That’s right. It’s that time of year. Time to pick up the poop!

Please come out and help us keep our dog park clean.

When: Saturday, April 27th

Start time: 8am

Where: The Dundas Dog Park

Please leave your pup at home and wear appropriate clothes.

Gloves, trash bags, hand sanitizer and a search grid will all be provided.

If we finish early enough, we may go to the Northfield Dog Park as well.

Here are a few facts:

1) Dog Poop is NOT Fertilizer!

Dog poop in particular is not fertilizer like cow manure. Contrary to popular opinion not all poop is created equal. Dog’s have a high protein based diet that creates a very acidic excrement or waste product. Far more info than you ever wanted to know about your favorite furry friend’s business, right? But, it’s true. Cow manure is in fact good for vegitation because it in fact started out that way. Dog’s diets are very different. Most dog foods today are composed of beef, chicken and/or pork products. This creates a high acidic waste product that is bad for your grass and can leave your back yard looking like, well, not looking like much of a yard at all.

2) Dog are a very signifcant host of bacteria that is harmful to humans

One gram of dog waste can contain 23 million fecal coliform bacteria. Dog waste can spread giardia and salmonella as well.

3) Not picking up after your dog may be illegal

Most metropolitan areas have impossed fines, some cities up to $750 if you don’t pick up after your dog in a public place. Many cities are looking into legislation that will apply to private property as well because of its impact on the enviorment.

4) Parasites form dog waste can be passed on to childern, other dogs, and even themselves

Some of the possible ways a dog or cat can obtain various different parasities, viruses and stages of bacteria from their own poop include: rolling in their feces, pawing at it, and in rare instances even eating it-coprophagy. Some alments that can affect humas are: Parvo Virus, Trichinosis, Whipworms, Hookworms, Roundworms, Giardia and Coccidia.

5) One pile of pet waste can take a year or more to fully breakdown.

If you have any questions, you can contact Dr. Peggy Anne Hawkins DVM at 507-649-0798