Pet Waste

Introduction

When owners neglect to pick up after their animals, pet waste gets left behind and is washes into storm drains. These drains flow out 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 diseases caused by exposure to bacteria in pet waste:

• Salmonella

• Giardia

• E. Coli

• Campylobacteriosis

• Cryptosporidiosis

All of which 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.

• Hookworm

• Roundworm

• Tapeworm

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 This Problem?

“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 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