The Dirty Truth About Dog Poop (And Why It’s NOT Fertilizer!)
Most people think dog poop just “breaks down naturally” and helps the soil—like manure from cows or horses. But here’s the truth:
Dog waste is nothing like fertilizer, and leaving it in your yard can actually harm your lawn, your pets, and your family.
Let’s break it down.
Dog Poop Is Full of Harmful Bacteria
Dog waste can contain:
E. coli
Salmonella
Parvovirus
Roundworms & hookworms
Giardia
These pathogens stay in your soil for months, even after the poop disappears. Rain spreads them further, and your pets (and kids!) can track them inside your home.
It Damages Your Lawn, Not Helps It
Because dogs eat protein-rich diets, their waste is acidic and high in nitrogen. Instead of fertilizing grass, dog poop often:
Burns your lawn
Creates dead, brown patches
Attracts pests and flies
Contaminates the soil
Cow manure works as fertilizer because cows eat grass. Dog poop comes from processed food and meat—big difference.
It Takes Up to a Year to Decompose
Even when dog poop looks “gone,” the bacteria aren’t.
Left untreated, dog waste:
Takes 9–12 months to fully break down
Spreads bacteria over every rainfall
Creates odor problems that linger
Continues harming the soil beneath it
This is why yards with multiple dogs quickly become unhealthy without consistent cleanup.
The EPA Classifies Dog Waste as a Pollutant
Dog poop is considered the same category of pollutant as:
Household hazardous waste
Oil & automotive runoff
Chemical contaminants
Not exactly something you want sitting on your lawn.
So What’s the Best Solution?
Routine cleanup—ideally by a professional who keeps your yard consistently safe and healthy.
At Poop Commanders, we offer:
Weekly poop scooping
Twice-weekly cleanups for multi-dog homes
Yard deodorizing treatments
No-contract, cancel-anytime service
Online booking and automated reminders
Your yard stays fresh, clean, and kid-friendly—all without you lifting a finger.
