It’s the Not Picking Up Poop for Me
Reasons “No Pets Allowed” exists, and what we can do to be better nature lovers with dogs
When it comes to our dogs, nothing can stand in our way of giving them the best lives ever. I am the proud dog mother admiring the view of her dog babies romping along and getting to be happy and healthy Earth explorers but, as humans, we sometimes forget to see the bigger picture.
Nature is complex and filled with systems that are disrupted by something as small as not picking up poo. When we’re not conscious of our actions, she’ll kick us out; beginning with “No Dogs Allowed” signs.
Below are some things we can be aware of while on the trails with our pets.
- Pick up the poo. No, dog and cat poo are not ‘one with nature’. They are filled with bacteria that contaminate soil and water. Dog poo also adds high amounts of nitrogen to the soil which paves the way for invasive plants to grow. Cat poo (from those who live and hunt outside) contains Toxoplasma gondii, which is a parasite that can infect any bird or mammal and yes, humans too. So pick it up and carry it out.
- If a sign says no dogs allowed, or leash your dog, respect it. We are lucky to have designated spots where our dogs are able to explore with us, but there are reasons why the signs exist. The sight of a dog to wildlife is perceived as a threat and leads to a reduction in species (especially birds) surrounding the area. Feral and stray cats also have a huge impact on wildlife. According to a 2013 study in Washington, D.C., it is estimated that the median number of birds killed by cats annually is 2.4 billion and the median number of mammals killed is 12.3 billion.
- If a habitat restoration is in progress, find another spot. This is something that is implemented to re-establish a healthy ecosystem and protect species. If you see these signs and you decide to enter, we’ll probably see a “No Humans Allowed” sign for the entire area in the future.
- Train your dog to be a recall pro. If there is ever an instance where your dog gets loose, a recall will be a lifesaver for both your dog and the squirrel she’s chasing. Start small with no distractions and be consistent. Find something that your dog values with all her soul (like chicky nuggies or your fav sock) and let her go cray with it when she comes to you.
The National Park service has the B.A.R.K principles as a part of their Healthy People Healthy Parks Initiative:
- Bag your pet’s waste
- Always leash your pet
- Respect wildlife
- Know where you can go
So remember that while you’re enjoying our beautiful baby Earth and all of her glory. Be conscious, be present and respect the nature we are a part of.
Sources:
National Park Service (2019). Be a B.A.R.K. Ranger, https://www.nps.gov/subjects/pets/be-a-bark-ranger.htm
Chester, Tom. (2001–2005). The Effect of Dogs On Wildlife, http://www.tchester.org/srp/lists/dogs.html
American Bird Conservancy. Cats and Birds, https://abcbirds.org/program/cats-indoors/cats-and-birds/
Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Magazine. Dogs and Nature Conservation. https://data.wildlifetrusts.org/sites/default/files/files/dogs_and_nature_conservation.pdf
