by Skip Lowrance

In 1991 the EPA deemed pet waste a “Non Point Source of Pollution” which puts canine waste in the same category as oil and toxic chemicals.

It has been estimated that a single gram of canine waste can contain 23 million fecal coliform bacteria which are known to cause cramps, diarrhea, intestinal illness and serious kidney disorders in humans.

K-9 waste can carry 11 different diseases.

• Heart Worm • Parvo
• Whip Worm • Corona
• Hook Worm • Giardiasis
• Round Worm • Salmonellosis
• Tape Worm • Cryptosporidiosis
• Campylobacteriosis

Canine waste left to accumulate is a big contributor to ground water pollution. It washes down our streets, through our storm drains, eventually making it’s way to our lakes, streams, and eventually the oceans, carrying all of the parasites, bacteria, viruses and fungi along with it. The result is increased bacteria counts in our ground water supplies, and viral infections and skin rashes for swimmers and sportsman alike.

Canine Waste is Poisonous to Lawns
Canine waste will kill your grass, it will not “fertilize” it. It is a protein-based matter, not vegetative-based matter like horse manure. Because of this, it will take more than one year for canine waste to biologically decompose when left lying on the ground, and as it does, it drags all the above mentioned parasites and disease into the soil with it where it lingers for years.

Risk of Infection
Children run the greatest risk of infection because they are prone to play in the dirt at the park, playground or even your own yard and then put their hands in their mouths or rub their eyes with their hands. But even a group of teens or adults playing Frisbee or touch football in a open area could be in danger.

Parasite infection can make humans extremely sick, and for pregnant women —can pose a serious harm to their unborn child.

Mountain of Doo
The American Pet Association estimates that this country’s 71 million pet dogs produce over 4.4 billion pounds of waste per year. That’s enough to cover 900 football fields with 12” inches of canine waste! Divided equally by fifty states, would equal 18 football fields per state, or one field 18’ feet deep per state.

Environmental Friendly
By having a professional canine waste removal company pick up your yard you are helping the environment. Ask the company how they dispose of the waste. Make sure it is taken and mixed with other biodegradable materials, dried out, then mixed with other composting material and eventually sold as compost which is now safe for the environment. Your neighbor could be fertilizing her flower beds with what was once your Fido’s former feces.

So be proud to be seen having your yard picked up. It shows pride in your yard, home, community and the environment. It also show’s love for your dog or dogs.

Lance “Skip” Lowrance owns and operates The Perfect Lawn K9 Waste Removal service. He can be reached at 913-766-DUNG (3864).