Residential FAQs

• How much does my dog poop?

  On average, your furry friend poops twice a day which equates to approximately 1/2 their body weight in poop every week. To put this in perspective, a 10 lb Chihuahua generates 260 pounds of poop a year - what a mess!

• What is the best way to dispose of dog poop?

  It is the responsibility of every pet owner to make sure their pets' waste is picked up. Before picking up the waste, we recommend wearing protective gear (gloves at a minimum) to ensure your safety. When disposing of the waste, PoopHappens makes the following recommendations:

  You can flush pet waste down the toilet so that it goes to a sewage treatment plant. However, before you do, remove it from the waste bag and make sure you are wearing gloves to prevent transmitting diseases.

  You can also put pet waste in the trash. However, check to make sure that this method of disposal is in accordance with local laws and regulations. If you choose to put pet waste in the trash, be sure to use bags specifically designed for pet waste, double bag the waste, and make sure the bags are properly sealed to prevent spillage.

  Use a poop-scooping service that will professionally remove the waste and disinfect your yard minimizing the risk of remnants left behind, promoting a safe environment for you and your pets.

• Is dog waste harmful to the environment?

  Yes. When pet waste is washed into creeks, streams, rivers or the bay, the waste decays, using up oxygen. Low oxygen levels combined with warm temperatures can kill fish. Pet waste also contains properties that facilitates accelerated weed and algae growth. Perhaps most importantly, pet waste carries diseases which makes water unsafe for drinking.

• Can dog waste be harmful to my health?

  Yes. Your pets and family members that spend time in the yard engaging in outdoor activities are at the greatest risk. Dog poop is the most common carrier of roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms - known gastrointestinal parasites that shed eggs in dog feces. Activities such as gardening, walking barefoot in the yard, or playing sports increase the risk of encountering those parasitic eggs and subsequent larvae. These parasites can also be tracked into the house by pets and shoes affecting occupants of the home.

• Won't the poop eventually just disintegrate?

  Generally no. It takes up to a year for dog feces to decompose. In the meantime, it causes brown spots in the yard, is mowed over (causing spreading and inhalation of the fecal matter), and attracts rodents. Dog feces is a favorite snack of mice, rats and other rodents. If they are in your yard snacking, they are likely in your home snacking as well.

Questions? Contact us at (301) 821-5557 or info@poophappensmd.com.