Doo the Right Thing with Pet Waste

Let's face it - pet waste is not only disgusting, it can be a problem. There are approximately 1.5 million dogs in N. Central Texas. If the average dog produces 3/4 pounds of waste a day, that’s almost 1,125,000 pounds of dog waste. That’s a lot of doo! Pet waste is not only smelly and unsightly, but is also a health risk for the environment.

Thanks to Everyone Who Voted for Your Favorite Dog in Mansfield's First Ever "DOO The Right Thing" Dog Photo Contest!

Congratulations to Karen R., the owner of Shelby - winner of Mansfield's first ever DOO The Right Thing Dog Photo contest! Karen will receive a prize basket provided by the City of Mansfield's  Animal Services, Environmental Services, Parks and Recreation, and Water Utilities departments. 

Thank you to everyone who participated and voted. Mansfield has some of the cutest pups around and we look forward to seeing even more "aDOOrable" dogs in next year's contest.

Join Shelby's owner by being a good example and others will follow your lead. Protect our waters and community by pledging to "doo" the right thing by picking up your pet's waste and disposing of it properly.  

Health Risk

Pet waste that is not disposed of properly can put yours and your dog’s health at risk.

Parvovirus is a serious, highly contagious disease that affects dogs of all ages and breeds. It is transmitted by contact with infected dog waste either directly or indirectly through soiled shoes, car tires and anything else it touches. The virus can remain infectious on the ground for six months or longer.

Dog waste can also be harmful for people. Children playing in the yard and adults gardening can be exposed to diseases and parasites that can be transmitted from dog waste including camplyobacteriosis, cryptosporidium and toxocariasis. 

Water Quality Issue

Improperly disposed pet waste can wash into storm drains through rain, melting snow, and even from runoff from sprinklers and other landscape watering. Storm drains  in North Central Texas drain directly into our streams and lakes, carrying many pollutants along with the water. This water is NOT treated or cleaned before it empties into a body of water.

Pet waste that ends up in our rivers, streams and lakes can increase bacteria levels that can cause gastrointestinal problems and skin irritations, making it unsafe for swimming and other activities. Pet waste can also kill fish and cause weed and algae growth.

Tips for Dealing with Pet Waste

• Flush it. Pick up the waste with a scooper or slip a plastic bag over your hand. Flush the waste down the toilet, and toss the plastic bag in the trash.
• Toss it in the trash. Collect the waste in a plastic bag, tie the end securely, and toss it into your trashcan. 
• Bury it. Scoop the waste and bury it at least six inches in the ground, and away from gardens and water sources.
• Attach a small bag or pouch to your dog’s leash so you’ll always have a supply of plastic bags for picking up after your dog.
• Save plastic bread bags, plastic newspaper sleeves or plastic produce bags for scooping waste.
• Clean up droppings around the yard at least once a week.