It almost goes without saying that when we pick up after our dog, we avoid others stepping in dog poop - and is there anything worse? But there are many more reasons why it is important to pick up after your dog.
Read some of them here
Reason 1 - Diseases.
There are a number of diseases that are transmitted through feces. When you pick up after your dog, you minimize the risk of your dog potentially infecting other dogs with diseases. In the same way that others who pick up after their dogs reduce the risk of your dog becoming infected. These include diseases such as giardia and heartworm.
Reason 2 - The dirty dog
Even if your best friend is the cutest thing in the world, many dogs have dirty tendencies. For some dogs, it's the same as eating or rolling in poop. If you're lucky enough that your dog doesn't engage in such behavior - then be a bigger person and think about the rest of us with dirty dogs - please.
Reason 3 - Dog-friendly neighbors and people on the street.
Even though we don't understand them, they exist - People who don't like dogs.
Don't give your neighbor another reason to dislike dogs - be a good role model and lead by example by picking up after your dog.
The argument against
Some dog owners say the reason they don't pick up after their dogs is to protect the environment. Plastic is bad for the environment - but there's a better solution than leaving dog poop lying around.
Biodegradable dog bags.
You might be thinking - "but does it really help if I throw the bag in the regular trash can on the trip anyway?" The answer is yes. With good biodegradable bags, the process starts immediately. And if the temperature and humidity are right, most of the bag should be gone before the trash is collected and burned.
