By Jennifer Tran

Nobody likes to be on “doody duty,” but did you know that what we don’t pick up can actually hurt us? Contrary to popular belief, dog poop is not a fertilizer. It is full of bacteria that can contaminate ground water because it is not treated, like our waste. In addition, dog poop attracts disease-carrying pests such as rats. Yes, rats! They feed on dog feces as do flies. Enough said! 

Odor is another huge reason for clearing dog poop. Not only is the smell offensive to you, it could also present a problem with your neighbors if left for any length of time. 

Dog and cat poop can carry many parasites, even in healthy pets. Roundworms are the most common type of parasite found in pets. They are almost always found in puppies that have yet to be vaccinated and often have the unpleasant habit of eating other dogs’ poop. However, even adult dogs and cats can get roundworm and should be dewormed regularly. If your pet’s poop looks like spaghetti, he more than likely has roundworm. Other symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea. Roundworm can also infect humans. 

Tapeworms are transmitted to dogs and cats in a couple of different ways depending on the type of tapeworm. One variety of tapeworm is transmitted by fleas (fleas think tapeworm eggs are real tasty!), while another is spread by pets eating wildlife or rodents infested with tapeworms or fleas. It is important that your dog or cat be treated promptly if you discover these in his poop. Tapeworms can also be transmitted to humans through direct contact with your pet and are extremely hazardous. 

Hookworms are blood suckers and are easily transmitted through the pads of a dog’s feet and the skin on his belly by being picked up from infected soil. Hookworm is one of the classic internal parasites infecting puppies and can even be transmitted to pups still in the womb.  If your dog’s fecal matter is dark or bloody, that’s an indication that hookworms are sucking from his intestinal tract. He must be treated promptly as this can cause him to become anemic and extremely ill. Hookworm infections can be passed on to humans.

As if roundworms, tapeworms and hookworms aren’t enough, other parasites such as Coccidia and Giardia can be found in dog poop. Parvo virus is one of the most deadly viruses and is transmitted through contact with feces.

The good news is that professional dog waste removal services such as Call to Doody are available for weekly, twice weekly and one time visits. They can eliminate your worst chore and allow you to enjoy your yard without fear of stepping on or tracking in dog poop.

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