Today,
dog owners must be extra careful about maintaining their dog’s
health and preventing their pet from being exposed to disease.
There are two life-threatening
diseases known as Canine Parvovirus and Canine Distemper that
are increasingly reaching the digestive systems of our healthy
pets. These diseases can cause dogs to have partial or total
paralysis, irreparable nerve damage, vomiting and diarrhea. There
is also a parasite 
known
as Giardia, which not only affects dogs, but also causes humans
to have diarrhea and abdominal pain.
Dr. Steven Feldman, of Los Angeles Animal Services, stated “The
transferring of Giardia can be from animal to animal, person
to person, animal to person or person to animal. Prevention is
based on good sanitation practices to prevent ingestion of any
feces, contaminated food, water, or objects. It is important
to dispose of waste materials in such a way that they cannot
contaminate surface or ground water.”
The increased spreading of such diseases is in
part due to pet guardians/owners not picking
up after their dogs. That’s
right! When someone doesn’t pick up after their dog, your
pet’s chances of getting infected with one of these diseases
are increased.
As a matter of fact, not picking up after your dog is also very
harmful to the environment. Unattended dog waste gets unintentionally
washed down into our storm drain system when it rains. This toxic
mix of dog waste and water then flows untreated into our local
waterways and ocean. The bacteria found in the fecal matter affects
our aquatic life, the tourism industry, our economy, and those
who swim at our beaches. This is a consequence that can negatively
impact not only our pet’s health, but our own health as
well.
It is important that as dog guardians/owners, we do our part
and pick up after our pet and remind our neighbors and friends
to do the same. Remember to do the right thing.
Pick
up after your dog and continue to
protect our pets and the
environment!
For more information on how you can help prevent
Stormwater
pollution, please call 1-800-974-9794 or visit www.lastormwater.org
*images from lastormwater.org
