Fact and Fiction About Dog Poop

Do I need to contemplate doggie poop? I don't think so!
That is Mama's responsibility. 

This month kicked off with "International Pooper Scooper Week" on April 1 and will end with a similarly themed weekly ahem …celebration: "National Scoop the Poop Week."

To commemorate both - and that daily ritual for pet parents - we separate the fact from the fiction about disposing pet poop.

Fact

Flushing dog poop down the toilet - without a bag, only the waste - is perhaps the best disposal method, says the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the National Resources Defense Council. Leaving pet waste on the ground increases public health risks by allowing harmful bacteria and nutrients to wash into storm drains, and eventually into local waterbodies.

But cat feces should never be flushed, as it may contain Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that can infect people and animals. Municipal water treatment systems do not always kill this parasite. 

But cat feces should never be flushed, as it may contain Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that can infect people and animals. Municipal water treatment systems do not always kill this parasite. 

Fiction

Leaving dog poop behind is good for the soil. Reality: In order for feces from a carnivorous animal to be used as an effective fertilizer, it has to be fully composted with other materials such as egg shells and grass clippings and allowed to break down over time.

Fact

America's 78.2 million dogs collectively deposit 10 million tons of waste per year, according to waste clean-up service, Doody Calls. That's enough to fill some 268,000 tractor trailers.  

Fiction

Dog waste cannot harm your health. Reality: Dog feces can carry a host of disease and worms -- including heartworms, whipworms, hookworms, roundworms, tapeworms, parvovirus, giardia, salmonella, and even E. coli. This is why it's imperative to clean it up after Fido does his duty.

Fact

If not flushing (again only bagless dog poop, never cat waste), it's best to use a biodegradable bag and place in the garbage.

Fiction

Bagged poop can be flushed. Reality: It can clog home plumbing and stress sewer systems.

By Bryant, Carol / Pet360

Bag Balm

I suffer from "happy tail." Mama didn't even know there was a name for my condition. I become extremely excited when I am released from my house (aka crate) and I wag my tail so hard against the walls, cabinets, washer, and dryer. Every day our kitchen and laundry area looked like a battlefield and this would happen a couple times a day. Dad was getting very upset over it because he didn't want to see the blood everywhere but more than that he was worried about my tail.

Mama tried every type of bandage and vet wrap.  Her friend had a great idea to use pipe installation (foam padding) to protect my tail, so Mama tried it. Nothing helped because I ripped off anything that was applied to my tail. Oh, I am not dumb, I wouldn't do it until Mama wasn't around to see me.

Two vets told Mama if my tail didn't have a chance to heal it would more than likely have to be removed. Oh no, those are words we didn't’ want to hear. Mama was determined not to let that happen to me, but she didn't know how to stop it because I couldn't control myself--I just couldn't leave anything on my tail even though I knew it was for my own good. Hey, after all, I am only a canine, although I am a great and beautiful girl.  

Mama researched alternative methods and came across recommendations for Bag Balm. She told Dad that it can't hurt to try, so she ordered it from Amazon. That Amazon has loads of good stuff!

We absolutely love Bag Balm. My tail has not bled since Mama started using the product a week ago. She makes me sit and says “tail” so I will let her apply the balm. Of course, I sit but I try to tuck my tail under me (again, I want to remind you that I am a canine). But Mama outsmarts me because she now gets the balm container and a treat. She knows I will do just about anything for a treat. She applies the balm a few times a day to protect the tip of my tail and I get a few extra treats.  I think the saying is “it’s a win-win for all.”

Mama and I would recommend this product for anyone who is experiencing the issue I have (I think I should say “had”).