You love seeing your dog run around the yard, but you certainly don’t love the waste they leave behind. Dog messes on your lawn are certainly annoying to look at and clean up. However, your furry friend’s waste can also do damage to your environment. To keep up with lawn care best practices, be sure to be aware of the danger of leaving dog waste in your yard. 

Why You Should Keep Your Yard Clean of Dog Waste

1. It Carries Disease

Dog waste that sits in your yard can pose a risk to human health. Specifically, dog feces can spread diseases including campylobacteriosis, salmonellosis, giardia, and more. This waste can also carry parasites like tapeworms and roundworm. 

2. It Damages Grass

The acidity and nitrogen content of dog waste can burn your grass and turn it yellow. This is especially true when the waste is left sitting on the lawn for a while. 

3. It Spreads Bacteria

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a single gram of dog waste contains an average of 23 million fecal coliform bacteria. This bacteria can cause illness in both humans and other animals. This is why placing the waste in your garden as fertilizer is a significant lawn care mistake. The bacteria will only spread to your plants and contaminate the garden.

4. It Contaminates Water

The EPA also warns of the contamination that dog waste can put in groundwater. When it rains, the water runs into drains and bodies of water, picking up bacteria from pet waste on the way. The makeup of dog waste can trigger algae growth in ponds, streams, and other bodies of water near your home. 

The best way to protect your yard from the harm of dog waste is to promptly pick it up, but be sure to call a lawn care company for additional lawn maintenance. Dog owners deserve a healthy lawn to enjoy with their furry friend, so contact DCM Landscaping LLC & Total Lawn Care in Nekoosa, WI. With more than 27 years of experience, these professionals will help your home look its best, and they will sit down with your family to create a comprehensive landscaping solution to fit your needs. For more information, visit their website, or call (715) 325-5548.