The Environmental Harms of Dog Poo: Vet Advice 2025 🩺💩 — Why Picking Up Matters & Eco Alternatives from Dr Duncan Houston

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

🌿 As a veterinarian and animal welfare advocate, I often hear pet owners say, “Dog poo is natural — why should I pick it up in the woods?” It’s a fair question! After all, wild animals leave their droppings behind without causing chaos. But our dogs are not wild animals — and their waste isn’t as harmless as you might think. 💩🐕

In 2025, research has made it clear: dog poo can be an environmental pollutant on par with oil spills and pesticides. That’s why UK forestry bodies have officially shifted their message from “stick and flick” to “bag it and bin it.” 🌳✅

🌍 1. Why the UK Changed Its Advice in 2025

Just a few years ago, pet owners were told to flick their dog’s poo into the undergrowth in rural areas — the idea was that it would decompose naturally. But recent studies show that dog waste changes the nutrient balance of the soil and damages wild habitats. 🌱

“Forestry England no longer promotes the stick and flick message and has aligned with the Countryside Code — we now advise owners to ‘bag and bin’ dog waste.”

This shift recognises that dog faeces is not like wild animal droppings — our pets eat nutrient-dense food and receive regular medications, which change their waste composition. 🍖💊

💩 2. Dog Poo Is Not Fertiliser — It’s a Pollutant

Dog faeces contains high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus. While those nutrients help plants in small doses, in large concentrations they burn grass and kill micro-ecosystems. 🌾🔥

The Environmental Protection Agency classifies dog waste as a serious pollutant, alongside pesticides and industrial run-off. Left uncollected, it can release harmful bacteria, create oxygen depletion in water, and even damage soil biodiversity. 🦠

💧 3. Water Pollution & Algal Blooms

When dog poo is left on paths or fields, rain washes its nutrients into rivers and ponds. This feeds algae that consume oxygen, creating “dead zones” where fish and invertebrates cannot survive. 🐟

Dog poo also carries bacteria like E. coli and parasites like Giardia, which can infect both wildlife and humans. Once in the water table, these pathogens can spread for miles. 🌊

🐞 4. Medication Residues Toxic to Insects and Wildlife

Modern dogs are protected with parasite treatments — a good thing for their health but not always for the environment. Many of these chemicals are excreted in their faeces and remain active in the soil. 🌿💊

Studies have shown that flea and worming medications can kill insects that live in or feed on dog poo, disrupting local food chains and reducing biodiversity. 🐜 🦋

⚠️ 5. Health Risks to People and Pets

Dog faeces contains twice the bacterial load of human waste. It can carry parasites like Toxocara canis, which causes toxocariasis — an infection that can lead to fever, organ damage, and even blindness in severe cases. 👁️

Children are especially vulnerable because they play close to the ground and often put their hands in their mouths. That’s why public health campaigns urge all owners to pick up immediately — even in woodlands or rural areas. 🧒🌲

🌳 6. Why Leaving It “Natural” Harms Nature

Unlike wild animals, dogs are kept in densely populated areas and fed processed diets. That means millions of dogs deposit millions of poos in ecosystems that can’t absorb them naturally. 🌍

Research has shown that nutrient imbalance from dog faeces can persist for years after dogs are removed from a nature reserve. That’s why every bag matters — each pickup is a step toward protecting biodiversity. 🦋🌺

🗑️ 7. “Bag It & Bin It” — the Best Practice for 2025

So what should you do with your dog’s poo? The most responsible approach remains simple: Bag it and bin it. This prevents disease spread, protects wildlife, and keeps walks pleasant for everyone. 🐾

But let’s be honest — using plastic bags for dog waste is not ideal. That’s why I recommend switching to environmentally friendly alternatives that don’t compromise on hygiene or sustainability. 🌱

🌿 8. Eco-Friendly Solutions That Work for Real Life

As a vet, I advise that dog poo should be picked up and properly disposed of. That’s the scientifically sound approach. However — and I completely understand this — it’s not always easy or ideal for everyone. Busy owners, rural walkers, or those without garden space need solutions that actually fit daily life. 💚

That’s why I’ve developed a range of options for every type of owner — from those who want to go fully compostable to those who prefer plastic-negative alternatives. Here’s how you can help the planet while keeping your routine easy. 🌎🐶

🌱 Woopf 100% Compostable Poo Bags — My Top Choice

The most sustainable option I recommend is Woopf 100% Compostable Poo Bags. These bags are made entirely from plant-based materials and break down within 90 days when buried in soil. 🌾

How to use them safely:

• 💩 Pick up your dog’s waste using a Woopf bag — they’re sturdy, leak-proof, and easy to tie.
• 🌿 If you have a garden, bury the bag in soil away from edible plants — it will fully decompose within around three months.
• 🚮 If burial isn’t possible, dispose of the bag in general waste — it will still degrade faster than plastic.

By using Woopf bags, you’re actively reducing the plastic burden on our planet while protecting the health of local ecosystems. 🌍💚

♻️ Other Eco Alternatives

• 🌊 Plastic-Negative Bags — Remove more plastic from the environment than they add.
• 🏡 Dedicated Dog Waste Composters — Perfect for gardens with space and good drainage.
• 🪣 Separate Compost Bins — Keep pet waste compost away from food plants.
• 🧴 Choose PFAS-Free Products — Avoid chemicals that linger in soil and water.

🧠 9. Education Is the Key to Cleaner Walks

Many dog owners simply don’t realise the damage one tiny pile can cause. By sharing information — and leading by example — we can shift public habits toward greener, cleaner dog ownership. 🐕‍🦺

Talk to fellow owners on your walks, support eco-friendly brands, and help normalise using compostable bags instead of plastic ones. Small acts create big change. 🌟

💬 10. Vet’s Final Thoughts

Dog poo might seem like a small issue — but its impact on the environment and public health is anything but minor. By picking up and disposing responsibly, you’re protecting wildlife, children, and future generations. 🌳🩺

And remember, I understand that no solution is perfect for everyone. That’s why I offer multiple approaches — from compostable bags to recycled materials — so that every owner can do their part comfortably and effectively. 🐾💚

📱 Ask A Vet Recommendation

Want help choosing safe eco-friendly products or getting personalised care advice for your pet? Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet App 📲 to chat directly with qualified veterinarians like me. Together we’ll keep your pet healthy and our planet clean. 🌍🐶

Written by Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, 2025