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Dog Health Articles
Dog owners should know that curbing their dog (aka picking up their poop) in Houston is actually an ordinance, yet so few dog owners seem to recognize or abide by the rules. Dog poop is not just unsightly; it is also a potential temptation to dogs that have an affinity towards it - as disgusting as that sounds.
Listed below are six more reasons why dog poop should be picked up. So the next time you let your dog out in the yard or take him for a walk, remember to bring a bag.
1. The Environmental protection Agency (EPA) has classified pet waste (dog poop) as a dangerous pollutant. That means dog poop is as toxic as certain chemical and oils; and that's not just folks jumping on the "green" bandwagon, that classification was made near 20 years ago.
2. The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed that pet waste (dog poop) can spread parasites - including Salmonella, tapeworms, hookworms, and tapeworms. If you don't believe it, just leave your dog's poop on your lawn for a few days and see how many parasites crawl all over it. And those parasites won't just disappear when the poop does; eggs from the parasites will linger for years - yes years. If you or your dog comes in contact with the soil (e.g. walking in the yard, gardening, or even playing with your dog), there is a risk of infection from those parasite eggs.
3. If you think dog poop is a great fertilizer, think again. Dog poop is actually toxic to your lawn. It will burn your grass and cause discoloration.
4. Did you know that un-scooped poop from your yard can be washed into storm drains and wind up in far away rivers and streams? Do you really want to be responsible for contaminating your water?
5. Dog poop is a team player and likes to get together with harmful bacteria like E.Coli and fecal coliform bacteria which can cause intestinal illness including cramps and diarrhea, and even kidney disorders.
6. Last and certainly not least, dog poop can cause blindness. Dog poop contains roundworm larvae which if ingested, can cause blindness in humans. How does that happen? The roundworm larva can migrate through the body causing disease to the kidneys, liver, brain, lungs, eyes and even the heart. So if adults or children touch the infected soil (e.g. dog toys that have come in contact with the roundworm larva), they can become infected. No one wants to become blind because of laziness, so that's just another incentive to be a responsible dog owner.
So the next time you think that picking up dog poop remember that you are not abiding by a Houston' ordinance and you are putting not just your life, but other lives at risk too.
© COPYRIGHT STATEMENT: This article is the original work of Bobbi Leder. Under no circumstances may any portion of this article be copied or used without the permission of the author. To purchase an article by Bobbi Leder, email bobbi.leder@yahoo.com.
Comments
I so agree with this. My mother always told me not to go barefoot in yards where dogs pooped because of worms. People don't understand how quickly worms multiply, and even if you worm your dogs once a month, inbetween, they can spread them in their poop.
Excellent article.
Sims Examiner
Indianapolis Healthy Living Examiner
They should especially pick it up if their dog pooped in MY yard.
no one wants some dog's poop in their yard. the photo is a riot.
Great article. Tweeted it
Excellent reminders - now I am going to share it with my hubby to remind him to clean the backyard again :)
Great job on this!
Third culture kids examiner
Seattle stay-at-home moms examiner
Luckily, we have some pretty responsible pet owners in our neighborhood. At least they are once they realize I'm glaring at them from my office window!
-Dallas Healthy Trends Examiner
-Dallas Ethnic Foods Examiner
Good reasons to pick up after our dogs!
Great article, Bobbi...on dog_____.....actually would love to say it but I can't, but very valuable info.
One reason to stay on top of the health of your dog and keep your poop scooped. Great article.
Great points! The most important one and you should have to go no further is it's poop! There was a really relaxed attitude about it for too long. Old habits die hard.
I never knew all this about dog poop, but I do pick up after my dog. The thing that really galls me here in my neck of the woods (Bay Area, CA) is when people on hiking trails (the ones that allow dogs) bag the poop but then leave the bag on the path... like there's some Magic Poop Fairy who pops down every night to dispose of the bag(s) properly. ::rolling eyes::
So, what's your opinion on biodegradable bags... better to use them or not?
Wow, I did not realize it was a toxic waste - very cool information!
We regularly have to explain to people that it IS important that they (or a service) pick-up their dog's waste and that it is NOT fertilizer. Your article was right on point. Thanks for your great article. We tweeted it.
wow all this information it is good to know, thank you,
ccarol roach
I would like to put the noses of the owners in their dog's mess. I have a 200lb Mastiff & have no problem returning the favor of an unwanted deposit ;-) Informative article here!
A great message that I hope more dog owners will heed!
I wish everyone would read this. I picked up after others when they forget. They don't like it when you remind them.
Great Article
This peeves me to no end. I hate to step in dog poop or walk.
Chicago Bridal Fashion Scene Examiner
Body Building Examiner
This is fascinating. Great reasons that one might not think of.
Great article! I am continuously amazed when I take my two dogs to the dog park and see dogs owners there not picking up their dogs' poop. I'm going to print this article and tape it on the fence in the park.
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