National Pooper Scooper Week

Happy National Scoop the Poop Week! This is celebrated during the week of April 23rd through the 29th to help remind everyone of the importance of cleaning up after your dog. Picking up after your dog is not just about avoiding stepping in dog poop – it’s about keeping people and their pets safe.

Parasites
Many parasites are spread through poop, some of which can affect humans and animals other than dogs. Some parasites are species-specific, meaning it can only affect one species. Dogs often get infected by ingesting the poop of infected dogs. Humans, on the other hand, often get these parasites by ingesting the parasites after coming into contact with dog poop – for example, not washing their hands after picking up dog poop, then eating something you have touched with your hands. These parasites cause gastrointestinal upset, like diarrhea, nausea, or stomach pain.

Diseases
Poop can contain pathogenic – or disease causing – bacteria. Two types found in dog poop that infect humans are salmonella and E. coli, both of which cause gastrointestinal issues. In severe cases, infection by either type of bacteria can lead to hospitalization. Dog poop can also spread parvovirus to other dogs, which is highly contagious and can be deadly, especially for puppies.

Pollution
Did you know dog poop is considered a pollutant by the EPA? It contains nutrients that can cause an overgrowth of weeds or algae, making ponds or lakes unsafe for humans. Dog poop also has pathogens that can make their way into our water sources, again making the water unsafe for humans.

Legal Obligation
Dog owners are legally required to pick up after their dog in various locations. While you should always pick up after your dog, double check your area’s laws. If you don’t pick up the poop, you may face a hefty fine.

Quickly picking up your dog’s waste helps to reduce the risk of all of these issues. To help keep you and your furry friends healthy, we hope you remember to always Scoop the Poop!