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| Dog wrapped-up in clothing (Image Source: unsplash.com) |
Efficient and hygienic poop clean-up can sometimes be a challenge. This guide will provide you with ten of the best methods for cleaning up dog poop, ensuring that you can handle this task with ease and confidence.
1. Use the Right Tools
Invest in a high-quality poop scooper with a long handle to avoid bending over, or choose a set of durable gloves if you prefer a more hands-on approach. Ensure you have sturdy, leak-proof poop bags that are easy to tie and carry.
2. Choose Biodegradable Bags
Opt for eco-friendly biodegradable bags to reduce your environmental impact. These bags break down more rapidly in landfills, unlike traditional plastic bags, which can take many years to decompose.
To avoid forgetting your waste bags every time you take your furry friend out, you can use a waste bag container that attaches to your dog's leash. This way, you'll always have bags handy and will be aware when you're running low.
3. Proper Bagging Technique
To minimize mess and smell, turn the bag inside out over your hand, pick up the waste, and flip the bag right side out so the faeces are enclosed. Tie the bag securely to contain any odour.
From there, it's advisable not to dispose of the waste in your regular garbage can. Instead, deposit the waste in a separate container with a bag in your yard or garage. Once the bag is full, tie it up and leave it for garbage collectors on the scheduled day. This prevents smells from lingering and reduces the chance of bacteria and parasites spreading.
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4. Regular Yard Clean-ups
Picking up your dog's poop becomes easier when you do it more frequently. While dog waste removal laws mandate you pick up whenever your dog relieves himself when outside, you may let a lot of time pass before cleaning up in your yard. As a result, it may appear more challenging to handle than it truly is.
Set a schedule for yard clean-ups if your dog uses your lawn as a bathroom. Regular removal prevents accumulation, reduces smells, and makes the task less daunting.
5. Install a Pet Waste Station
If you have a large yard or manage a community area, consider installing a pet waste station with a disposal bin and bag dispenser to encourage others to clean up.
6. Consider Flushable Products
Some pet waste products are designed to be flushable, allowing you to dispose of dog poop via the sewage system. Although flushing pet waste down the toilet is effective, it may not be the most convenient option for everyone. While sewage treatment plants in the US can handle pet waste, not all countries may have the infrastructure to do so (check with local sewage guidelines before using this method). Additionally, factors such as the number of dogs you have, the size of their faeces, and the water availability in your area can impact whether this method is feasible for you.
7. Freezing
Certain aerosol sprays are specifically designed to freeze dog waste upon contact. Using such sprays can make it easier to pick up a pile of poop. Additionally, this method has other benefits, such as reducing or eliminating the unpleasant smell. Even though you will still need to pick up the poop, it won't be such a sensory experience.
8. Burying the Poop
If you don't want to flush or throw away your dog's poop, you can bury it. There are two ways to do this. The first option is to dig a hole that is at least six inches deep in your yard and bury the poop there. However, this may result in temporary holes in your yard. The second option is to invest in a dog poop disposal system, which is a mini-septic tank that you bury in your yard. You will need to refill it regularly with water and crushed enzymes.
9. Sanitize the Area
If your dog poops on a hard surface, use a hose to wash away the residue. Sanitize the area with a pet-friendly disinfectant to destroy remaining bacteria and viruses (if you don't have a special spray, you can mix one teaspoon of liquid dish detergent, one teaspoon of white vinegar, and 1.5 cups of cold water to create a natural remedy). Applying a pet odour neutralizer is essential to eliminate any smells that could attract your dog back to the same spot in the future.
10. Composting
For those who are environmentally conscious, composting dog waste is an option. Use a pet waste composter to safely break down faeces without risking contamination of edible garden plants.
If you plan to use your compost pile for food-producing plants, ensuring it reaches specific temperatures to eliminate toxins is essential. However, achieving these temperatures with a regular composting system can be challenging. Hence, we recommend opting for commercial-grade composting systems that can reach the required temperature and ensure the safety of your plants. Composting requires expertise, so leaving it to the experts for use in food products is best.
What to Do When Dog Poop Lingers on Your Pet
If your pet has some remaining dog poop on its body, the best course of action is to give them a bath using warm water and dog shampoo. If you don't have dog shampoo, a mild human shampoo can be utilized as a substitute. Soap and warm water kill most bacteria, so this method is highly effective. As an additional precaution, wear gloves while bathing your pet.
Conclusion
Cleaning up dog poop is an unavoidable part of dog ownership, but it doesn't have to be an unpleasant or harmful task. By following these ten best practices, you can ensure that you're removing pet waste effectively and maintaining a hygienic and safe environment for everyone. Remember, the key to managing dog waste is consistency, the right tools, and understanding the impact on health and the environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to not clean-up dog poop?
In many municipalities, it is illegal to not clean up after your dog in public spaces, and failing to do so can result in fines. Regulations vary by location, so knowing your area's local laws regarding pet waste disposal is essential.
Where do you put dog poop after scooping?
Dog poop should be placed in a designated pet waste bag and then disposed of in an appropriate trash can or pet waste disposal system. Please do not dispose of it in compost bins used for vegetable gardens, and ensure it's kept separate from recyclables.
How often do dogs poop?
The frequency at which dogs poop can vary based on their size, diet, and health. On average, a dog might defecate once to three times per day. Young puppies or older dogs may go more frequently. Consistency and regularity in your dog's bowel movements are critical indicators of good health.