Dog poop isn’t just a nuisance in your yard—it can be a serious health hazard. Many homeowners in Ankeny, Altoona, Bondurant, Ames, and throughout the Des Moines Metro are surprised to learn how easily pet waste can affect the cleanliness and safety of their homes.
What’s Really in Dog Poop?
Dog feces often contains a range of harmful microorganisms, including:
- E. coli: A common bacteria found in animal feces that can cause severe stomach cramps and diarrhea.
- Salmonella: Another bacteria that causes foodborne illness and can be transmitted via contaminated soil or surfaces.
- Giardia: A parasite that lives in the intestines and is passed through feces, causing dehydration and intestinal distress.
- Roundworms & Hookworms: Parasites that can be transferred to humans (especially children) through soil or direct contact.
These pathogens don’t disappear the moment the poop dries out—they can remain active in the soil for weeks or even months. That’s why regular, thorough cleanup is critical.
How Germs Travel From Yard to Home
You might think the mess stays outside—but that’s not always the case. Here’s how bacteria and parasites sneak into your home:
- Shoes: Walking through the yard and then into your home can carry invisible particles indoors.
- Pet paws and fur: Dogs can unknowingly step in or roll around waste, bringing germs inside where they lie on floors, furniture, and beds.
- Kids playing outside: Young children are especially vulnerable since they often play close to the ground and put their hands in their mouths.
- Water runoff: In heavy rain, contaminated areas of your lawn may wash into driveways, patios, and even basements.
The Impact on Family Health
The CDC has warned of the health risks tied to dog waste, especially for children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. In households with babies or toddlers, the risk is even higher.
Some of the most common health effects include:
- Gastrointestinal illness
- Skin rashes or infections
- Respiratory issues from airborne particles (especially in dry, windy weather)
Keeping Your Yard (and Home) Safe
- Schedule weekly pet waste removal: Don’t let the mess build up.
- Disinfect high-traffic areas: Use pet-safe yard disinfectants to sanitize areas where waste was left.
- Train your dog to use one section of the yard: Makes cleanup easier and helps contain contamination.
- Keep shoes at the door and wipe your dog’s paws after outdoor time.
Why Pet Waste Removal is Worth It
At Scoopie’s, we provide professional pooper scooper services with sanitized tools and trained staff. Our goal is to help keep families in Ames, Altoona, Ankeny, Bondurant, and the Des Moines area safe from the dangers of dog waste.
Regular cleanup not only improves the appearance of your yard—it protects your family from unseen health hazards.
Let us take care of the dirty work so you can enjoy your yard without worrying about what’s lurking in the grass.
