Winter’s Excessive Snowfall and Rain Encourage Bacteria Growth

According to the Office of the New Jersey State Climatologist at Rutgers University, Bergen county has seen between 47.1 and 71 inches of snow since December 2010. As northern New Jersey recovers from one of the harshest winters in recent years, Chris Rago, owner of Doggy Deuce & Pet’s Best Friend NJ, the region’s leading pet services company, urges pet owners to promptly and properly remove waste that has accumulated during the winter and is now exposed as snow continues to melt. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pet droppings can contribute to the spread of disease from animals to humans (zoonosis), as a single gram of dog waste has an estimated 23 million fecal coliform bacteria which can cause cramps, diarrhea, and serious kidney disorders.

“This winter’s snow and rain have left the ground extremely moist, making it easier for the bacteria found in pet waste to be absorbed into our lawns and brought back into homes. Dogs and rodents are attracted to the smell of meat which is found in dog food and lingers in pet waste. While rodents spread bacteria and dangerous parasites feeding off the waste, dogs may sniff and sometimes lick or eat feces, which is not only toxic for animals, it contributes to a host of problems for unsuspecting family members who are in close contact with dogs,” said Rago. “the best way to avoid these and other potential dangers is to remove pet waste promptly and correctly. This means daily collection of pet waste after thoroughly scouring the yard for pet waste and either flushing it down the toilet or securely bagging and disposing it in garbage cans.”

Long before the waste even has a chance to pollute watersheds and decrease water quality, it presents a significant health risk to those involved in outdoor activities. Unkempt lawns can become a breeding ground for several diseases associated with pet waste such as:

• Campylobacteriosis- a bacterial infection that causes diarrhea in humans. • Salmonellosis- the most common bacterial infection transmitted to humans from animals. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, headache, vomiting, and diarrhea. • Toxocarisis- roundworms transmitted from animals to humans. Symptoms include vision loss, rash, fever, or cough.

As the weather gets warmer, Rago anticipates that homeowners will want to take advantage of their yards for outdoor leisure and entertainment, free of pet waste and unwelcome rodents, vermin and parasites. Without proper waste management, families and guests risk being exposed to several health-related dangers. “Contrary to popular belief, dog waste does not disintegrate because dog food is primarily composed of meats and fillers which, when eliminated, do not fertilize or benefit grass in any way,” explained Rago. “aside from the obvious smell and inconvenience of not being able to walk barefoot in one’s yard for fear of stepping into pet waste, the reasons for prompt pet waste removal are too compelling to ignore. Our pet waste removal service’s consistent growth shows that homeowners know how dangerous the waste is to their families and communities, even though they may not have the time or inclination to remove it themselves.”

“Spring rain washes dog waste into streets, sewers and nearby lakes and streams, bypassing wastewater treatment facilities for proper handling, potentially contaminating our water,” continued Rago. “Doggy Deuce Removal Services ensure that waste is removed properly by meticulously scouring customers’ yards in multiple patterns and triple bagging collected waste for garbage collection. Customers can also opt for waste to be flushed in their toilets, which enables it to go through sewage treatment facilities, along with household waste.”

About Pet’s Best Friend NJ/Doggy Deuce Removal Service

Founded in 2007, Oradell, NJ-based Doggy Deuce Removal Services, doggydeucerml.com , offers 24/7/365 dog walking/exercising, dog whispering, an extensive array of at-home vet tech services, pet waste removal, lawn treatment for burn spots, concrete cleaning and disinfecting, cat litter removal, indoor disinfecting air treatments and other pet services. For a complete list of pet services, visit the Doggy Deuce website or call (201) 663-1879.