Pet waste management

Do you…pick up after your pets?
You should!

Animal excreta adds both phosphorus and harmful bacteria to local waterways. According to recent research, non-human waste represents a significant source of bacterial contamination in urban watersheds. These bacteria can pose health risks to humans and other animals, and result in the spread of disease. Pet waste may also be a factor in eutrophication of lakes. The release of nutrients from the decay of pet waste promotes weed and algae growth, limiting light penetration and the growth of aquatic vegetation. This in turn can reduce oxygen levels in the water, affecting fish and other aquatic organisms.

• Easy ways to pick up
• When going for dog walks, take plastic bags (recycled Plain Dealer bags work well). When your dog poops, turn a bag inside out over your hand and use it as a glove to pick up the waste. When you get home, flush the waste (not the bag!) down the toilet.
• Another disposal strategy is to dig a small trench where your pets tend to defecate and toss the feces in the trench, cover with a layer of leaves, grass clippings, and dirt.
• Train your cat to use a cat box even if it is an “outdoor” cat.

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Tips for helping urban streams
Helping Doan Brook
What is a watershed?
Steps to help urban streams
Reducing impervious surfaces
Rain barrels
Pet waste management
Car washing
Naturescaping
Integrated pest management

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