Dog Poop on the Pavement - Dog Waste Bags and Pooper Scoopers

I'd be willing to bet you that if I asked one hundred people if they let their dogs poo on the pavement they'd all tell me "no!", probably with a look of disgust upon their face that I should ever need to ask this question of them, wholesome community minded people that they are. And then they would go on to explain to me in depth their system should such a thing occur of scooping or plucking with trowel or plastic glove the mess left by their K9 companion into a little plastic baggy, before locating the nearest dog poo bin and disposing of it safely. Because as we all know dog poo contains diseases, and just maybe a small child could fall into it, and potentially become very sick.

I walk a lot. And whilst I wont torment you with a gallery of pictures of the steaming dog poop I pass, the paths that I've taken have taught me at least one thing. Many of you are liars.

You know who you are and don't think that we haven't seen you.

Tentatively glancing around as your dog empties its bowels all over the floor just meters from the school, to see if anybody is watching. And should they not be off you stride with gusto. Dragging your dog along behind you on its lead as fast as you can. Before somebody sees what you've done.

Why Should I Clean Up My Dogs Poo?

It's not a pleasant act I know, having to get in there and clean up the mess. But if you don't clean it up then it's unpleasant for the rest of us. And like a strict parent who reminds a child refusing to feed and clean out their goldfish it's important to remind you that "You were the one that wanted it!". And I do not inflict my wastes upon you.

And perhaps you could argue that it's natural, as such things essentially are, for a dog to do its business as and where it pleases, as a wolf would in the wild. But unless you happen to live in the wild, and not a place densely populated, then your argument is a mute one.

And then there's the health risks.

The Health Risks of Dog Poo

Dog feces are one of the most common carriers of the following diseases:

* Heartworms
* Whipworms
* Hookworms
* Roundworms
* Tapeworms
* Parvo
* Corona
* Giardiasis
* Salmonellosis
* Cryptosporidiosis
* Campylobacteriosis

None of which are pleasant and some of which can cause serious health issues (especially in small children), with Infections from these bugs causing fever, muscle aches, headache, vomiting, and diarrhea at best, and potentially much much worse.

So break out the pooper scooper and dog waste bags and clean up your mess. Because despite what you may think, if you're the dogs owner, then it is YOUR mess.  And should a child get sick because you were too lazy or embarrassed to clean up after yourself, then it is YOUR fault.