Difference between revisions of "Pet Waste"

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== Introduction ==
 
== Introduction ==
  
When owners neglect to pick up after their animals, pet waste gets left behind that can wash into storm drains. This becomes a source of [[Runoff|runoff]], which drains into local waterways; lakes, rivers, estuaries, bays or the ocean. On land, as well as in the water, the waste left by our pets can spread harmful diseases through numerous types of bacteria and parasites.
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When owners neglect to pick up after their animals, pet waste gets left behind and can wash into storm drains. The waste then becomes a pollutant in the [[Runoff|runoff]] that drains into local waterways; lakes, rivers, estuaries, bays or the ocean. On land, as well as in the water, the waste left by our pets can spread harmful diseases through numerous types of bacteria and parasites.
  
 
==Bacterial Disease==
 
==Bacterial Disease==

Revision as of 13:54, 23 September 2010

Introduction

When owners neglect to pick up after their animals, pet waste gets left behind and can wash into storm drains. The waste then becomes a pollutant in the runoff that drains into local waterways; lakes, rivers, estuaries, bays or the ocean. On land, as well as in the water, the waste left by our pets can spread harmful diseases through numerous types of bacteria and parasites.

Bacterial Disease

A few of the worst of many known disease-causing agents (pathogens) in pet waste or diseases caused by exposure to bacteria in pet waste:

All of which can cause one or more of the following: Intestinal infections, dehydration, fever, cramps, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.


Parasitic Disease

Dogs carrying parasites can pass them on through eggs in fecal matter. A parasitic infection can occur through ingestion or through skin absorption. Whether you’ve stepped in waste in the yard or swam in contaminated water, human parasitic infestation is not only possible, but common.

Symptoms range from: skin rashes to nasal infections, asthma, constipation, abdominal pain, internal swelling and bleeding, and in some cases, blindness.


How Do I Avoid These Problems?

“Pooper Scooper” laws impose heavy fines for not cleaning up after pets. Ensuring that waste will stay out of local waterways and neighborhoods is simple, and will help keep your and your environment healthy and happy.

  • Pick up after your pet
  • Discard the waste into a trash can, or
  • Flush it down the toilet


Additional Resources

EPA has published information on pet waste management, including a summary article and a collection of brochures, posters and public service announcements on the subject.


If you believe you have become ill from contact with ocean water, please aid us in our fight for clean water and fill out a Surfrider Foundation Ocean Illness Form