How Long Does Dog Poop Take to Decompose? Facts & FAQ
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View 2 More +Maybe it’s hard for you to stoop down and pick up after your dog because of your health. Or perhaps you’re just tired of pooper-scooper duty and wonder if it’s really necessary. After all, poop is biodegradable, right?
Well, yes. Don’t worry; your dog’s poop will decompose over time. But it might not be as fast as you expect or as eco-friendly. Even in good conditions, dog poop takes at least 2 months to decompose. Depending on the exact circumstances, it might take longer than a year. Dog poop also generally shouldn’t be left behind outdoors because too much of it can disrupt the local environment. Let's learn more about the decomposition of dog poop in this article.
Factors That Affect Decomposition
How fast dog poop decomposes depends on a lot of factors. Local temperature and humidity make the biggest difference. You might see complete decomposition in as little as 8 or 9 weeks if it is hot and humid. But as the weather cools, decomposition slows drastically. If you live somewhere with cold winters, it may take a year to decompose completely. And if the area is frozen year-round—like on a glacier or snowy mountain—it might not decompose at all! Soil composition makes a difference, too—the types of bacteria, worms, and other decomposers that flourish in your local soil might speed up or slow down the process.
Another less obvious factor is diet. Herbivore scat is gentler on the environment and decomposes much more quickly than carnivore scat. Dogs are primarily carnivores, but they do eat some plant matter. If your dog is eating a lower-protein, higher-grain food, their poop will decompose faster!
Why Can’t I Leave Dog Poop in Nature?
If you like to hike with your dog or walk through wooded areas, you might be tempted to leave your dog’s poop behind or throw it off the trail. It seems like a no-brainer that if squirrels, deer, and bears are all leaving their poop behind to decompose, there’s not much harm in it. But there are three good reasons to clean up your dog’s poop whenever possible.
What’s the Best Way to Dispose of Dog Poop?
If you want to dispose of poop in an eco-friendly way, you have a few options. Many cities provide doggy-dung recycling and encourage you to put poop in special bins for safe disposal. If you can’t do that, a biodegradable bag is best. Ask your city which bins it should go in if you have multiple bins available.
Summary
There you have it! Dog poop does decompose, but it takes time. Even in ideal weather, it takes a few months to go away completely. In most cases, it’s best to pack dog poop out with you to keep the environment safe and clean.
Sources
Featured Image Credit: Javier Brosch, Shutterstock
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Chelsea Flake Mortensen is a writer with a passion for pets . She grew up around everything from cats to chameleons and loves working with all kinds of animals. Chelsea has a BA in English and Creative Writing from Brigham Young University.
Chelsea loves reading, writing, sewing, and board games. She's lived in half a dozen US states and two countries. She is currently living in New England with her husband. Her articles have been featured in various magazines and literary journals for children and adults. Her writing has been translated into over 40 languages.
