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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) deemed pet waste a “nonpoint source of pollution” in 1991,
which put poop in the same category as oil and toxic chemicals!
Far from Fertilizer
Woof-woof waste does not a good fertilizer make. It is actually toxic to your lawn, causing burns and unsightly
discoloring.
Beyond your grass, it has been estimated that a single gram of dog waste can contain 23 million fecal coliform
bacteria, which are known to cause cramps, diarrhea, intestinal illness, and serious kidney disorders in
humans. EPA even estimates that two or three days’ worth of droppings from a population of about 100 dogs
would contribute enough bacteria to temporarily close a bay, and all watershed areas within 20 miles of it, to
swimming and shell fishing.
Dog feces are one of the most common carriers of the following diseases:
Heartworms
Whipworms
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Hookworms

Roundworms

Tapeworms

Parvo

Corona
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Giardiasis

Salmonellosis
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Cryptosporidiosis

Campylobacteriosis
For example, in the Four Mile Run watershed in Northern Virginia, a dog population of 11,400 is estimated to
contribute about 5,000 pounds of solid waste every day and has been identified as a major contributor of
bacteria to the stream. Nearly 500 fecal coliform samples have been taken from Four Mile Run and its
tributaries since 1990, and about 50 percent of these samples have exceeded the Virginia State water quality
standard for fecal coliform bacteria, according to EPA.
Why all this fanfare for feces, you may ask?
Well, EPA explains that the decay of your pet’s waste actually creates nutrients for weeds and algae that grow
in the waterways. As these organisms thrive on your dog’s droppings, they overtake the water in a “Little Shop
of Horrors-esque” manner, and limit the amount of light that can penetrate the water’s surface. As a result,
oxygen levels in the water decrease, and the fish and seafood we eat can be asphyxiated, EPA says.
A Toxic Cycle
If you aren’t worried about the state of your local waterways, you may be a bit more concerned about the
impact of dog waste a little closer to home. The thing about persistently disposing of stools improperly (or not
at all) is that it kicks off a harmful cycle that can affect your whole family—including your pet.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pet droppings can contribute to
diseases animals pass to humans, called zoonoses. When infected dog poop is deposited on your lawn, the
eggs of certain roundworms and other parasites can linger in your soil for years. Anyone who comes into
contact with that soil—be it through gardening, playing sports, walking barefoot or any other means—runs the
risk of coming into contact with those eggs; especially your dog.
Some of the hard-to-pronounce parasites your lawn could harbor include Cryptosporidium, Giardia,
Salmonella, as well as hookworms, ringworms and tapeworms. Infections from these bugs often cause fever,
muscle aches, headache, vomiting, and diarrhea in humans. Children are most susceptible, since they often
play in the dirt and put things in their mouths or eyes
DOG WASTE INFORMATION
Pet waste affects aquatic environments. The release of nutrients from the decay of pet
waste promotes weed and algae growth, limiting light penetration and the growth of
aquatic vegetation. This, in turn, can reduce oxygen levels in the water, affecting fish
and other aquatic organisms. (Storm water Managers Resource Center (SMRC)).
A study done in Melbourne, Australia (population 3
million), showed that dogs produce about 90 metric
tons of feces daily, which is equivalent to the amount
of feces produced daily by 90,000 people. Unlike
human feces though, dog feces are usually deposited
outside, where they can be washed into creeks and
rivers in storm water.
Research has shown that dog feces play a major role
in contributing to water pollution. In 1993 the US
EPA wrote, “It has been estimated that for
watersheds of up to twenty-square miles draining to
small coastal bays, two to three days of droppings
from a population of about 100 dogs would
contribute enough bacteria and nutrients to
temporarily close a bay to swimming and
shellfishing.” When dog feces come into contact
with water they can become dangerous. One gram of dog feces contains an average of 23
million fecal coliform bacteria, some of which are pathogenic. High concentrations of
these bacteria can make water unsafe for drinking and recreational use.
Despite the apparent threat that dog feces pose to water quality, many people are unaware
of their significance. Control of animal waste as a pollution source in the United States
has been moderately successful in some areas, such as establishing designated areas in
which dogs are allowed to defecate and requiring dog owners to pick up their pets' refuse
or face fines. These laws are hard to enforce, and annoy pet owners, who claim that they
are being targeted unfairly. The biggest limitation to controlling pet waste is reluctance to
handle dog waste. According to a Chesapeake Bay survey, 44% of dog walkers who do
not pick up indicated they would still refuse to pick up, even if confronted by complaints
from neighbors, threatened with fines, or provided with more sanitary and convenient
options for retrieving and disposing of dog waste.
Dog eating feces
Dog Shit
No lengthy, philosophical examination of dog shit
would be complete without first pondering more
existential questions like why dogs shit, and how.
The answers may surprise and delight you. There
are many interlocking components to the dog shit
process. Food eaten by a dog (cupcakes, floppy
disks, corn dogs, Vicodin) must first be processed
into simpler, smaller elements suitable for delivery via the
bloodstream to muscle and fatty tissue in the canine's
body.
The digestive system of your dog begins at the lips and
finishes under the tail, at a puckering donut-shaped
curiosity scientists have nicknamed the anus. When you
see a dog (or cat) who appears to be licking his or her
own balls, it's more likely the animal is suffering from anal
gland disease. Both the external anal sphincter and anal sac can become impacted or infected as the result of
contaminants left behind by the anus, leading to feelings of pain and pressure best relieved by several hours
of enthusiastic licking. The domesticated dog's alternative to licking is the act of scooting or scootching -sliding one's anus across a coarse or thickly carpeted floor to soothe "itchy" feelings near the tail and
hindquarters. Another reason for licking and scooting might be worms, a subject beyond the range of this
modest tutorial. For those interested in further study, putting dog shit under a microscope can yield a full
afternoon of excitement and wonder. Monocystis sporocysts are wiggly, protozoan parasites visible in the
feces of dogs who have eaten infected earthworms.
Cells in a dog's body naturally generate waste by-products which must be eliminated through the kidneys, the
lungs, the skin and digestive system. These organs are part of a larger excretory system. Of course, not
everything a dog eats can be digested properly, or
even used
to store
energy.
The
unwanted
digestive
material left
behind on
city
sidewalks and community dog parks is called feces
in America, and faeces to those residing in the
United Kingdom, Ireland, Wales, or Scotland.
In Sydney, Australia, one can find over 100 tons of fresh dog shit dumped on the ground each day. Rich in
phosphorous, Australian dog shit washes down hills after torrential rains, killing plant life.
There used to be an old joke: How do you tell an American in Paris? He's the one picking the shit up after his
dog. Americans stopped picking up dog shit a long time ago, preferring instead to pantomime picking up dog
shit when witnesses at the dog park are present but still too far away to see if there's really anything in your
hand. It's been universally acknowledged that France has the worst metropolitan dog shit problem. Each day,
Parisian sidewalks, alleys and gutters are choked to excess with ten tons of golden brown, oven-baked
baguettes left behind by the city's 200,000 dogs. It's been estimated that in a single year, six hundred people
break a limb after slipping on French dog shit -- and in recent years, failure-to-pick-up fines have grown to five
hundred dollars per loaf.
And yes, in France there really is a Dog Shit Patrol: a subclass of the Parisian police force which manifests
itself in a brigade of sixty-or-so green lawnmower motorcycles. These patrol vehicles search and scan for
errant piles, circumnavigating city streets deemed most popular by tourists and politicians. Meanwhile, obese
dogs are rapidly catching up to overweight French kids, with their sagging stomachs and bulging sides
capable of depositing increasingly larger and more voluminous pockets of dog shit.
Every few months, dog shit gets tracked in by the news. Investigators discover "rooms filled with dog feces" in
homes where neglected, emaciated children await rescue. Hundreds of animals are liberated from "cages
lined with filthy dog droppings," in the homes of animal hoarders. Inevitably, whenever police storm into a
person's home and encounter piles of garbage, the chances of discovering "piles of dog shit" are
exponentially increased.
If you're an animal hoarder who resides in a rural
apartment complex with a strict no-dogs-allowed
policy, you can still get several hundred fake dogs.
In its first week on the U.S. market, the Nintendo
corporation sold a quarter-million units of
Nintendogs: small, handheld devices which
simulate the high-polygon dog ownership
experience while tastefully eliminating the need for
mylar poo bags.
Canine intestinal parasites
Canine parasites exist internally and externally.
Many are species
specific and exist only on the dog. Intestinal parasitism exists in all
ages
of dogs with the greatest frequency in puppies. Types and incidence of
parasitism varies with geographic regions. Additionaly, age and immune
status are significant factors influencing gastrointestinal (GI)
parasitism. This article concerns itself with canine GI parasites of
North America.
Most parasites are diagnosed by a microscopic fecal examination using
various chemicals to help concentrate the population of parasite eggs.
Some parasites are visible to the naked eye although, they are not
consistently shed into the feces. Some tapeworms shed packages (segments)
of eggs consistently into the feces and are easily spotted by the owner.
Certain GI parasites consist only of one cell such as, the protozoans;
ie., coccidia, giardia, and cryptosporidium.
Common intestinal parasites:
Coccidia are one celled protozoans that are intracellular parasites of
the lining of the small intestine that occur with some frequency. Eimeria
and Isospora are the two most common coccidia of the dog. Infection
occurs upon ingestion of contaminated feces or food. Upon ingestion, the
parasite colonizes the lining of the small intestine and reproduction
begins. As reproduction progresses the new coccidia are shed through the
feces to the environment. Shedding of the protozoan can be asymptomatic
or associated with signs of diarrhea and bloody stools. Puppies are most
commonly affected. Most infections are not apparent and resolve on their
own by self immunization. Occasionally, signs will occur and can be quite
severe in heavily compromised pups. Adult dogs usually display
significant immunity. Treatment for coccidia consist of antimicrobials
that are bacteriostatic. These drugs stop the growth of coccidia and then
the host¹s immune system responds to rid the intestine of the parasite.
Sulfas are frequently employed as a coccidiastat. In kennel environments,
prevention is essential. Usually good steam cleaning of kennels will
eliminate the infestation of the environment. When the environment is
difficult to control coccidiastats can be added in the feed or water for
late stage pregnant bitches or young pups 3-6 weeks of age. Coccidia of
the dog are not a zoonotic threat.
Cryptosporidium is a tiny coccidia that is can be difficult to confirm on
routine microscopic fecal exams. special stains are required. The
organism infects man, cats and dogs. Puppies are primarily at risk. The
disease produces voluminous watery diarrhea that varies with the severity
of the organism and the health of the host. Immunocompromised dogs are at
severe risk. In most dogs, the disease is usually asymptomatic or self
limiting. Puppies are most likely to show signs. No treatment is
available for eliminating the organism although coccidiastats have been
used with questionable success. Antibiotics may have some effect.
Treatment is primarily symptomatic to combat fluid loss.
Giardia is another protozoan intestinal parasite that infects many
mammals including man. It problably is a zoonotic. The parasite is one of
several flagellates (mobile tails attached to the single cell) that
infect mammals. The disease produced is variable depending on the
individual and age. Young puppies are most often affected. Signs usually
occur 1-2 weeks after infection and often the disease goes unnoticed or
is self limiting after a bout of diarrhea. It can produce severe diarrhea
and fluid loss. Most cases that show signs are mild with minimal
depression. The parasite is passed in the feces and is consumed directly
by the next host. Giardia is very hardy and can remain in the environment
for a number of months waiting for a suitable host. In addition,
contaminated water is a frequent source of the flagellate. Diagnosing
giardia can be demanding and may require frequent microscopic fecal
examinations. Recently immunodiagnostics have been researched with some
success. Giardia responds very well to treatment. Metronidazole, an oral
antibiotic, is the drug of choice given daily for 5 days. However,
because of resistance other drugs are being tried and may possibly
replace metronidazole.
Tapeworms in dogs are less common than in the cat, probably because of
their feeding habits and environmental restrictions. They represent a
minority of the parasites seen in the dog but do occur regularly They
apparently do not stimulate any immunity by the host. The common
tapeworms of dogs pose no threat to humans. However, Echinococcus, an
uncommon tapeworm, but increasing in frequency, is potentially fatal to
humans.
Dipylidium caninum and Taenia pisiformis are the common tapeworms of
dogs. They are passed to the dog by ingestion of the intermediate host of
the tapeworm. The flea is the intermediate host of Dipylidium and rabbits
and rodents are the intermediate host for Taenia. Dogs ingest the
intermediate host and release the intermediate stage of the tapeworm into
the GI of the final canine host where the parasite matures to an adult in
the small bowel. Eggs are shed to the environment from the GI of the dog
in small segments that look like small pieces of rice. These segments can
often be seen in fresh feces or attached to the adjacent tissues of the
dog¹s anus. As the segments dessicate they release microscopic eggs into
the environment for the cycle to begin again. Mature adult Dipylidium and
Taenia reach 50cm. or more in length. Signs of Dipylidium and Taenia
infestation are unapparent. These parasites seem to be innocuous in the
dog. Their only threat is their repugnancy and the potential to further
debilitate a compromised pet. Treatment for these two tapeworms is either
oral or by injection under the skin. Several drugs are available. They
include praziquantel, epsiprantel, fenbendazole and mebendazole.
Prevention of Dipylidium consists of good flea control. Prevention of
Taenia is difficult if your dog is a good rodent and rabbit hunter and
may require prophylactic tape worming several times a year.
Echinococcus multilocularis is a small tapeworm that lives in the arctic
fox, wolf, domestic cat and dog as the final host. Diagnosis in the dog
is primarily by microscopic fecal exam.The intermediate host is the
rodent; such as moles, shrews and field mice. The range of this parasite
is moving south and is found in some of the northern tier states of the
US. The zoonotic threat come from the ingestion of fruit, food or water,
contaminated by the feces of the fox, cat or sled dog. the increase in
camping has exposed more humans and their pets to the potential of
Echinococcus. Once the eggs of Echinococcus are ingested by man they form
a large cyst in the liver. The only treatment is surgical removal.
Unfortunately, the prognosis is guarded because the cyst itself is very
fragile and can rupture with manipulation resulting in death. Treatment
for Echinococcus in the dog is the same drugs used for other tapeworms.
Diphyllobothrium latum (DL) is the largest tapeworm of the dog. It is
uncommon accept in remote areas of the northern US and Canada where dogs,
humans and wildlife may come in contact. The final host in addition to
the dog is primarily man, but it also exists in the cat, fox, and bear.
The worm enters the final host by ingesting raw or under cooked trout,
pike, fresh water salmon and perch. DL can grow to an amazing 20 meters
in the intestine. Eggs are shed directly into the feces. I f shed into
water small crustaceans swallow the egg which are then consumed by fresh
water fish and ultimately the final host. With each intermediated host DL
matures to infect the final host when eaten. The worm is asymptomatic in
the dog but, in man can produce severe anemia. Treatment is no different
than other tapeworms in the dog. Diagnosis is primarily by microscopic
fecal exam.
Roundworms (Toxocara) are very common. It has been speculated that 85% of
puppies are infected with roundworms. Toxocara canis (TC) and Toxocara
leonina (TL) are the two roundworms of the dog, with the former being far
more prominent. Both worms are large, around 3 inches. Both are diagnosed
by standard microscopic fecal exams. False negatives occur when no eggs
have been shed into the sample presented. Infection occurs in both TC and
TL by ingestion of eggs when contaminated feces are shed into the
environment. However, the vast majority of TC infection occurs by
transplacental migration from the bitch to the pup. Immature larvae from
either method of transmission of TC undergo migration from the gut into
various tissues. The majority of the larvae migrate through the liver,
diaphragm, lungs and up the major airways. As they move up the trachea,
occasionally several worms will be coughed up by the pup and discovered
in the expectorant. Most of TC will continue their migration and be
swallowed, moving down the esophagus, into the stomach and back into the
small intestine where they reach adult status and begin shedding eggs.
Some of the migrating larvae become encysted in tissues as migration
occurs. They remain there without consequence during the dog¹s life.
Infection by TL does not produce this larval migration. Most dogs develop
some immunity to reinfection of TC and TL. Reinfection can add to the
existing burden of encysted immature larvae but usually does not result
in intestinal infection. Adult infection is estimated to be around 10-15%
in the US. Encysted larvae return to the intestine when severe stress
occurs to the host. The best example is the pregnant bitch which
regularly passes TC via the placenta to its offspring. As a consequence
almost all puppies are positive for roundworms. TC does have a serious
zoonotic threat when larval migration enters vital tissue of man , in
particular the eye. Children are at the greatest risk because they tend
to put their fingers into their mouth without proper hygiene. The high
incidence of TC and the serious health concern in children make a cogent
argument for vigorous round worming schedules in puppies.
Signs of roundworms can be serious in puppies producing abdominal pain,
bloating, dull coat , diarrhea and occasionally fatal small bowel
obstruction. Migration can cause respiratory signs that mimic upper
respiratory infections. Occasionally, serious pneumonia result. Adult
dogs rarely show GI signs but can compromise their overall condition,
especially if other diseases are active.
Treatment of roundworms in puppies consists of oral medication at 4, 6
and 8 weeks, followed by a microscopic fecal exam at 11-12 weeks. In
adults, annual fecal exams are recommended to remove asymptomatic
infections. Monthly heartworm preventive drugs contain good round wormers
and effectively worm the dog each month during the heartworm season.
There are many good round wormers on the market. Pyrantel pamoate is one
the more common effective inexpensive wormers. Other wormers include
dichlorvos, febantel, fenbendazole, ivermectim and piperazine.
Hookworms are common parasites of dogs regardless of age. They are most
common in warm humid climates but, exist all over North America.
Ancylostoma and Uncinaria are the two hookworms found. The incidence of
Ancylostoma is just under 20% in all ages of dogs. Uncinaria is found in
about 1% of the dogs and is more common in Canada. Both worms are
transmitted by chance skin penetration by the immature larvae or by
ingestion of contaminated feces.
Hookworm is a zoonotic. Skin penetration of infective larvae penetrate
the bare foot of man and cause mostly a self limiting local skin
irritation for three weeks. In the dog hookworm can be severe to
unapparent. After eggs are deposited onto the ground in the feces, hot
humid temperatures will precipitate the development of larvae. After skin
penetration, migration of the larvae into the blood stream carry them
around the body and into many tissues. Most are brought to the lungs and
like roundworms are swallowed back into the intestinal tract 3 weeks
later. As mature hookworms, they attach to the lining of the intestinal
track and suck blood. Hookworm larvae also migrate into the gestating pup
and continue to mature when the pup is born. Puppy hookworm can be
profound and require strong supportive care. Severe hookworm infection
can cause marked anemia, intermittent bloody diarrhea, dull dry hair
coat, and weight loss. Young and adults dogs that are immunocompromised
or suffer with another disease are most at risk.
Hookworm is easily diagnosed by microscopic fecal exams. Treatment
involves one of many good drugs available in mild cases. In more severe
cases pyrantel pamoate, intravenous therapy, blood transfusions, and good
nutritional support are very important. As with roundworm the migrating
larvae require several wormings given at 2-3 week intervals. Prevention
can be accomplished by annual fecal exams (repeated more often in warm
humid clients) or by the use of a monthly wormer in conjunction with
heartworm prophylaxis. Filarabits plus•, a daily heart wormer, also
provides daily hookworm prevention. Prophylaxis includes regular removal
of feces. Bleach can be used to disinfect cement dog runs. Treatment of
lawns with a commercial larvacide may also be necessary if repeated
hookworm infection occurs.
Whipworms are common but less prevalent parasites. Whipworms are found in
warm humid climates and are much less prevalent in the western dry areas
of North America. In addition, the difficulty in diagnosing this parasite
may disguise its actual incidence. It may require several fecal samples
to demonstrate the egg in a microscopic exam.
Whipworms are acquired by ingestion of the egg from contaminated feces.
The egg is capable of surviving in the environment for months. Upon
ingestion, the egg matures and the adult infection occurs in 2-3 months
as the worm burrows into the lining of the large bowel and cecum.
Clinical signs are that of colitis: straining, mucous diarrhea with
occasional blood and an urge to defecate small volumes frequently.
Treatment for whipworms requires several treatments with fenbendazole or
febantel for 3-5 days and repeated in 3 weeks. Severe cases of whipworms
are not common but, can require surgical intervention. Prophylaxis
includes careful removal of feces and bleaching dog runs regularly.
Less common parasites:
Strongyloides is a less common intestinal parasite found only in warm,
humid areas of the US. Signs of the disease is mainly severe diarrhea
often bloody. The worm is quite serious in puppies and will cause death
if untreated. The disease is diagnosed by microscopic fecal exam.
Infection occurs when contaminated feces are consumed or by skin
penetration. Treatment is with one of several drugs that include pyrantel
pamoate, fenbendazole, thiabendazole and possibly ivermectin.
Capillaria is a roundworm that resides in the lung of dogs and foxes. The
incidence is under 1% in the US. Infection is by ingestion of
contaminated feces. The developing larvae migrate directly to the lungs.
Adults lay eggs in the lungs which are moved out the lungs and coughed
up, reswallowed and passed in the feces. Severe infections cause chronic
inflammation of the bronchi and trachea but, mild infections are common.
Ivermectin may play a roll in treatment but, currently there is no
recommended therapy
Paragonimus is an infrequent parasite of the dog that exists almost
exclusively in the most northern areas of the Midwest and north central
Canada. The parasite is a trematode (fluke) that occurs very
infrequently when dogs are exposed to the fresh waters of the north where
dogs may come in contact with mink feces. Transmission is by consumption
of freshwater crustaceans and snails, acting as an intermediate host. The
disease is serious only when the parasite gets into the brain. There is
no recommended therapy. Prevention is by eliminating the consumption of
freshwater crustaceans and snails.
Nanophyetus salmincola is a small intestinal fluke acquired by dogs when
they consume salmon from the northwest. The disease exists only in
the northwest. The parasite is mostly innocuous. However, within the
parasite a more serious threat lives. Many of the flukes are infected
with Neorickettsia helminthoeca (salmon poising), a rickettsia which
causes fever, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea and death in up to 90% of the
cases. Therapy for salmon poising involves supportive care including
intravenous fluids and antibiotics. Prevention involves avoidance of raw
freshwater fish. No therapy is recommended for infection with the fluke.
What can be done to control tapeworm infection in dogs and to prevent human infection?
1. Effective flea control is important.
2. Prompt deworming should be given when parasites are detected; periodic deworming may be appropriate
for pets at high risk for reinfection.
3. All pet feces should be disposed of promptly, especially in yards, playgrounds, and public parks.
4. Strict hygiene is important, especially for children. Do not allow children to play in potentially contaminated environments.
How do Tapeworms affect you and your dog?
Dog feces is more than just a nuisance - it can pose a serious health hazard. Why? A number of common parasites, including round worm, are
transmitted via dog feces. When infected dog droppings are left on the ground, the eggs of the roundworms and other parasites can linger in the
soil for years. As a result, anyone who comes in contact with the soil also comes in contact with the infected eggs.
Children run the greatest risk of infection because they're prone to play in the dirt at the park or playground and then put their hands in their
mouths or rub their eyes with their hands. But even a group of teens or adults playing Frisbee or touch football in an open area could be in danger.
Parasitic infections can make humans extremely sick, and for pregnant women, can pose a serious harm to their unborn child.
What are tapeworms? The most common tapeworm of dogs (and cats) is called Dipylidium caninum. This parasite attaches to the small intestinal
wall by hook-like mouthparts. Adult tapeworms may reach 8 inches (20 cm) in length. The adult worm is actually made up of many small segments
about 1/8 inch (3 mm) long. As the tail end of the worm matures, the terminal segments break off and pass into the stool. Occasionally, the mobile
segments can be seen crawling near the anus or on the surface of a fresh bowel movement. These segments look like grains of rice and contain
tapeworm eggs; the eggs are released into the environment when the segment dries. The dried segments are small (about 1/16", or 2 mm), hard
and golden in color. These dried segments can sometimes be seen stuck to the hair around the dog's anus.
A less commonly found tapeworm, called Echinococcus, also occurs in dogs


Composting Dog Waste
If you have dogs, you have poop. And how to dispose of that poop is an issue. Traditional composting theory and most agricultural
extension offices will tell you that dog manure may not be added to compost bins. However, in a cooperative study between
mushers and the Fairbanks Soil and Water Conservation District in Alaska, researchers are finding that with some special
precautions, dog waste can be successfully composted.
It’s important that you follow the compost recipe closely. The additive to the dog waste must be a carbon source such as sawdust.
You can’t just add dog manure to your regular compost bins or piles and expect to get good, safe results. You must also make sure
the recipe gets to the temperature specified. A long-stemmed thermometer is useful for this. If you do not reach the "magic number"
of 140 degrees F, you may not kill the pathogens present in the dog waste.
The Recipe
2 parts dog manure
1 part sawdust
Collect ingredients. When sufficient quantities have been accumulated, mix well and allow to cook to at least 140 degrees F, turning
at least once a week. It usually takes 4-8 weeks to get a crumbly, dirt-like mixture.
Where to Use the Compost
At this point, the Natural Resources Conservation Service is not sure the compost gets hot enough to kill Toxicara canis, or large
roundworms (one of the most heat-resistant pathogens found in dog manure). The researchers in the study were not able to find
dog waste samples infected with roundworm because mushers are so good at controlling it. It is not known whether roundworms will
be killed during the process. For that reason, only use the resulting compost on non-food plantings such as flower beds and shrubs.