Health Concerns

Contrary to popular belief, dog feces can take up to one year to break down. Dog feces are protein based and therefore it poisons your lawn, more importantly, it is a serious health hazard. A number of common parasites, including round worm, are transmitted via dog feces. When infected dog droppings are left on the ground, the eggs of the roundworms and other parasites can linger in the soil for years. As a result, anyone who comes in contact with the soil also comes in contact with the infected eggs.

Children run the greatest risk of infection because they're prone to play in the dirt and then put their hands in their mouths or rub their eyes with their hands. But even a group of teens or adults playing Frisbee or touch football could be in danger. Parasitic infections can make humans extremely sick, and for pregnant women, can pose a serious harm to their unborn child.
Dogs smell it, roll in it, walk in it and even ingest it. Often times dogs pick up very serious diseases from it. Animal feces are one of the most common sources of the following diseases:

Parvo Virus: one of the deadliest diseases in the dog population. Upon gaining entry through the mouth, the virus attacks the digestive tract and kills cells that are critical in the absorption of nutrients. Severe fluid loss through diarrhea and vomiting can lead to death. Parvo also temporarily affects dog's immune system and can lead to heart failure in some young dogs.

Whipworm: are blood suckers, tunneling into the wall of the intestine for their blood meals. Vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss are common symptoms and in larger dogs these parasites can cause anemia. Difficult to diagnose, they are even harder to eliminate because they are often present in very large numbers.

Hookworms: are blood suckers attaching to the intestinal wall where they suck plugs of the intestinal tissue into their mouth structures. Anemia and/or intense inflammation can result. Hookworm infections can be passed to humans.

Roundworms (ascarids): can affect the lungs and the digestive system, with typical signs being vomiting and diarrhea. Convulsions can occur with heavy infections and the disease can spread to humans.

Giardia: are one celled parasites that can cause diarrhea in dogs and cats. Infection with Giardia is often difficult to diagnose and treat effectively. Coccidia are also one-celled parasites that can cause diarrhea, especially in puppies and kittens.

Environmental Concerns

The EPA is starting to require states to formulate plans to comply with the Clean Water Act. Water quality tests conducted in all states show that approximately 20% of E.Coli found in public waterways is from dog waste. Picking up your dog's feces can really make a difference.