Disposing of dog poop is one of the least pleasant responsibilities pet parents have, but there’s also no denying that it’s important to do for many different reasons. On the most basic level, dog feces is dirty and foul-smelling, and it makes a big mess when someone steps in it. More importantly, however, exposed dog poop can spread parasites and infectious diseases. It’s also a major contributor to land and water pollution, as it burns grass and creates toxic conditions in any bodies of water it enters. Thus, by picking up dog waste when you’re out for a walk, you’re not just helping to make your neighborhood a more pleasant place to be—you’re also protecting yourself and others.
Cleaning up after your dog doesn’t have to be a big ordeal, either. While picking up poop is never going to be pretty work, investing in the right tools and taking the right precautions can make it much more manageable. Try these five tips to make the whole process much less of a pain in the butt:
Carry Poop Bags When You Go Out
A responsible pet owner never leaves home without poop bags, even if they’re only stepping out for a few minutes. Make sure to buy poop bags that are sized appropriately for your dog’s breed, as large breeds will likely need larger bags to contain all their waste. You’ll also want to carry plenty of extras with you in case one of your bags breaks or you see a fellow pet owner without a poop bag.
In general, it’s always better to buy poop bags in bulk so you never run out. You may also want to invest in customizable dog poop bag pouches, poop bag holders, and other similar equipment for easy storage and dispensing. For example, PrideBites pouches are designed to make poop cleanup as convenient for you as possible. They easily clip on to your dog’s leash so you don’t have to carry them while you’re out and about, and they also feature a snag-free opening that you can easily pull the bags through when you need them.
When picking up dog poop with a poop bag, try to scoop up as much of the waste as possible—including the smaller pieces that may have fallen away from the main pile. Do also place your dog’s waste in an appropriate waste bin, as something might happen to split it and release the poop back into the environment if you simply leave it by the side of the road. If there are no segregated garbage bins in your city, simply carry the bag with you until you can dispose of it properly at home.
Clean Up with Wet Wipes
If your poop bag tears or something else happens to bring you or your dog in close contact with fresh feces, a big pack of wet wipes will save the day. They’re the perfect way to clean your hands until you can wash them more thoroughly with soap and water.
Wet wipes can also help you clean off any poop that might get on your dog’s hind legs or tail when they defecate, particularly if they have longer fur around those areas. When your dog is home and properly clean again, you can dry them off using their dog towel.
Get a Pooper Scooper
If you have a garden or yard at home, your dog will probably be doing their business there more frequently than other places. Investing in equipment like rakes, spades, pooper scoopers, and waste disposal bins can help you clean up these messes without having to bend down close to them. Whatever tools you favor, be sure to use them whenever you need to instead of leaving your dog’s poop lying around on your lawn—the surrounding environment will definitely be healthier for it.
Be Aware of Your Dog’s Habits and Behavior
Every dog has its own unique behaviors and habits when it comes to going to the bathroom. For instance, some dogs will readily urinate or defecate in the first patch of grass they come across. Others, meanwhile, may need to warm up for a few minutes before they find the ideal spot to do their business. Some dogs even prefer to go potty in the same location as much as possible. Once you know what your dog’s bathroom habits are, it will be easier for you to anticipate when and even where they’ll go next.
Take Special Precautions with Sick Dogs
Sick dogs are naturally more predisposed to shedding parasites, viruses, and bacteria, so their waste is likely to be more infectious than average. If you’re caring for a sick dog whose symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea, be extra careful about cleanup—for both your dog’s safety and your own. Use gloves when cleaning up after your dog and thoroughly disinfect any surfaces their waste comes into contact with. Any children, pregnant women, immunocompromised, or otherwise at-risk people in your household should also stay away from your dog for the meantime.
By following the tips above, you can make cleaning up after your dog a much safer and more efficient task. In the process, you’ll be doing a valuable service to your community, the environment, and other pets and pet owners in your area.