Unlike cow manure, dog poop is NOT good for grass because it is not a fertilizer. And, contrary to popular opinion not all poop is created equal. Dogs have a high protein-based diet that creates a very acidic excrement or waste product.
Far more info than you ever wanted to know about your favorite furry friend’s business, right? But, it’s true.
Cow manure is, in fact, good for vegetation because it started out that way.
Dog’s diets are very different. Most dog foods today are composed of beef, chicken and/or pork products. This creates a high acidic waste product that is not good for grass and can leave your back yard looking like…well, not looking like much of a yard at all.
Let’s talk about the (bad) Bacteria
Ugly Fact: One gram of dog waste can contain 23 million fecal coliform bacteria, which can contaminate our waterways and cause illnesses in humans. Dogs are a very significant host of bacteria that is harmful to humans. These bacteria when left to their own devices will spread their way throughout your yard and house if you are unlucky enough to land in a mine.
This isn’t just hype in 1991 the EPA designated dog waste as an environmental pollutant, placing it in the same category as pesticides.
Let’s break it down
Believe it or not, dog waste can take a year to fully decompose, leaving your lawn brown and patchy. But regular dog poop cleaning can turn it around in just a matter weeks. Keep your lawn looking great with our tips on how to prevent dog urine from killing grass in your yard.
Prevent Parasites
Until they learn to wash their paws (hey, at least the cat makes an effort) regular scooping can protect you from parvo, trichinosis, whipworms, hookworms, roundworms, giardia, coccidia, and other troublemakers.
Do the Right Thing
Certain “pooper-scooper” laws require pet owners to remove dog waste on public and private property. This includes the neighbor’s yard, sidewalks, parks, schools, and — in some states — even your own backyard!
Fecal bacteria have several means of spreading. You may have made a habit of cutting it into your yard, but when the poop hits the fan, or in this case the lawn mower blade, fecal bacteria are slung about the four corners of your yard.
Lawn mower poop launchers aren’t even the bacteria’s favorite mode of travel, they prefer being airlifted about the yard on insects and other pests, it’s like they have private helicopter pilots or something. When there aren’t any bugs or pests around, they will just simply catch the wind, and settle in your soil or groundwater where they can stay for a year or longer!
Now that you know the dangers of dog poop be proactive, all those terrible things can be avoided. How should you handle Clean up and Avoid Spreading Disease? Simply scoop your dog’s poop with a small plastic baggy, tie it up and throw it away, it will only take a moment.
If you don’t want to clean it up you can always hire someone, there are sites like DoodyCalls.com that can help you find them.
Also remember to keep your dog away from the poo of other dogs, and for goodness sake no mulching the poop into your yard!
Myrna Gutierrez is at the core of Coastal Green Turf Management, driving the company’s success in providing top-tier turf management services. Her expertise in creating and maintaining vibrant, healthy green spaces has established Coastal Green as a leader in its field. Myrna’s commitment to sustainable practices ensures that every project promotes ecological balance while achieving the aesthetic and functional goals of clients. Coastal Green Turf Management is dedicated to transforming landscapes into lush, green environments that clients can enjoy for years to come.
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Myrna Gutierrez
“ Myrna Gutierrez is at the core of Coastal Green Turf Management, driving the company’s success in providing top-tier turf management services. Her expertise in creating and maintaining vibrant, healthy green spaces has established Coastal Green as a leader in its field. Myrna’s commitment to sustainable practices ensures that every project promotes ecological balance while achieving the aesthetic and functional goals of clients. Coastal Green Turf Management is dedicated to transforming landscapes into lush, green environments that clients can enjoy for years to come.”