How Dog Poop Damages Your Lawn
We all hate brown spots in our lawns—especially when they’re caused by dog poop. Whether it’s your dog or a neighbour’s, leaving waste on the lawn isn’t just unsightly—it’s dangerous. Dog poop is not only an eye-sore, it’s an environmental hazard carrying a large range of pollutants and parasites. These are not limited to dogs; humans can be affected too.
In 1991, the EPA designated dog waste as an environmental pollutant—placing it in the same category as pesticides. Dog poop doesn’t just sit there—it can contaminate soil, infect waterways, and lead to algae blooms which choke plant and aquatic life.
Just One Gram Can Contain 23 Million Fecal Bacteria
These bacteria can spread through your yard and into your home. When you mow over waste, your mower blades can sling the bacteria everywhere. Even worse: insects, pests and wind act like helicopters for these parasites. Left untreated, they can stay in soil or groundwater for a year or more.
Lawn mower poop launchers aren’t even the bacteria’s favourite mode of travel, they prefer being airlifted about the yard on insects and other pests, its like they have private helicopter pilots or something. When there aren’t any bugs or pests about they will just simply catch the wind, and settle in your soil or groundwater where they can stay for a year or longer!
What Kind of Germs Are We Talking About?
Dog poop hosts a frightening list of pathogens and parasites, including:
Parvovirus – a highly contagious disease in dogs
Coronavirus – can infect humans (less common)
Parasites such as whipworms, tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms
Bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella and Campylobacteriosis
Yes, there are many dangers in letting dog waste sit unattended. Worms and other parasites love to infect new hosts through dog poop. Whipworms, hookworms, tapeworms, roundworms, and even earthworms - dog poop has got them all. And it gets better; E. coli, Salmonella and Campylobacteriosis, all of which are no fun, and can be transmitted to humans.
As you can see, there really are many dangers of dog poop being left unattended. Prevent this parasite circus by scooping your dog’s poop. Also, be sure to teach your children the dangers, and never scoop poop, dog or cat, when pregnant or nursing.
If your dog is lethargic, losing weight, throwing up, is bloated, or has diarrhoea, he could have gotten one of these many lovely infections. If your dog does end up with an infection that was caused by dog poop, you should consider treating your yard. Treating your yard will prevent your dog from getting reinfected by killing any parasites that may be there.
A simple, organic, and even cheap treatment that can get rid of many parasites from your yard is to spread diatomaceous earth throughout your yard, or at least where your dog is pooping.
Diatomaceous earth is simply fossilised diatoms, which were once small aquatic creatures. Diatomaceous earth is so hard and sharp that it cuts through the exoskeleton of parasites as well as their eggs. These tiny cuts lead to the eventual death of parasites by causing them to lose moisture and dry out..
Though diatomaceous earth should do the trick, if you are looking for a harsher solution, there are chemicals that can be sprayed in the yard to kill off the worms, bacteria and their offspring. Of course, with any chemical application, you should consider the consequences and dangers.
What You Can Do to Protect Your Lawn (and Health)
Always scoop your dog’s poop immediately. Use biodegradable bags if possible.
Installing an in-ground digester system. These contain waste and treat it with enzymes, quelling infection risk.
Never mulch or mix dog waste into your garden or lawn. It’s a terrible idea and often asked about, but you’ll be mowing that mess later!
If you suspect an infection in your dog (lethargy, weight loss, vomiting, bloating, or diarrhoea), consider treating your yard as well. The parasites may be hiding there.
A simple organic treatment: spread Diatomaceous Earth around the affected area. It’s fossilised aquatic soil that can “slice” through parasite eggs and skeletons, drying them out. Use with caution; chemicals are stronger but carry risks.
Now that you’re aware of the risks, you can act before the damage escalates.
If your lawn has been hit by brown patches from dog waste, or you want to stop the problem long-term, taking action now is key. Scoop the poop, treat where needed, and help protect your lawn, your pets and your family.
Share this article with your neighbour (yeah, you know who) and give them the “what for” they’ve been subtly asking for.