Chesapeake Bay-Dog Waste Runoff

Chesapeake Bay-Dog Waste Runoff

Chesapeake Bay is the most productive estuary in the United States, with more than 3,600 species of plants. But some of its major tributaries are getting polluted over time. Dog waste with a high amount of Nitrogen and Phosphorus is a leading source of it. Research indicates that only 1 gram of dog fecal matter has 23 million fecal coliform bacteria.

Though all the fecal matter doesn’t reach the surface water, one that is not appropriately scooped can run off into the watershed. In turn, it will disturb the natural composition of water leading to water pollution.

Dog Waste in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed

The Chesapeake Bay and its several waterways are referred to as “impaired” by the Federal Clean Water Act (CWA). The same, pollution due to multiple factors, with pet and agriculture waste on top. The dog waste, either from your home garden, hike trails, or park, is also a part of this unsustainable practice.

It was estimated that a dog produces 0.75 lbs of waste in a day. Remember that 36% of United States houses have dogs in them. So, think about the waste. The one that is not cleaned up correctly leads to severe risks for humans and aquatic life.

Consequences Of Dog Fecal Runoff

The poop contains fecal bacteria and a high amount of Nitrogen and Phosphorus. This can pose significant risks to aquatic life and water quality. The runoff also affects the beaches, landscape of the bay, and watershed by:

Endangerment Of Marine Life

The dirt of dog waste runoff water settles on the top layer of water and blocks sunlight from reaching the ground. In this case, the plants at the bottom are unable to make food through photosynthesis. Some herbivores dependent on the plants also suffer because of the polluted addition to water. Also, the homes of oysters and other marine animals are damaged.

Effects On Water Quality

The runoff affects the quality of water, making it muddier. Also, there is a change in the nutrient concentration of water with the addition of bacteria. It makes water polluted and unable to use and sometimes the water can be treated which takes time, is exhaustive, and expensive.

Landscape Change

The depth of the stream can be altered due to runoff. The watershed is reshaped while losing its stability, which affects the banks of the stream.

Algal Bloom

The nutrient increase may lead to the high growth of algae in the water. With a quick multiplication in numbers, they form blooms. It blocks the sunlight and prevents the oxygen from reaching the water. Hence, killing the aquatic animals due to oxygen depletion. Also, the secretions make the water harmful to use for recreational or drinking purposes.

These consequences also indicate the importance of poop scooping. The proper waste removal can cause a significant decrease in these issues, thus serving the environment and promoting sustainable living.

Diseases From Dog Feces – Associated Health Risks

The waste material of dogs can cause several risks for humans. These include:

Intestinal Diseases Due To Bacteria And Viruses

The presence of bacteria and viruses in dog poop can cause intestinal diseases in humans. It might be due to direct contact or transmission through water. If you drink or ingest the contaminated water, it may lead to health issues due to the following micro-organisms.

  • Leptospira – This is a spirochete that can affect the mucosal surfaces, including the mouth, eye, and vagina. It causes severe infection in humans with musculoskeletal pain, diarrhea, headache, and vomiting as its main symptoms.
  • E.Coli – It is a gram-negative bacterium that causes yersiniosis in humans. It impacts the mucosal surface of the intestine with symptoms of appendicitis.
  • Salmonella – It is a gram-negative bacteria that affects the large intestine. It may lead to diseases including gastroenteritis, bacteremia, enteric fever, and osteomyelitis.
  • Noroviruses – It is a virus causing epidemic gastroenteritis in humans. It transmits through water in humans and causes gastrointestinal tract issues.
  • Cryptosporidium and Giardia – These are parasites that can transfer to humans via infected water. It can lead to beaver fever and cryptosporidiosis in humans.
  • Campylobacter – It is a bacteria that can cause Campylobacteriosis in humans. The symptoms include cramping, pain in the abdominal region, fever, and diarrhea.
  • Cyclospora – It is an infection caused by parasites carried by water contaminated from a dog’s feces. It can lead to gastrointestinal issues in humans.

Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria

The research indicates that dog waste is also high in bacteria that are resistant to various antibiotics. If transmitted to humans via water or any other source, they can cause severe illness which can’t be treated easily. The urban environment can become contaminated, leading to a public health hazard.

Contamination Of Ground Water Drinking Supplies

The contamination of surface water also affects the groundwater of an area. It will be a hazard for areas or communities that entirely rely on groundwater for living. Also, it can lead to any disease outbreak making the situation a health risk.

Food Safety Issues

Pathogens in water can also affect the food security of vegetables or plants grown in the garden. This affects public health due to exposure to contaminated water with growing plants, trees, and even food sources like fruits and vegetables.

What Can You Do?

From your side, proper disposal of your pet’s waste would be sufficient. You might have a lot of reasons to deny it. For example, “It’s smelly and not possible for me.” “It’ll dispose on its own.”, But trust us, none of these excuses is going to work when it comes to risks associated with improper cleanup.

So, if poop scooping is an unpleasant task for you, look for a dog waste removal service. Poop Genie can be a good one in this regard. This waste management company will aid in protecting you, your family, and the environment by proper disposal of waste. Learn to know more about this waste management company.

Be a Chesapeake Bay Retriever – Scoop Your Dog’s Poop

In the end, we’d like to say that you can contribute to preventing the further degradation of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. It’s not only about you. It’s about the future generations and protecting our Earth. Do your part to ensure a sustainable future for your generation and the next.

Keywords:

Chesapeake Bay Watershed, algal blooms, diseases from dog feces, bacteria

References:

http://chesapeakestormwater.net/wp-content/uploads/dlm_uploads/2017/08/Pet-Waste-Report_final-1.pdf

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3564131/#:~:text=Bacteria%20that%20are%20pathogens%20for,as%20Toxocara%20canis%20%5B6%5D.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5319273/

Calling All House Dogs! Keeping Your House Clean

Calling All House Dogs! Keeping Your House Clean

Keeping your house clean with the presence of dogs is a bit challenging. The reason is that the continuous hair shedding and urine accidents are difficult to handle, and let’s face it, dogs are messy animals. If you’re overwhelmed with this situation, we have a solution for you. Just stay consistent and try to keep things in order by training your dog and by developing effective cleaning habits.

How To Keep Your House Clean With Dogs?

The cleaning issues in the house due to dogs are mainly because of dog hair or house soiling. Here are some tips for tackling them.

1. Properly Removing Dog Hair From Your Home

The shedding of dog fur might seem ordinary, but it’s frustrating to clean them. Here are some tips for you in this regard.

a) Use A Powerful Vacuum Cleaner

A powerful vacuum cleaner with effective suction capability can solve this hassle. Ensure that your vacuum cleaner does not get clogged easily by excessive hair and has a good filter that is easy to clean.

b) Pet Hair Removal Products

For removing the hair from your clothes, sofas, or cushions, you can try rubber brushes and lint rollers for effective cleaning. They’ll help out in removing hair from any soft material.

c) Regular Dog Grooming

The grooming cannot stop the shedding process, but it’ll help to keep the shedding at bay. Also, grooming is helpful for maintaining healthy dog skin.

2. Regular Cleaning Of Dog Bedding

It’s essential to clean up your dog’s space regularly. A dirty place can lead to smell and is not suitable for good dog hygiene as well. It will lead to the incorporation of bacteria and viruses, affecting your dog’s health and causing discomfort. So, make sure to clean the bedding portion in intervals.

Also, be vigilant while considering air fresheners and cleaning products. Try to go with economical and eco-friendly organic products to prevent toxicity issues. For instance, some essential oils can be hazardous for your canine companion. Be sure to read reviews on products and ask lots of questions when choosing a healthy air freshener for your home.

3. Dealing With Urine Smell

Your dog might be adequately house-trained, but accidents can happen. It would be best if you cleaned the stains and waste immediately before the waste settles into your floor. Old stains and smells will take some time to be removed.

a) How To Remove New Urine Stains And Smell From poop sFabric Or Carpet?

For removing the urine stains from the fabric or carpet, you need to carry out the following steps.

  • Put some towels on the area of the accident and make a thick layer. Then place a newspaper over it.

  • Apply pressure on that area with some solid object to increase the absorption of urine.

  • Remove the towels and clean the area with clear water. Rinse it well and blot the water.

For odor removal, here is the to-do list.

  • After cleaning the stain, spread the baking soda over the wet spot.

  • Sprinkle a tiny amount of 2-3 tsp and leave it for the night.

  • Then, vacuum properly until the area is cleaned and powder is removed.

You can also use commercial cleaning spray or vinegar-water mixture to help with odor removal.

b) How To Get Old Dog Urine Smell Out Of Carpet?

To get the old stains and smell out of your fabric, try the following steps.

  • Rinse the area with plain water and use the wet vac. Do not try the steam cleaner, as it will harden the stain.

  • You can also use the blotting technique after proper rinsing.

  • Then, use an enzymatic cleaner for pet stains to remove the odor from the carpet or fabric.

c) How To Remove Urine Stains And Smell From Hardwood?

In the case of hardwood floors, you need to hurry up to clean the waste.

  • Place a lot of paper towels and newspapers on the waste. Then apply pressure by standing on them to increase the absorption process.

  • After absorption, remove the paper towels and mix the water and vinegar solution in equal amounts.

  • Spray the mixture over the floor and wipe it with a towel.

In case of odor, use the same process of baking soda as specified in the carpet section above. If you still feel any smell, use the enzymatic cleaner as well. While cleaning waste, the most important thing is to identify and clean it instantly. Long exposure to cloth or floor makes it difficult to remove the odor later.

d) Effective Removal of Dog Poop

If your dog is properly house trained, a dog will still possibly roll or bring in poop odors into the house. Removing poop from your outdoor spaces also ensures a healthy environment indoors. Although it’s not inside, it is still dangerous because of harmful pathogens in it.

The removal is also essential for the conservation of the environment. Dog waste is not like cow manure which will act as fertilizer or decompose on its own. If left untreated, it will flow towards water bodies during rain events and disturb aquatic life. Also, it will affect aesthetic beauty and is not a sustainable practice.

The transmission of pathogens to humans from dog feces is also hazardous. It can cause diseases in humans through bacteria and viruses. Therefore, your best practice is to hire a pet waste removal service for your home.

Try A Waste Removal Service

Poop scooping services are simple to hire and effective if you are not comfortable in disposing of dog waste. Poop Genie is good to consider in this regard. With scheduled visits and top-notch customer support, they’ll solve your hassle of tracking harmful dog waste into your home. Learn to know more about us.

They will indirectly help in maintaining a healthy lifestyle for the entire family. Not only will you be helping prevent disease to your dogs and family, but you will also be lessening the burden environmentally while maintaining good healthy scooping habits.

Bringing It All Together

That was all about keeping your house clean in the presence of dogs. Whether it is hair or waste, proper and consistent cleaning is essential for maintaining an excellent quality of life and home. Be sure not to miss another wonderful odor-free day inside by using some of the hints in this article.

References

https://www.thesprucepets.com/how-to-keep-your-house-clean-with-pets-4685306

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/home-living/how-to-get-rid-smell-dog-urine/

https://www.realtor.com/advice/home-improvement/how-to-remove-dog-smells-from-your-home/#:~:text=Liberally%20sprinkling%20baking%20soda%2C%20a,where%20dogs%20lie%20with%20vodka.

https://www.poopgenie.com/

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