4 Essential Rules for Picking Up and Disposing of Dog Poo

Sharing your home with a beloved puppy or dog brings immense joy and companionship. However, one important responsibility that all dog owners must embrace is picking up after their canine companion when out on walks. Doing so not only shows respect for the community but is also essential for maintaining public health and abiding by UK law.

Rule 1 – Always Be Prepared and Pick It Up

No responsible dog owner would leave the house without enough dog poo bags for their outing. Since dogs often choose varied spots to relieve themselves—whether on pavements, park grass, verges, or countryside trails—you must be ready to pick up the mess immediately. Use biodegradable bags when possible, which are kinder to the environment.

It is a legal requirement in the UK to clean up your dog's waste in public places. Failing to do so could lead to fines. If someone else is walking or caring for your dog, ensure they also have bags readily available—attaching a dispenser to the dog’s lead is a popular and practical solution.

Rule 2 – Dispose of Dog Waste Responsibly

Many towns provide dedicated bins for dog waste—use these when available, placing well-tied bags inside. At home, disposing of dog poo bags in your household waste bin is the right course of action if no public bins are accessible. Avoid composting dog waste in your garden as it may contain harmful bacteria and parasites such as hookworm, roundworm, and giardia, which can contaminate soil and plants.

Modern biodegradable bags help reduce the environmental footprint. Some UK councils encourage their use, and many pet stores offer these alternatives to regular plastic bags.

Rule 3 – Handling Loose or Diarrhoeic Poo

Sometimes your dog might have upset stomachs or eat something unsavoury, resulting in diarrhoea. Cleaning this up can be challenging. For such situations, it’s advisable to carry a small plastic spade or scooper to help collect the mess hygienically. Before scooping, lightly covering diarrhoeic waste with dirt or sand makes the task easier and cleaner.

Prevention is better than cure: feeding your dog a balanced diet appropriate to their age, size, and health can help reduce digestive upsets.

Rule 4 – Always Pick Up in the Countryside Too

Even when walking your dog in rural areas or countryside paths, always pick up their waste. There may not be bins provided, so plan to carry the bagged waste home and dispose of it in your household bin. This practice prevents contamination of wildlife habitats and protects natural ecosystems.

Bonus Tips for Responsible Dog Ownership

• Use cues like sniffing or circling to anticipate when your dog is about to go, so you’re ready with a bag.
• Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling dog waste, even if you used gloves or bags.
• Respect others’ property by keeping your dog off flowerbeds or private lawns.
• If you’re new to dog ownership, consider consulting the Kennel Club for reputable breeders to ensure your puppy was sourced ethically.

Conclusion

Properly picking up and disposing of your dog's waste is a fundamental aspect of responsible dog ownership that benefits everyone. By always being prepared, disposing of waste responsibly, handling difficult messes with care, and respecting rural environments, you keep communities clean and help prevent the spread of disease.

Remember, using biodegradable poop bags and disposing of them in proper bins or your household rubbish bin is the most environmentally friendly and lawful way to clean up after your dog. This simple act fosters happier, healthier neighbourhoods and strengthens the bond between you and your four-legged friend.