Why you should pick up your dog's poo

1. Be polite

From queuing for hours to saying “sorry” when someone else bumps into us, manners are a big part of British culture. So why is it that not all dog owners pick up their pet’s poo? 14% of all dog parents claim to have never picked up their dog’s poo*. Whether this is due laziness or finding it gross, it doesn’t excuse not cleaning up after your pet. If you don’t fancy being called out in your local community Facebook group, we'd recommend you pick up your dog’s poo every time.

2. Follow the law

For those who aren’t motivated by manners, let’s not forget that picking up after your dog isn’t just polite—it’s a legal requirement. Councils across the UK enforce regulations that require dog owners to clean up after their pets, and failure to do so can result in hefty fines. In some areas, this can be as much as £1,000. That’s a lot of dosh for a quick slosh. 

Many councils have even introduced Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) to crack down on offenders, so there’s really no excuse. And before you start thinking, “Well, I’ll just let my dog go in the bushes where no one will see,” bear in mind that some councils employ enforcement officers who keep a keen eye out for poo-related offences. Is it worth the risk? We don't think so!

3. It’s a health risk

Dog poo isn’t just an unsightly mess; it’s also a significant health risk. One of the main concerns is the spread of parasites and diseases, including the dreaded roundworm (Toxocara canis).

Roundworms can lay eggs in dog poo, which contaminates the soil and can remain infectious for years. If a child, for instance, plays in an area with contaminated soil and accidentally ingests the eggs (perhaps by putting their hands in their mouth), they could develop an infection known as toxocariasis. Symptoms range from mild discomfort to more severe issues like vision problems or even blindness in rare cases. Our pets are likely to develop worms too! It just takes one curious pup to start eating some unpicked dog poo and they will be infected.

Dog faeces can also be home to harmful pathogens like E. coli and salmonella, which can pose risks not just to humans but to other animals as well. And let’s not forget the potential impact on our waterways. When poo is left to decompose on the ground, rain can wash it into drains, streams, and rivers, polluting water sources and harming aquatic life. So, by neglecting to pick up your dog’s poo, you’re endangering everyone and everything around you.

4. It’s easy to do

Picking up after your dog is as simple as popping a few poo bags into your pocket before you leave the house and popping the filled bag into one of the bins you pass on your walk. Need sturdy, leak proof and trusting poo bags? Try the Itch Bum Bags which are plastic free and biodegradable. Offered through a subscription, with Itch poo bags you are prepared for every walk.

Bag it & bin it.

Whether it’s for the sake of politeness, legality, health, wildlife, or simply leading by example, picking up your dog’s poo is a no-brainer. It might not be the most glamorous part of pet ownership, but it’s an essential one—and one that helps keep our planet clean. Next time you’re out with your furry friend, don’t forget to bring a bag (or two).

Where we got the facts from:

* Yahoo, 2023, Source: https://rb.gy/qbxoj3