Whether you’re at the dog park, in your own yard or away on vacation, it’s important to always clean up after your dog. Picking up your dog’s poop isn’t just about common courtesy. There are plenty of other reasons you should be picking up after your pet.

Health Concerns

Dog poop can contain germs that could make people or other pets sick if they’re exposed to it, such as salmonella or parvovirus. Leaving poop around can also attract roundworms and other parasites that can infect people or pets. Cleaning these messes up right away helps lower the risk of having these diseases or parasites spread to others.

Water Contamination

Keep in mind that if your dog’s poop ends up in any waterways, it can contaminate them and put people and pets at risk of becoming ill. Dog poop in these waterways can also be harmful to aquatic wildlife by lowering the water quality. This type of waste adds too much nitrogen to the water, which lowers the amount of oxygen available for wildlife.

Legal Matters

Some areas have local laws that require dog owners to clean up after their pets. Failing to do so could get you in trouble with the law. Always keep disposable poop bags with you, so you can make sure that you pick up your dog's poop.

Pet-Friendly Travel Options

When you do your part in keeping hotel properties free of dog poop, this can end up encouraging more and more hotel owners to allow pets. With more pet-friendly travel options to choose from, you’ll find it easier to plan trips for you and your dog. In addition to cleaning up at the hotel, you should also pick up your dog’s poop anywhere else you go on your trip, such as at rest areas on the road.

Odor Control

Having dog poop around means having a yard with an unpleasant odor, which can discourage you from spending time outside. Piles of dog poop at local parks and other places can also leave foul odors around. Picking up after your dog eliminates pet odors in these outdoor areas.

Courtesy

Although this isn’t the only reason to clean up after your dog, it’s an important one. Picking up your dog’s poop means that other people won’t accidentally step in it and get their shoes dirty. You’re also being a good neighbor in your area when you don’t leave piles of poop on someone else’s lawn or at your local park.