Pet waste is a major issue for those that own or tend to animals. Not only does it produce an unpleasant odor and look unsightly, but it can also become a health risk to people and the animals themselves, and will contaminate any water it comes into contact with. Therefore, below are some best practices for dealing with pet waste.
Clean Your Yard Once a Week
Those that own a backyard that has pets in it such as dogs will want to get into the habit of cleaning it weekly. Collect the droppings with a scooper and then place them in a bag which can be sealed and tossed in the trash, or flush it down a toilet. There are also composters that are specially designed for pet waste.
Bury or Toss It
Pet waste can be tossed in the trash, but be careful which one you throw it in. Never toss it in small trash bins, the types that are used in home offices and kitchens, since they don’t have enough space. Instead, put them in large dumpsters which are kept away from your property. Burying waste is another great option, but it needs to be a minimum of six inches within the ground and should never be located in close proximity to water sources or gardens.
Use Animal Waste Stations
While many pet owners pay attention to their homes and yards, this isn’t enough, especially in communities that have lots of animals. Installing pet waste stations is a way for those walking their dogs or playing with them in nearby parks to dispose of waste so it isn’t left lying around in public places. They come in numerous types, and you’ll want to collaborate with the community to plan their installation and choose locations that are acceptable to everyone.
Consequences of not Properly Handling Pet Waste
Those that fail to properly dispose of their pet waste can suffer some consequences. The worst of these is parvovirus, which is a threatening disease that is quite contagious and capable of affecting canines of all breeds, sexes, and ages. Puppies that haven’t yet been vaccinated in particular are at great risk. And to make matters worse, dogs that become carriers may not display any symptoms of their infection.
Parvovirus will attack the lining of the intestine, creating vomiting, diarrhea, appetite loss, and if left untreated, death. Its transmission is the result of coming into physical contact with dog waste that is infected, and the virus can remain active for as long as 6 months or more.
While parvovirus primarily afflicts dogs, humans can also be affected. Being around dog waste can lead to conditions such as toxocariasis and cryptosporidium. Children who play around it might contract parasites, and if the pet waste enters storm drains due to rain, sprinkler runoff, or melting snow, it can enter the water supply which increases its bacterial levels and cause a variety of skin reactions and gastrointestinal problems in those that are exposed to it.
Deal with Pet Waste with PawPail’s Products
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