Snow Surprises...

Just because it's cold and snowy doesn't mean you can stop picking up after your pet. Pet waste contains two stormwater pollutants - bacteria and nutrients. Pet waste also can't safely compost as it won't get hot (or cold) enough for those bacteria, viruses, and parasites to die, meaning that they stay in the surrounding area where we could come in contact with them while mowing the lawn, playing a game, or picnicking.

Remember our post back in September, where we talked about how much pet waste the average dog generates in a day and how much bacteria that means? How much pet waste can you spot in this picture*?

We count 18 pet waste piles. That's a lot of bacteria and nutrients waiting to be carried away as the snow melts. If you don't want to wade into what feels like waste-deep snow to pick up after your pet, consider keeping Fido on a leash in the winter so the pet waste is always within reach to be picked up.

*Pet waste was picked up after to prevent stormwater pollution.