Never leave your pet’s waste behind. Pet waste contains bacteria, viruses and parasites that can harm humans! Did you know that everything you put into your yard, will end up in the stormwater system which flows to your local ponds, creeks and rivers? Join us in the North Central Texas Council of Governments “Do The Right Thing” initiative and eliminate any dog waste that can enter into our waterways. Together, we can protect our pets, friends, family and environment.
Did you know there are about 1.5 million dogs residing in north central Texas? That’s a lot of puppy eyes and slobbery kisses! That’s also a lot of pet waste produced across the region.
Diseases and parasites, such as cryptosporidium (crypto), parvovirus (parvo) and salmonellosis (salmonella) can be passed from pet waste to humans. These can also be passed from dog to dog, making your little paw family sick. People come into contact with pet waste via outdoor pets, children at play, yard work and even flies.
Picking up pet waste can also benefit our surrounding environment. If left unattended, pet waste will wash away with stormwater and bring toxins into the waterways, polluting ponds, creeks and rivers.
Here are some ways to dispose of pet waste:
- Flush it. Be sure not to flush any plastic bags.
- Toss it in the trash.
- Bury it 6 inches deep away from gardens and water sources.
If desired, hire a pet clean up service. Remember to never leave home without scooping bags and clean up pet waste around the yard at least once a week. And, of course, never leave your pet’s waste in any public location. Take the pledge to Doo the Right Thing. For more information, check out the Doo the Right Thing website.
