by Kacey Stapleton

Created on: October 20, 2008   Last Updated: July 30, 2009

While the subject is almost comical the discussion of dog waste can prove to be an expensive topic to ignore. In a growing number of cities if you're caught letting your pup poop and not cleaning up the mess you could face a hefty fine. While this might seem too harsh a penalty for such a tiny crime you need to understand how the doggy doo-doo can stack up.

There's more to dog waste than simply the inconvenience of your neighbors having to clean the bottoms of their shoes once in awhile. According to the Department of Ecology [ecy.wa.gov] website dog waste is more than a nuisance it's a potential health risk and a source of water pollution. They estimate that with increasing dog ownership the problem could easily become overwhelming. For example, a population of 100,000 people would generate 2.5 tons of waste per day, and the current estimated U.S. dog population is well over 80 million. That's a lot of poop, and it could easily become uncontrollable if dog's best friend doesn't man up to the task and act responsibly.

As a hazard doggy poop isn't funny. Dog waste can contain E.Coli and Salmonella which if washed into the waterways and oceans during rainfall can cause contamination in water supplies with a potential for human infection. Some cities now have to run costly special treatments on drinking water in order to prevent such issues.

A more immediate problem is that Hookworm and Roundworm both common parasites found in dogs can live for years in soil where canine waste has been left to degrade. These types of parasites aren't picky and will infect other animals and humans if they should come in contact with the contaminated soil.

One thing keeping some dog owners from doing their duty by their pets is the "gross out" factor. After all this is excrement, we're talking about and everyone has a natural reluctance to come in contact with the stuff no matter how much we love it's cute and furry source.

There are of course ways to pick up the poop without coming in contact with the smelly substance. Pooper scoopers, shovels, and bags are a dog owner's second best friend in this situation. You can find a complete arsenal for your own private war on poop in almost any pet supply, grocery, or even some hardware stores.

If you're trying to stay green and your back is in good working order the fastest and most environmentally safe way to pick up after your pet is by using a bio-degradable or paper bag. Most of these bags are very easily folded up and placed in a pocket, shoulder catch, or pack.

Take at least three or four baggies with you when walking your pooch as Rover might surprise you by needing to stop multiple times to eliminate. When the time comes to pick up the waste put your hand inside an unused clean bag with the handles or top edge loosely fitting above your wrist. Now, using the bag as if it was a glove reach down grasp the waste then quickly pull the handles or edges down with your free hand while turning the bag inside out with the poop safely inside. With a little practice, this maneuver can be completed so effectively and quickly you won't even catch a whiff of the bag's contents.

Looking at the risk you're taking with the health of your neighbors and their pets by not cleaning up after your animal the large fines now probably make much more sense. Even if you never get caught by law enforcement both you and your pet will be much more popular and respected if you act responsibly.

Learn more about this author, Kacey Stapleton.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.