Why is it important to clean up after your pet?

A great deal of care goes into maintaining a family pet including vaccinations, meals, walks and, yes, the dreaded clean up. If not attended to, the feces left behind can become a health hazard as well as a nuisance in your own yard and in neighborhood parks.

Among several parasites that are associated with pet feces, roundworm is the most common. If feces from a roundworm-infected dog are left on the ground, the eggs from this parasite can remain active for a number of years. Persons that come in contact with the infected soil can themselves become infected. Contamination is rare, but possible if someone touches infected soil or old feces and then transfers the eggs to their eyes or mouth. Those at greatest risk are young children because they are more likely to play in dirt and put things in their mouths. However, teens and adults that visit turf play fields where infected dogs have defecated, may also be exposed to the roundworm parasite. Pregnant women are at a higher risk and should even avoid cleaning kitty litter boxes due to this infectious disease that could harm the fetus.

How can you stop the spread of these parasites? First, thoroughly pick up after your pet. Fresh feces are not as infectious, as it takes the eggs several weeks to develop. Some parks have courtesy doggy bags available. If this type of dispenser is not in your neighborhood park, a plastic newspaper bag works great to transport the feces to a garbage container. Sandboxes should be covered when not in use to avoid tempting neighborhood cats. Most importantly, wash your hands with soap and water after handling and cleaning up after your pet.

Pet feces have also been linked to highly elevated levels of coliform and streptococci bacterial pollution in storm runoff. It also contributes to high nutrient levels in lakes and ponds that can lead to alga blooms which may kill fish. Also, consider the aesthetics of feces lying around in public places, not to mention the areas of grass killed by the high levels of nitrogen. Given the many reasons mentioned, the best place for pet droppings is in a landfill where their impact can be controlled. Don’t be a poop, pick up after your pet!

To contact a South Suburban Park Ranger, call 303-730-1022. If you reach the voicemail, leave a message at ext. 13, then call 303-798-5131. Rangers patrol 120 park and open space areas and 110 miles of trails. They monitor visitor safety, protect resources and enforce regulations approved by the South Suburban Board of Directors. Request information on a topic by calling 303-730-1022 or email to SkotL@ssprd.org. Receive a program discount if your requested topic is covered.