What Happens to Dog Poop Left Outside?

Dog poop left outside doesn't simply vanish or biodegrade harmlessly; it acts as raw sewage, posing significant environmental and health risks to humans, pets, and local ecosystems. Unlike waste from wild animals, which naturally breaks down in their habitats, dog waste is considered unnatural due to their domesticated diet and the concentration of pathogens it contains.

More Than Just a Nuisance

Many people mistakenly believe that dog waste will eventually "disappear" or is a natural fertilizer. However, this is far from the truth. Dog poop is akin to human raw sewage and contains a different biological makeup than the waste of wild animals. Even if it appears to break down and disappear into the soil, the dangerous parasites and germs within it do not.

Environmental Contamination

The primary concern with dog poop left outdoors is its potential to contaminate the environment, particularly water sources.

Water Pollution

When it rains, bacteria, viruses, and parasites from dog waste are easily washed from yards, sidewalks, and parks into storm drains. These drains typically lead directly to streams, rivers, lakes, and eventually larger bodies of water, such as the Puget Sound in specific regions. This runoff introduces a hazardous cocktail of pollutants:

• Harmful Bacteria: Such as E. coli, which can cause gastrointestinal illness in humans.
• Parasites: Including Giardia, Cryptosporidium, roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms, all of which can infect both humans and animals.
• Excess Nutrients: High levels of nitrogen and phosphorus can promote algae blooms, depleting oxygen in the water and harming aquatic life.

For more information on the impact of pet waste on water quality, refer to resources from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Soil Degradation

While dog waste might initially seem to enrich soil, its concentrated nature and high pathogen load can actually disrupt local soil ecosystems. It can also burn plants due to its high nitrogen content if left in direct contact.

Health Risks

The persistence of parasites and germs in dog poop poses direct health risks.

Risks to Humans

Contact with contaminated soil or water can lead to various illnesses. Children are especially vulnerable due to their tendency to play on the ground and put hands in their mouths. Diseases transmissible from dog waste to humans include:

• E. coli infection
• Giardiasis
• Cryptosporidiosis
• Salmonellosis
• Roundworm
• Hookworm

Risks to Other Animals

Wildlife and other pets can also contract diseases and parasites from uncollected dog waste. Dogs sniffing or eating contaminated soil or grass are at risk of reinfecting themselves or passing parasites to other animals in the household.

Why Dog Poop is Different

The key distinction lies in a dog's diet and environment. Unlike wild animals whose waste is often dispersed and part of a natural cycle, domesticated dogs consume processed diets and often defecate in concentrated areas like parks and yards. This concentration, combined with the types of bacteria and parasites their bodies harbor, makes their waste a significant biohazard.

The Solution: Scoop the Poop

The most effective and responsible solution to prevent these issues is simple: pick up after your dog every time.

Best Practices for Disposal

Adhering to proper disposal methods is crucial for environmental and public health:

1. Always Bag It: Use pet waste bags, and consider biodegradable or compostable options where available.
2. Dispose Properly: Place sealed bags in designated dog waste bins or regular trash cans.
3. Never Flush (Unless Specified): Do not flush dog waste down toilets unless it's explicitly stated by your local wastewater treatment plant that they can process it, as many systems are not designed for it.
4. Wash Your Hands: Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling pet waste.

By understanding the full impact of dog poop left outside, pet owners can make informed decisions that protect both the environment and public health.