Clear up after your dog

A cleaner neighbourhood. We all want it. We can all help to achieve it.

No one likes dog mess. This web page explains how you - as a responsible dog owner - can do your bit by helping reduce dog mess on the streets and parks in this Borough.

The Importance of Training

Being a responsible dog owner means more than making sure your dog is well fed and looked after. Dogs need to be trained and part of this is toilet training.

It is best to train when the dog is still a puppy but older dogs can learn too.

How to start

A puppy goes to the toilet very frequently, so begin by putting him outside in a suitable spot if you think he seems to want to go. Keep repeating this and praise him when he finishes. If you can't get outside, get your puppy to use a litter tray.

Regular times

Get your dog used to a routine. Build up regular times when you take him out - in the morning, after a meal and at night.

Going on command

Use a command word such as "clean" or "busy" just as he is about to go to the toilet. Always use the same tone of voice and praise him when he has finished. Training him means he will go where you want him to and not in unsuitable places.

Going at home

If you've got a garden, then why not screen off a small area where you can train your dog to go. You can then bury the mess in the garden or pick it up using a poop scoop. Otherwise wrap up the used poop scoop in a plastic bag and dispose of it with your normal household waste.

If you don't have a garden and your dog is not too large, try training your dog to use a litter tray. Dispose of the contents of the litter tray by double wrapping it in plastic bags and dispose of it with your normal household waste.

But what about when I am out with my dog?

If your dog needs to go while you're out, "Scoop the poop". You can buy all sorts of different poop scoops cheaply at pet shops and some supermarkets. If you don't have a poop scoop with you, you can use a newspaper or plastic bag.

If you use a poop scoop, you will not need to touch the mess directly. Many designs of poop scoop involve a plastic bag which can be tied up before you dispose of it.

Remember to wash your hands as soon as you can afterwards.

Dog mess can contain a number of things which can make people ill - best known of which is infection with toxacara canis, which is a roundworm. If the eggs of this worm are swallowed this can result in a range of symptoms from aches and pains to bronchial conditions. In rare cases, eye sight can be damaged.

The risk to human health is small. You can reduce it further by:-

worming your dog regularly;

always clearing up after your dog;

good hygiene practice

What should I do with the poop scoop when it's been used?

Runnymede Borough Council provide special bins where you can put your used poop scoops. Dog waste bins are often red. These are mostly sited throughout the Borough's major parks and open spaces. If there are no bins around, take the poop scoop home and dispose of it. If that is not possible, then as a last resort wrap the used poop scoop again in a plastic bag and dispose if it in a litter bin.

Worms and Worming

Worms can affect a dog at any age. Caring for your dog therefore includes making sure your dog is wormed regularly.

Worms can cause sickness and diarrhoea in young animals but adult dogs may show no symptoms. Worming is easy, effective and costs very little. You can get worming treatments from your pharmacist, vet, pet shop or larger branches of supermarkets. Follow the maker's instructions carefully. The treatment required depends on your dog's weight.

Adult dogs should be wormed at least every 6 months. Pregnant bitches and bitches with young puppies should be wormed more frequently. With puppies seek veterinary advice.

Poop scooping and the law

Local Councils (and some other organisations like Water Companies and the British Waterways Board) can make local laws, called byelaws. These can require you to clear up after your dog in designated areas, such as streets, parks and beaches.

Do not wait until the law makes you clear up. It is in everyone's interest that dog mess is not left lying where people might tread or sit in it.

You can do your bit.

Scoop the Poop - Clear up after your dog.

Further help and advice on aspects of responsible pet ownership can be obtained from contacting your nearest vet or any local Kennel Club. These can be found in the Runnymede area by consulting the local telephone directory.

This leaflet is produced by Runnymede Borough Council.

With acknowledgements to H.M.S.O. - Permission No. 950025242