Dogs bring tremendous amounts of joy to our lives, but they also bring a few challenges that require attention. One of those challenges comes in the form of dog poop that is routinely deposited in our backyards by our furry friends. Some people believe that dog poop acts as a fertilizer, however quite the opposite is true. Dog poop can actually be toxic to your soil and may contain bacteria or parasites. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has confirmed that parasites such as hookworms and tapeworms can be spread when humans come in contact with dog waste. Dog waste can also carry bacteria such as Salmonella. 

 

What if no one goes into my backyard? Is anyone really harmed by the dog poop I leave in my backyard? Actually yes, you may be harming the environment and other individuals. When it rains, the bacteria in the dog waste will be washed into neighboring yards, storm drains, and may seep into local streams and rivers. Clearly this is not good for those around us and for the well being of the ecosystem here in North Florida. So, you see that the dog poop in your backyard, or in your community, is not only an eyesore and a smelly nuisance, but it's something more than that. It's something that needs attention to keep our pets and families healthy and safe.