harmful bacteria and disease that can affect humans. Visit this link to learn more about way pet waste should not be used as fertilizer.

Click here to read more at Yard & Garden