Hitting the trail with your four-legged best friend is one of life’s great joys. The shared adventure, the fresh air, the wagging tail leading the way – it’s an experience many hikers cherish. But responsible dog ownership extends beyond keeping your pup hydrated and safe; it means actively managing their impact on the environment. A crucial, and often overlooked, aspect of this is dealing with dog waste according to Leave No Trace principles. It might not be the most glamorous topic, but it’s essential for preserving the trails we love.
Why Picking Up Dog Poop Matters More Than You Think
It’s easy to think, “It’s natural, it’ll decompose,” especially when surrounded by wilderness. But dog waste isn’t the same as wild animal waste, and leaving it behind has significant negative consequences. Our dogs’ diets are very different from those of wild animals, resulting in waste composition that isn’t native to the trail environment.
Water Quality Woes: Dog feces is packed with bacteria, parasites, and pathogens like E. coli, Giardia, and Salmonella. When left near water sources – streams, lakes, rivers – rain and snowmelt can wash these contaminants directly into the water. This pollutes drinking water sources for wildlife and potentially for humans downstream. It can also harm aquatic ecosystems.
Nutrient Overload: Dog waste is rich in nitrogen and phosphorus. While these are nutrients, too much of a good thing is detrimental. When excess nutrients wash into waterways, they can trigger algal blooms. These blooms deplete oxygen in the water, creating dead zones where fish and other aquatic life cannot survive.
Impact on Wildlife: Leftover poop can attract unwanted attention from scavengers, potentially altering their natural behaviour or leading to conflicts. More seriously, the diseases present in dog waste can spread to wild animals, some of which may already be vulnerable.
The Experience Factor: Let’s be honest – nobody enjoys encountering dog waste on a trail. It detracts from the natural beauty, smells unpleasant, and creates a negative experience for fellow hikers, equestrians, and cyclists. Stepping in it is even worse! Leaving waste behind signals disrespect for the environment and for others sharing the space.
Dog waste is not a natural fertilizer for wild environments. Its high nutrient content and potential pathogens can disrupt delicate ecosystems. Always assume dog waste needs to be packed out to protect water sources and wildlife health.
Common Misconceptions Debunked
Over the years, a few less-than-ideal methods for dealing with dog waste have circulated. It’s important to understand why these aren’t recommended by Leave No Trace ethics.
“I’ll just flick it off the trail into the bushes.”
While this might seem like a quick fix to get it out of sight, it doesn’t solve the underlying problems. The waste is still there, containing the same harmful bacteria and excess nutrients. It’s still close enough to potentially contaminate water sources during runoff. It might decompose slightly faster off-trail, but the environmental risks remain largely the same. It simply hides the problem, rather than solving it.
“Burying it is okay, right?”
Burying dog waste is generally discouraged and often less effective than people assume. Unlike human waste catholes (which have specific depth and location guidelines in backcountry situations), dog waste decomposition can be very slow, especially in arid or cold environments. Animals might also dig it up, negating the effort and potentially scattering the waste. Furthermore, buried waste can still leach pathogens and nutrients into the soil and groundwater over time. While burying might be mentioned as a deep-backcountry last resort in some older guidelines, the current strong consensus for dog waste is overwhelmingly to pack it out.
The Gold Standard: Pack It In, Pack It Out
The most responsible, environmentally sound method for managing dog waste on trails is simple: Pack it out. This means carrying the waste with you until you can dispose of it properly in a designated trash receptacle, usually back at the trailhead or when you get home.
Gearing Up for Poop Patrol
Being prepared makes the process much easier and less unpleasant. Here’s what you need:
- Poop Bags: Bring more than you think you’ll need! Choose sturdy, reliable bags. Some are scented, which can help, but double-bagging is often a good strategy for odour control and leak prevention, especially on longer hikes. Compostable bags are an option, but remember they need specific composting conditions – they won’t readily break down in a landfill or buried in the woods. They still need to be packed out.
- A Carrier System (Highly Recommended): Carrying a dangling bag of poop isn’t ideal. Invest in a dedicated system. This could be a commercial dog waste carrier that attaches to your pack or leash, a simple lightweight dry bag, or even a DIY solution like a sturdy plastic container or a piece of PVC pipe with caps. The goal is containment – preventing smells and accidental leaks onto your gear.
- Hand Sanitizer: Essential for cleaning your hands after handling waste bags.
The Process
It’s straightforward:
- Keep an eye on your dog. Try to anticipate when they need to go.
- As soon as they finish, use a bag (or two) to pick up ALL the waste. Turn the bag inside out over your hand, pick up the waste, then pull the bag edges back over to enclose it.
- Tie the bag securely shut. A good knot is crucial.
- Place the sealed bag into your dedicated carrier or a designated, secure external pocket of your backpack (away from food and water).
- Use hand sanitizer.
- Carry the waste with you for the duration of your hike.
- Dispose of the bag(s) in a proper trash bin at the end of your hike. Never leave bagged poop on the side of the trail, even if you intend to pick it up on your way back. Plans change, people forget, and it sets a terrible example, often leading to more abandoned bags.
Setting Yourself Up for Success
A little planning goes a long way:
- Pre-Hike Potty Break: Encourage your dog to do their business before you even reach the trailhead. Walk them around your neighbourhood or near the parking area first.
- Know Before You Go: Check the rules for the specific trail or park you plan to visit. Are dogs allowed? Are there specific leash laws or waste disposal rules?
- Hydration: Ensure your dog has access to plenty of fresh water during the hike. Proper hydration aids digestion.
- Carry Extra Supplies: Always pack more poop bags than you anticipate needing. You might encounter waste left by a less responsible owner, and packing it out is good trail karma.
A Shared Responsibility
Hiking with dogs is a privilege, not a right. By diligently managing our dogs’ waste, we demonstrate respect for the environment, for wildlife, and for fellow trail users. Packing out dog poop is a small inconvenience that makes a huge difference in maintaining the health and beauty of our natural spaces. It ensures these trails remain enjoyable and accessible for everyone – humans and dogs alike – for years to come. Embrace the Leave No Trace ethic fully; it includes everything you and your furry companion bring onto the trail, and that definitely includes the poop.
