Pet Waste
Contents |
Introduction
When owners neglect to pick up after their animals, pet waste gets left behind and can wash into storm drains. The waste then becomes a pollutant in the runoff that drains into local waterways; lakes, rivers, estuaries, bays or the ocean. On land, as well as in the water, the waste left by our pets can spread harmful diseases through numerous types of bacteria and parasites.
Microbial Disease
A few of the worst of many known disease-causing agents (pathogens) in pet waste or diseases caused by exposure to pathogens in pet waste:
All of which can cause one or more of the following: Intestinal infections, dehydration, fever, cramps, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
Parasitic Disease
Dogs carrying parasites can pass them on through eggs in fecal matter. A parasitic infection can occur through ingestion or through skin absorption. Whether you’ve stepped in waste in the yard or swam in contaminated water, human parasitic infestation is not only possible, but common.
- Roundworm (Nematode)
- Tapeworm (Cestoda)
Symptoms range from: skin rashes to nasal infections, asthma, constipation, abdominal pain, internal swelling and bleeding, and in some cases, blindness.
How Do I Avoid These Problems?
“Pooper Scooper” laws impose heavy fines for not cleaning up after pets. Ensuring that waste will stay out of local waterways and neighborhoods is simple, and will help keep your and your environment healthy and happy.
- Pick up after your pet
- Discard the waste into a trash can, or
- Flush it down the toilet
Additional Resources
EPA has published information on pet waste management, including a summary article and a collection of brochures, posters and public service announcements (search for pet waste) on the subject.
In Santa Barbara County, California, Santa Barbara Audubon Society and Friends of Douglas Family Preserve have produced a brochure Eco-Dog's Beach Guide that lists off-leash, on-leash and no pets beaches in Santa Barbara County and also has a list of "Pawsitive Beach Tips" and best management practices for dog owners.
This article is part of a series on Clean Water which looks at various threats to the water quality of our oceans, and the negative impacts polluted waters can have on the environment and human health.
For information about laws, policies, programs and conditions impacting water quality in a specific state, please visit Surfrider's State of the Beach report to find the State Report for that state, and click on the "Water Quality" indicator link.
