{"id":6590,"date":"2022-07-27T19:08:00","date_gmt":"2022-07-28T02:08:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/company.justfoodfordogs.com\/?p=6590"},"modified":"2026-10-29T07:08:38","modified_gmt":"2026-10-29T14:08:38","slug":"everything-you-ever-wanted-to-know-about-cleaning-up-your-dogs-poop","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/everything-you-ever-wanted-to-know-about-cleaning-up-your-dogs-poop","title":{"rendered":"Dog Poop Cleanup: Tips Every Pet Owner Should Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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It\u2019s not glamorous, but as responsible pet parents, we do it every day \u2013 we pick up our pets\u2019 poop! Cleaning up dog poop is a part of life for us.<\/p>\n\n

Have you ever wondered what our pets think about our obsession with cleaning up their poop? Have you ever wondered why this actually is a very important aspect of pet ownership? Maybe you have and maybe you haven\u2019t, but here we will discuss all things \u2026 POOP.<\/p>\n\n

Why Is It so Important We Pick up Dog Poop?<\/h2>\n\n
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There is a list of diseases that can transmit from dogs to humans (and dogs to dogs) via feces. For this reason, take care when handling a dog\u2019s feces.<\/p>\n\n

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS FOR SAFELY CLEANING UP YOUR DOG\u2019S POOP<\/h2>\n\n
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1. How to Safely Pick Up Dog Poo Outdoors<\/h3>\n\n

In order to clean up dog waste outdoors, it is best to have your dog potty<\/a> on grass or sand in the first place. It\u2019s best if children do not frequent the area where they defecate, so perhaps a patch of sand or an area in a park that is not popular.<\/p>\n\n

Also, the consistency of the pet waste matters greatly. Soft poop is more difficult to pick up than firm stool. If your dog is having consistently soft stools, a vet should evaluate him, as this could be caused by some of the conditions discussed above.<\/p>\n\n

If on sand or grass, use a thick plastic bag to cover the feces and entrap it, then turn the bag inside out immediately, trapping the feces in the bag. Tie the open end of the bag together and discard it into a wastebasket as soon as possible.<\/p>\n\n

Some bags have features that provide additional protection like double layers on the end in contact with the feces and drawstrings. Be certain the bag is new and does not have any holes or punctures. Thin bags may rip, or break at the seam, which is the end you rely on to pick up the feces.<\/p>\n\n

If your dog went on sand or grass, the threat of zoonosis from any feces left behind is diminished. Organic material in the grass may neutralize some bacteria. The inert nature of sand is a poor medium to maintain their growth. Most bacteria will not survive long in these conditions, although there are always exceptions.<\/p>\n\n

Poop on Hard Surfaces<\/h4>\n\n

If your dog goes on cement or a hard surface, you may find it necessary to wash down the surface with water after picking up the poop as described above. Adding diluted bleach to the water is an additional precaution that will most definitely kill any bacteria or protozoa. If this is an area outside, use a bucket of diluted bleach water and splash it over the stain. To remove any remaining fecal material, scrub the area with a metal brush.<\/p>\n\n

If the person doing the cleaning is immunosuppressed or is susceptible in any way, he\/she should not be cleaning up the feces. If there is no other choice, the use of latex gloves may help as an additional precaution.<\/p>\n\n

2. How to Safely Clean Up Poop Indoors<\/h3>\n\n

If the dog poops or leaves track marks from scooting<\/a> indoors then you will pick up the feces in the same fashion as described above, but you must also thoroughly clean the surface. Lysol is a great disinfectant that kills virtually all zoonotic diseases and is safe to use on most indoor surfaces.<\/p>\n\n

Dog owners can also make a DIY disinfectant cleaning solution by mixing equal parts white vinegar, vodka, and cold water with some lemon juice in a spray bottle.<\/p>\n\n

The upholstery and carpet fibers can be disinfected with cleaning products as well. If there is a stained area, it may require additional cleaning. Try a special carpet cleaner or stain remover for complete removal of the poop stain.<\/p>\n\n

When cleaning the affected area, dip a scrub brush in the soapy water and scrub out the pet stain until it is no longer visible. Dap over the area with paper towels to absorb as much of the moisture as possible.<\/p>\n\n

Finally, in order to remove any odor of feces, you can use Simple Green Odor Eliminator, which is an excellent odor neutralizer. Baking soda is great for removing any lingering odor as well. Keep in mind, this is not necessarily a disinfectant, thus you should follow the steps above first: Lysol, soap and water, scrub, then odor eliminator.<\/p>\n\n

3. How to Clean a Poopy Pet<\/h3>\n\n

The best thing to do if your dog becomes soiled is to give him a bath with warm water and dog shampoo. If you do not have dog shampoo, most bacteria are killed by soap and warm water.<\/p>\n\n

Wearing gloves is another additional precaution that can help protect susceptible individuals if they must be the ones giving the bath.<\/p>\n

Types of Bacteria That Come From Dog Poop<\/h3>\n

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Diseases that are transmitted from animals to humans are called zoonotic diseases<\/strong>. Zoonotic diseases we can get from contaminated dog feces include:<\/p>\n

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