Hey, we know it's not a glamorous job, but someone has to do it! Cleaning up after your dog is an important part of dog ownership for a number of reasons. Not only is it the morally right thing to do, it actually helps to prevent health issues being spread within your local canine community. There are options when it comes to picking up the poop, and we're here to let you know how to keep things clean when your has to go. Keep reading to find out just why picking up after your pet is so important and the best ways to do so...
Why do we clean up after our dogs?
You may have wondered why exactly we pick up our dogs business. It's not exactly fun but it is a necessary part of being a responsible pet parent. Here are the main reasons why it is vital to pick up after your pup.
It's expected. When you're a pet parent, it is socially expected that you will be responsible for picking up after them. Cleaning up their poop is an important part of maintaining a clean and happy wider community. No one enjoys stepping in dog poo, and you can help to prevent that from happening. Public spaces are shared spaces, and so it is important for all of us to look after them and keep them clean for others to enjoy.
For health reasons. Not everyone knows this, but dog poop can actually carry a number of diseases and parasites that can easily be spread through contact. These diseases can range from fairly harmless to fatal, and so it is vital that you pick up after your dog to prevent them from spreading. One of the most dangerous diseases to dogs, known as parvovirus, can be carried through dog waste. If a young and/or unvaccinated dog comes into contact with poo from a dog with parvovirus, it is highly likely that they will contract is as well. There are also a number of diseases and parasites present in dog poo that are transmissible to humans and other animals, such as hookworms and whipworms. Whilst rare, contact with dog poop can also cause toxocariasis – a nasty infection that can lead to dizziness, nausea, asthma and even blindness or seizures.
It's the law. Not only is it the courteous thing to do, but it is also your legal obligation to pick up after your dog. Here in the UK, there are estimated to be more than 8 million dogs producing more than 1,000 tonnes of mess every day. Anyone who fails to clear up after their dog can be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice of up to £100. If the case goes to court this could cost the person in charge of the animal up to £1,000. The law states that being unaware a dog has pooped or not having a suitable bag is not a reasonable excuse.
To protect ecosystems. Whilst picking up poop may seem like a small act, it can have huge consequences for the environment and native species if it is not done. Many species of wild animals and birds would not naturally come into contact with the diseases that can be carried through a dog's poo, meaning they have no natural defences against them. If your dog’s poop isn’t picked up, it’s likely that it will attract the attention of wild animals, and they may be exposed to something that threatens their lives. Insects are also likely to be drawn to unpicked-up poop, which can be dangerous if there are any parasites present, as insects such as flies and mosquitoes can pick these up and spread them very quickly.
As you can see, picking up after your pup prevents a wide range of negative impacts, and creates a positive impact for the community as a whole! It’s an important job, and the power is in your hands.
How do I pick up my dog's poo?
Now this may seem like an obvious question, but there's a good chance that there are methods or products that you haven't thought about using before. Cleaning up after your pet can be done in a number of ways, so pick the one that works best for you.
Poop bags. Dog poo bags are the most obvious and easily accessible option for picking up after your dog. Available in a huge range of sizes, colours, scents and materials, there's sure to be something to suit every hound and the human. We highly recommend opting for biodegradable poop bags to help do your bit for the environment. We love Planet Underdog or Adios Plastic for their lightweight, colourful and durable biodegradable bags. It is also very easy to keep poo bags on you when walking your dog, either by tucking them into a pocket or with a dedicated poo bag dispenser. There are a number of options to carry poop bags on your person while walking your pup, but the type that attaches to your lead is by far the most convenient. That way, your bags are with you every time you walk your pup, so you’ll never leave them at home. Our poo bag pouches come in a range of colours and either a diamond or heart shaped design, making them just as pretty as they are practical!
Poop scoops. Only really for use in your own back garden or private outside space, poop scoops often resemble a broom and dustpan, except the broom is replaced with a rake or a spade. Poop bags can often be placed in the inside of the dustpan portion, allowing for easy cleaning and no need to touch the poop directly. When using a poop scoop, remember to thoroughly clean it after any contact with poop. It needs to be sanitized effectively to prevent diseases and parasites from spreading.
Newspaper. Though far from ideal, newspaper works well in a pinch if you've forgotten your poop bags. It is a biodegradable material and is durable enough that you shouldn't have any accidents. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after using this method as bacteria can spread more easily that with poop bags.
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