Dog Feces: How and Why to Prevent Contamination

Contamination by dog feces is annoying. They are not a pretty sight and spread an unpleasant smell. Especially when unfamiliar dogs take care of themselves in their own garden, they become an insult. But dog poop can do more harm than just insult our noses. 

In this article, we have compiled everything you need to know about the risks posed bydog feces. We will explain why it is a danger to the environment and how you can prevent dogs from leaving dog droppings on your lawn or in your garden in an animal-friendly way. 

Dog poop is a disease carrier

Dog feces can contain parasites such as roundworms, hookworms and tapeworms that have settled in the digestive tract of dogs and are excreted. These parasites can infect humans, especially children playing in the grass or sand where dogs have done their business. The eggs of these worms can get into the soil and survive there for long periods of time, further increasing the risk of infection.

In addition, the excretions of dogs can also include bacteria such as E. coli, giardia and salmonella, which can cause severe gastrointestinal diseases in humans. These bacteria are transmissible through direct contact with the feces or through contaminated water and food.

Another risk from dog faeces comes from the parvovirus – a highly contagious virus that is especially dangerous for unvaccinated dogs. It can stay in the environment for a long time, which makes it a longer-term risk.

Dog poop – a problem for the environment

Dog feces can cause a number of environmental problems affecting both natural ecosystems and human health. A major problem is the contamination of water sources. If dog droppings are not disposed of properly, they can get into rivers, streams, lakes, and even groundwater. The problem: The feces contain high amounts of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, which can promote the growth of algae and other aquatic plants. This over-fertilization leads to algal blooms that consume oxygen in the water and thus endanger the lives of fish and other aquatic organisms.

Another problem is the spread of pathogens and parasites. Dog feces can contain bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella, as well as parasites such as roundworms and hookworms. These pathogens can pass through the soil into water sources and infect both animals and humans.

For example, cows on contaminated cow pastures sometimes even suffered miscarriages, which can be traced back to pathogens indog feces. Children who play outdoors and people who work in agriculture or horticulture are also particularly at risk.

In urban areas, parks and on sidewalks left feces is not only unsightly and unhygienic, but also poses a risk of slipping and injury. In addition, it can attract other animals that eat the feces and can therefore also absorb pathogens. 

In addition to feces, dog urine can also damage plants in the long term. To protect your own garden and property, there are therefore various dog repellents. However, their effectiveness can vary greatly. In addition, you want to get rid of the dog, but not harm it. So we are looking for animal-friendly options.

Dog Owner – Duties of Dog Owners

Dog owners in Germany – as in many other countries – are obliged to properly dispose of their dogs' legacies. It is stipulated that they must collect their dog's faeces immediately after weaning. This is usually done using poop bags designed specifically for this purpose. The bags are easy to carry and allow the holders to pick up the feces hygienically without direct contact.

The collected dog poop bags must be disposed of in designated waste containers. Many communities provide special containers for dog droppings in parks, on sidewalks, and in other areas of public space – often funded by the local dog tax.

Depending on where you are traveling with your dog, there are different regulations that regulate the disposal ofdog feces. These regulations include fines for dog owners in the event of an administrative offence. Some regions even go one step further: in South Tyrol, for example, dog owners have to submit DNA samples from their dogs so that they can be identified without a doubt in the event of an offence.

Keeping dogs away from lawns and beds – the possibilities

Dog piles are always unpleasant, be it on the street or in the park. In your own garden, however, you certainly do not want theexcretions of foreignfour-legged friends. The landmines are not only unattractive to look at, but also pose a hygienic risk due to pathogens.

But how can you stop strange dogs from doing their business on your own property? There are several ways to do this that act as a dog scare:

1. Erect fence: A sturdy, tall fence can prevent dogs from entering the garden. However, this structural measure is not always so easy to implement, and is associated with costs and effort.
2. Natural barriers: Plants such as rose bushes or thorny shrubs along the fence can provide a natural deterrent. Even dense hedges can help keep dogs away.
3. Dog repellent: repellent sprays or granules with unpleasant scents for dogs can be distributed in the garden. It is important to use these products regularly, especially after rains.
4. Ultrasound against dogs: Special devices can emit high-frequency sounds that are unpleasant for dogs. Such dog scares with ultrasound can be installed at strategic points in the garden and activated when moving.
5. Irrigation systems with motion sensors: Irrigation systems with motion sensors can spray water when motion is detected, which discourages dogs.

Not all of the methods described above are equally effective. In addition, an animal-friendly variant should always be chosen – because it is solely up to the owner to ensure that his dog does not pollute the environment with feces. It can be particularly unfavourable if the said holder is a neighbour with whom the good understanding is to be maintained. Sensitivity and an inconspicuous solution are required here to avoid conflicts in the neighbourhood.

No more dog droppings in the garden – thanks to IREPELL®

IREPELL® offers an advanced, humane and environmentally friendly dog repellent solution. With the help of motion sensors and ultrasound, the device succeeds in driving dogs away and keeping them away – chemical-free, non-violent and noise-free.

IREPELL® can be controlled in a user-friendly way via an intuitive app. A push of a button on the device is enough to activate the 360° protective shield. In addition to the effective dog repellent function, you also have the option of switching between different animal species to be repelled by IREPELL ®.

In addition to dogs and cats, ticks, ants, mosquitoes, gels, moths and cockroaches or cockroaches as well as martens, rats, mice or raccoons can also be kept away. This makes IREPELL® a gentle and ethically justifiable defense solution not only in use against dogs, but with a total of 16 animal species.

FAQs

Is it a criminal offence to leave dog faeces?

Yes, in many cities and municipalities it is a criminal offence to leave dog droppings behind. There are local regulations that require dog owners to remove the feces of their animals on public and sometimes private areas. Violations of these regulations can be punished with fines to ensure cleanliness and hygiene in the community.

Why should you put away dog feces?

Dog feces should be removed for several reasons:

• Hygiene: Dog feces can contain pathogens and parasites that can be harmful to humans and other animals.
• Environment: Laid-down dog feces can pollute soil and water and contribute to the spread of disease.
• Aesthetics: Public and private areas remain clean and appealing when dog feces are disposed of properly.
• Neighborhood peace: Removing dog feces helps avoid conflicts with neighbors and other citizens.
• Legal compliance: By clearing away dog faeces, you meet the legal requirements and avoid possible penalties.

How to properly dispose of dog feces?

Dog faeces should be disposed of as follows:

• Poop bags: Use special dog poop bags that are tear-resistant and leak-proof.
• Pick up: Pick up the feces with the bag by slipping it over your hand like a glove and picking up the feces.
• Seal: Knot the bag shut to trap odor and bacteria.
• Trash can: Throw the sealed bag in a designated public trash can or in your own household trash.
• Biodegradable bags: If possible, use biodegradable poop bags to minimize environmental impact. However, please observe the local regulations for the disposal of biodegradable materials.