If you are a paw parent, then you might have encountered loose poop of your dog. Cleaning it is not only challenging but a messy task. Many dogs are not potty trained and might poop on their lawn or publicly in parks. You should clean away their mess in order to keep the surroundings clean and prevent the spread of bacteria. So, how to pick up soft dog poop 💩 from grass?
Well, dealing with dog poop feels very disgusting and that too-soft poop is a lot messier. But, if you know the right way you won’t end up yourself muddled in the poop. So, let us quench your curiosity and learn different ways to clean soft dog 🐶 poop from the grass.
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Why Is My Dog’s Poop Soft?
Before acknowledging the ways to pick up soft dog poop it is important to know why your dog has soft poop. Is it because of any dietary issue or some other underlying cause?
Possible causes of soft dog 🐶 poop:
- Dietary changes or intolerance
- Stress or anxiety
- Infection or inflammation
- Parasites or worms
- Medications or supplements
- Underlying health conditions
To prevent your dog from having soft poop, you should feed your dog a high-quality doggy diet 🍽 and avoid feeding human food 🍟 or food that might upset his stomach. Additionally, you should provide your dog with fresh water at all times and make sure they are vaccinated regularly.
“A well-balanced diet must also include an appropriate amount of minerals, vitamins, certain essential amino acids (from proteins), and specific essential fatty acids (from fats).“, confirms Ryan Llera and Cheryl Yuill at VCA Hospitals.
How to Pick Up Soft Dog Poop From Grass?
Picking up soft dog poop from the grass 🌿 is a challenging task. Many dogs are not properly potty trained and excrete anywhere. It can create a huge mess if not cleaned properly. Whether you use any tools or not, it is important to learn the correct way to clean the grass and dispose of the poop. Since it is crucial to keep the surroundings clean and take responsibility for your pup.[1]
Many pet parents have complained that their Fido excretes loose poop 💩 in the garden which is difficult to handle as well as ruins the grass. Thus, they often ask how to pick up soft dog poop from the grass. There are many ways by which you can pick up soft dog poop from the grass. Some of them are mentioned here.
If you find your dog keeps pooping in your lawn or garden, you may want to consider switching to the best artificial grass for dogs, which can make cleanup easier.
Types of Equipment and Tools Needed
Picking up soft dog poop from grass can be tricky, but it can be done with the right tools and preparation. Here are some of the things you will need:
| Tools | Usage | |
| 1. | Disposable gloves | Cover your hands |
| 2. | Poop Scoop | Lift the poop |
| 3. | Plastic bag | Collect the poop |
| 4. | Spray bottle | Clean the grass |
| 5. | Trash can or Compost bin | Dispose of the poop |
1) Allow the Poop to Dry First
The easiest way to pick up soft poop is to let it dry in the first place. This will reduce the mess and make the cleaning process easy for you. If the dog has pooped in your personal garden and your dog 🐶 can stay away from the poop for a certain time then you can use this method.
You just need to let the poop dry so that you can easily pick it up using a scoop 🥄. You can also put some paper towels on the poop to absorb the moisture content. Now, you can easily pick up the dried poop without any mess. Water the area using a hose to wash away the excess.
If you let the poop dry before picking it up, it allows time for the smell to dissipate. Dogs have a strong sense of smell, which is why they often roll in various scents. This explains why do dogs roll in the grass?
2) Use Compressed Air
Compressed air is another alternative to clean the soft poop from the grass. You just need a bottle of compressed air and spray it a couple of times on the poop. This will freeze the poop 💩 as well as dislodge it from the grass 🌿.
Instead of directly spraying the compressed air directly on the poop, you can cover it with a plastic bag. So, it can avoid spreading elsewhere because of the pressure of compressed air. However, compressed air may not be effective on very loose poop like diarrhoea.
3) Use a Thick Plastic Bag / Pooper Scooper
When your dog’s poop is not too soft then you can use a plastic bag to lift the poop. Simply place the bag on the poop and use your hand or a pooper scooper to lift the poop. You can then use the plastic bag as a makeshift glove to pick up and dispose of the poop.
You might need to use a thick plastic bag for this so that it does not tear or create any mess while cleaning. You can also wear plastic gloves to avoid contact with the poop. If you are using a pooper scooper then you can choose one that you feel comfortable using.
4) Thickening the Poop
For too-soft poop, you can thicken the consistency of the poop by sprinkling sand on it. This can ease the cleaning process. Thickening the poop is also easy to pick using a plastic bag. Moreover, there are fewer chances of messing up.
You can also consider sprinkling clumping 😸 cat litter. This can help absorb moisture and solidify the stool so that you can easily pick it up without creating a huge mess. Clumping cat litter is useful if your dog has diarrhoea or loose stool as it can help to solidify the stool and make it easier to pick up.
How to Dispose of Soft Dog Poop?
Now that you have learned to pick up soft poop from the grass 🌿 it is important to dispose of it properly and safely.[2] You cannot throw the plastic bag anywhere to get rid of the poop.
Here are some of the ways you can do it:
- Throw it in a trash can: This is the simplest and most convenient way to dispose of soft dog 🐶 poop. However, make sure that the trash can is secure and not accessible to animals or children. You should also use a thick durable plastic bag or a biodegradable bag that does not leak or break easily.
- Compost it: This is an eco-friendly way to dispose of soft dog poop. However, only compost soft dog poop 💩 if you have a dedicated compost bin for pet waste that is separate from your regular compost bin. You should also use a biodegradable bag that decomposes quickly and does not contain any harmful chemicals. Moreover, avoid using composted soft dog poop on edible plants or crops.
- Flush it: You should only flush soft dog poop if it does not contain any foreign objects such as bones, rocks or plastic. You should also use a flushable bag that dissolves in water and does not clog the pipes.
Whether you have real grass or artificial turf, it’s important to clean up after your dog right away. Learning how to pick up soft dog poop and how to clean dog poop off artificial grass makes for a happier, cleaner yard.
FAQs
Why is my dog’s poop so soft to pick up?
One of the most obvious reasons for your dog’s poop to be too soft is that they are being overfed. Soft poop is a very common sign of a dog who is getting too much food. Check their weight and ensure the amount your dog is having is suitable for their size and that it is weighed out accurately.
Should you pick up dog poop from the grass?
To reduce the risk of spreading disease, remove dog poop from your lawn immediately. Leave the poop out as it can easily infect other members of your family, especially young children who play in the yard and aren’t very good at washing their hands.
Is there an alternative to picking up dog poop?
Pooper-scoopers are a classic tool for dog owners. They help prevent irrelevant waste, and unlike plastic bags, you would not feel the squish. Moreover, they’re easy to clean with a garden hose.
How can I prevent my dog from having soft dog poop in the first place?
The best way to prevent your dog from having soft dog poop is to feed them a high-quality, balanced and consistent diet that suits their age, size, and activity level. You should also avoid giving your dog human food, bones or dairy products that might upset their stomach. Additionally, you should provide your dog with fresh water at all times.
Wrapping Up
Picking up soft dog poop from grass 🌿 is not a pleasant task, but it is a necessary one for any responsible dog owner. By following these tips and techniques, you can pick up soft dog poop from grass without making a mess or hurting your back.
You can also dispose of soft dog poop safely and responsibly, and keep your dog healthy and happy. Remember, picking up soft dog poop from grass is not only a courtesy to others but also a way to keep your surrounding clean. So, the next time you scoop up your dog’s poop take it as a fun activity. Happy scooping! 💩🐶
References:
- Scoop the Poop: It’s Your Environmental Doody (pun intended) | School of Marine and Environmental Affairs. (2018, April 30). School of Marine and Environmental Affairs.
- Government Digital Service. (2014). Controlling your dog in public. GOV.UK.
