Educate yourself on dog waste

Safety First

Dogs are a major reservoir for zoonotic infections and can transmit several viral and bacterial diseases to humans. Zoonotic diseases can be transmitted to humans by infected faeces through direct contact. Viral and bacterial infections including Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Toxocariasis are the most common zoonotic infections transmitted to humans by dogs. Hence the use of the picadoo will greatly reduce the risk of catching any form of zoonotic disease found in the faeces of your dog.

Campylobacter

This germ causes gut infections and can be transferred easily from animals, especially puppies, to humans. Direct contact with animal faeces can lead to tummy cramps and pain, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting, as well as fever are all symptoms of this infection. Usually no special treatment is needed. In severe cases, an antibiotic can be prescribed.

Salmonella

Salmonella germs can be found in dog faeces. The symptoms of salmonella poisoning are headaches, a fever, diarrhoea and tummy cramps. Cases mostly clear up by themselves and do not require special treatment. Medical attention should be sought for the very young, the very old and those who have weakened immunity.

Toxocariasis

This infection is caused by roundworms found more commonly in the intestines of puppies and kittens but can also be in older dogs and cats. The worms produce large numbers of eggs ending up in their faeces. Humans become infected by accidentally swallowing worm eggs, or by eating food that is contaminated with soil containing the eggs (such as unwashed raw vegetables). Toxocariasis cannot be spread from person to person. Symptoms are varied and include pneumonia, coughing, fever, skin rash and liver enlargement. Severe outcomes are rare but possible – such as reduced vision and in some cases blindness. Dogs and cats should be de-wormed regularly.

All of the above are perfect resaons to make sure you have a picadoo on hand, so you can safely collect your doggy doo in our environmentally friendly dog poo bags!

Good Nutrition = Good Stools!

If you aren't necessarily a master dog trainer or veterinary surgeon you may be unaware that what you put into your dog generally decides on whats comes out! Poor nutritious dog food will often produce very poor stools that may be too moist and watery or too hard and dry. Dog stools are divided into 7 different grades from very hard/dry to watery/loose

Hard Stools

Too dry or hard stools are typically an indication of dehydration or decreased intestinal movement. Dogs that produce overly dry or firm stools, regardless of their shape, are at increased risk of constipation and often experience a degree of discomfort when defecating.

Soft Stools

Poor nutritious dog food can be one aspect that can lead to poor fecal stools. So be aware that this can be one indication. However consistent low grade dog waste can indicated a number of issues and therefore should be seen by a vet.

Correct Stool Quality