How dog waste
affects Summit Woods

The impacts of urine and feces on vegetation, wildlife, and human health

By Maryam Kamali Nezhad, ing. Ph.D

July 10, 2024

Dog urine and feces pose significant environmental problems that affect not only vegetation and trees but also soils, wildlife, and human health. Here is a detailed overview of the impacts of these canine wastes.

1. Impact on vegetation and trees

Effect of urine on plants: Dog urine contains nitrogen in the form of urea. In small amounts, nitrogen can act as a fertilizer. However, in excessive quantities, it burns plant roots and leaves, leading to their death. Areas frequently used by dogs for urination often show signs of “burn spots” where the grass turns yellow and dies, disrupting the local plant ecosystem.

Effect on trees: The accumulation of dog urine around tree bases can cause significant damage. Urine increases soil salinity, which can interfere with the absorption of essential nutrients by tree roots, weakening the trees and making them more vulnerable to disease and infestation.

2. Impact on soil and ecosystems

Alteration of soil composition: Dog urine and feces alter soil chemistry by increasing levels of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus to harmful concentrations. This can lead to the excessive growth of certain plant species at the expense of others, changing the composition and biodiversity of the local vegetation.

Spread of pathogens: Dog feces can contain pathogens such as bacteria (E. coli, Salmonella), parasites (roundworms, hookworms), and viruses (canine parvovirus). These pathogens can contaminate soil and water, posing risks to local wildlife and humans.

Dog urine and feces pose significant environmental problems that affect not only vegetation and trees but also soils, wildlife, and human health.

3. Impact on wildlife

Habitat disturbance: Dogs can disturb wildlife habitats through their presence and waste. The odours left by urine and feces can repel certain animal species, disrupting local ecosystems.

Toxicity to animals: Some animals may be attracted to dog feces, exposing them to dangerous pathogens. Additionally, the high concentration of certain chemical elements in urine can be toxic to small animals and insects.

4. Impact on human health

Health risks: Dog feces pose a public health risk because they can contain zoonotic parasites (that can infect humans), such as Toxocara canis, responsible for toxocariasis. Children are particularly at risk because they are more likely to play in contaminated areas and put their hands in their mouths.

Water contamination: When dog feces are not properly disposed of, the pathogens they contain can be washed into local water systems by rain, contaminating rivers, lakes, and drinking water sources, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases.

Unpleasant odours and visual pollution: The presence of numerous dog feces in public spaces leads to unpleasant odours and visual pollution, reducing the quality of life for residents and visitors to affected areas.

‘… the mayor of Westmount and the city council decided to change the designation of Summit Woods to a “dog park”… This decision ignores the negative impacts on residents and park users, endangering public safety and the preservation of this unique natural site.’

Conclusion

In conclusion, the impacts of dog urine and feces on the environment and human health are multiple and varied. Proper management of these wastes is essential to protect local ecosystems, biodiversity, and the health and well-being of human communities.

It is concerning to note that despite these obvious consequences, the mayor of Westmount and the city council decided to change the designation of Summit Woods to a “dog park” instead of requiring that dogs be leashed. This decision ignores the negative impacts on residents and park users, endangering public safety and the preservation of this unique natural site.

References

1. ABC News, “How Dog Urine Kills Plants” (2020)
2. Journal of Environmental Quality, “Effects of Dog Urine on Soil Chemistry and Plant Growth” (2019)
3. National Park Service, “Impacts of Dog Waste on Natural Areas” (2021)
4. Arborist News, “The Effect of Dog Urine on Urban Trees” (2018)
5. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, “Salinity and Nutrient Stress from Dog Urine on Urban Trees” (2022)
6. Soil Science Society of America Journal, “Chemical Changes in Soil Due to Dog Urine” (2020)
7. Environmental Management, “Dog Waste and Urban Ecosystem Health” (2021)
8. CDC, “Parasites – Toxocara (also known as Roundworm)” (2023)
9. Veterinary Microbiology, “Pathogen Transmission from Dog Waste” (2019)
10. Journal of Wildlife Diseases, “Wildlife Exposure to Pathogens in Dog Waste” (2020)
11. Ecological Applications, “Effects of Domestic Dogs on Wildlife in Urban Parks” (2021)
12. CDC, “Diseases You Can Get from Dog Waste” (2023)
13. Public Health Reports, “Human Health Risks Associated with Dog Feces in Urban Areas” (2019)
14. Water Research, “Dog Waste and Water Quality” (2020)
15. Environmental Science & Technology, “Runoff and Water Contamination from Pet Waste” (2022)
16. Environmental Pollution, “Public Perception of Pet Waste in Urban Parks” (2021)

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of WestmountMag.ca or its publishers.

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