Pet waste health risks

Pet Waste: More Than Just a Mess

Why Ignoring It Could Be Putting Your Family and Community at Risk

When Sarah moved into her new suburban home with her two kids and her golden retriever, Max, she imagined backyard BBQs, morning coffee on the deck, and barefoot playdates on the grass. What she didn’t expect was the invisible threat hiding right under her feet — pet waste.

Like many pet owners, Sarah thought picking up Max’s poop every few days was “good enough.” But what she didn’t know was that dog waste is not fertilizer — it’s actually classified by the EPA as a pollutant, just like oil or toxic chemicals. One gram of dog feces can contain 23 million fecal bacteria, including E. coli, Giardia, and Salmonella, many of which can survive in your yard for weeks, even after the waste is gone.

“Pet waste carries bacteria, viruses and parasites that can infect humans and other animals.” — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The Science Behind the Stink

Most people assume dog poop just decomposes naturally and disappears. But in reality, it does far more damage while it breaks down. When it rains, these pathogens seep into the ground or wash into storm drains, contaminating waterways, lakes, and even drinking water supplies. According to the EPA, dog waste is a significant contributor to urban water pollution. Even in your own backyard, microscopic bacteria can linger long after you’ve picked up the poop — especially if your pet has parasites or if wild animals (like raccoons or squirrels) are also leaving behind waste. “Contaminated soil can be a source of infection. Children are at particular risk.” — American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)

Why It Matters (Especially If You Have Kids or Pets)

For families with children and pets, this issue becomes more than a sanitation problem — it’s a health hazard.
  • Toddlers and young kids often play close to the ground, putting their hands and toys in their mouths.
  • Bare feet or even shoes can carry bacteria into your home.
  • Pets can step on or sniff old waste and bring pathogens indoors. One CDC study found that nearly 14% of the U.S. population has been infected with Toxocara, a parasite often spread through animal feces.

The symptoms can range from mild to severe — including vision loss, seizures, or developmental issues in children.

It’s Time to Rethink “Just Poop”

At Yard Waste Warrior, we believe that cleaning up after pets isn’t just about appearances — it’s about protecting the people and animals you love.
We sanitize yards using eco-friendly, pet-safe products that eliminate harmful bacteria and reduce the risk of disease. But even more importantly, we help you reclaim your outdoor space — so your kids can play, your pets can run, and you can relax without worry.

Take Action Today

Don’t let something as small as pet waste become a big problem.
Let Yard Waste Warrior help you turn your backyard into the safe haven it’s meant to be.

CONTACT US!