Dog Poop Happens

 

Courtesy of Sooty Paw Paw

 Let’s talk about dog waste, poo, poop, feces, #2, or crap. No matter what you call it, I think that we can all agree that it happens. When you take a trip with your dogs, you will be making pit stops for them. If you are lucky, they will need a bathroom break about the same time you do. Most interstates have easily accessible rest areas. We stopped at several places along our last trip and the majority were clean and had garbage bins out by the grassy areas. It made it simple to toss a used poop bag away. #ThereIsAnEmojiForPoop

   I tell you that before telling about one stop that we made. It has left me shaking my head. This particular exit had one of the first gas station/store combos that we came to after a good stretch of highway. Bentley had let us know that he would appreciate us stopping as soon as possible. We pulled into a crowded parking lot and were happy to see a large area for the boys to do their business. That joy was quickly replaced with disgust. I am not exaggerating when I tell you that there were piles of dog poop every few steps. It was so nasty that we searched for an area where we could safely let Bentley and Pierre squat. There is no telling what type of worms or diseases were lying there festering in the summer heat.

It is easy to make a clean scoop with the large Sooty Paw Paw bags.

Things that Make Me Wonder

   There were two thoughts that crossed my mind as we walked around the poop landmines. The first was that this is a stop off the interstate. Most people that stopped were like us and traveling with their pets. Did they not bring poop bags? Who does that? Secondly, why didn’t someone from the store get a shovel and scoop that poop from the front of their business? It is not only gross but a health hazard. This was definitely more than one day's accumulation. I no longer wonder why many businesses don’t allow dogs. The answer was everywhere we stepped.  

   I really don’t think that I should be shocked. One of our local pet stores supplies bags free in their parking lot. There is a garbage receptacle attached to the pole where the bags are hanging. There are also piles of dog poo littering the area. Seriously?! If you cannot bend over and scoop your dog’s poop, then you might want to rethink the whole pet parent thing. It is a responsibility ranked right up there with feeding and proper vet care.

These bags are sturdy and leakproof.

   That sounds harsh, but did you know that pet waste is classified as a dangerous pollutant? It can spread parasitic worms, parvovirus, and Salmonella. The EPA rates it as the number 3 cause of water pollution. If left on the ground, flies will consume part of the feces before laying eggs on it. Needless to say, those eggs grow into flies that enter our homes. Yuck!

   There are an estimated 70 – 80 million dogs in American homes. Studies prove 40% of dog owners don’t pick up their dog’s poop. This study also suggests that women are more likely to pick up after their dog than men. That is totally unacceptable. It is also a whole lotta crap! #RealMenPickUpPoop

Courtesy of Sooty Paw Paw

   I have used a lot of different brands for poop bags. I can honestly tell you that the one we like the best is from Sooty Paw Paw.  They are large (9 x 12”) enough to keep your hands clean and they are extremely sturdy. Once you tie them off, you won’t smell any unpleasant odors. The dispenser has a one-hand easy tear feature. You will never pull out a long roll of bags that you have to try to rewind. It is one bag, one tear, one hand every single time. I was even able to pick up dually poops on one walk.#DoggySeeDoggyDoo Sooty Paw Paw bags are biodegradable and do not have the additional plastic center insert. They are available on Amazon.

Be a pet parent that your dog will be proud to take on a walk. #ScoopThePoop

   If you are a pet parent and have not been picking up after your dog, please start today. That also means scooping your yard for poop. It is not a fertilizer and the run-off is entering the lakes and rivers in your town. Think about it for a minute. Don’t be “that” dog person. Make sure that the only thing your dog leaves behind are his paw prints and a smile from others.

Disclaimer: Sooty Paw Paw advertises on Barking from the Bayou/mkclinton.com. We only accept paid advertising from companies that we use and trust. The opinions expressed in this article are my own. Sooty Paw Paw is not responsible for the content of this post.