Dangers of Dog Poo

If you have a dog under your care, you will need to be prepared to deal with its poo. It is not acceptable to allow your dog to roam the streets or public parks on its own as it can’t pick up after itself, and in the words of Durham County Council’s campaign, “There’s no such thing as the Dog Poo Fairy”!

We see every day the consequences of irresponsible dog owners/keepers. Every day, dog poo is being left on the pavements, pathways, and even children’s play parks. Apart from looking offensive, it will often get stepped in or wheels pass through it, becoming contaminated not only with dog faeces but also the germs and parasites it often contains. If not picked up, the effects of dog poo can stay in the environment for up to a year. It may look like the rain is gradually “washing it away” but the bacteria, viruses and parasites can be very persistent. This can cause a very real risk not only to other dogs, but also to humans.

Dog poo can contain roundworm eggs, and accidental ingestion through not washing hands thoroughly after contact may develop into a form of larvae that can migrate to your brain, lungs, liver, kidneys, or heart. When they migrate to the eyes, they can cause blindness, especially in children.

Although tapeworms cannot be caught directly from dog faeces, leaving the poo on the ground means that intermediate hosts can become infected and allow the tapeworm’s life cycle to continue, so that when a person subsequently becomes infected via the intermediate host, the tapeworm can continue to develop, sometimes causing hydatid cysts in the liver, lungs or brain.

Stray Aid is committed to encouraging everyone to pick up after their dogs. We provide good quality, 17 micron thick dog poo bags at 4p per bag if you buy 50 at a time (£2 per pack), or 3p each if you buy 100 at a time (£3 for two packs).

Bags are available from our charity shops:
41-43 Middle Street, Blackhall TS27 4EE
116 Front Street, Chester-le-Street DH3 3BA
32 Front Street, Stanley DH9 0HX
168 York Road, Hartlepool TS26 9DT