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How Long Does it Take for Dog Poop to Decompose?

Jane Davis

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A rare question most dog owners would like to know is how long would it take for dog poop to decompose? There is no definite answer to that question since time is marred by several factors that may catalyze or derail the decomposition process.

The major factors affecting these processes are the climate and your pooch’s diet. It may take a year or so for the fecal material to decompose in colder regions.

On the other hand, warmer regions provide good conditions for quick decomposition to maybe 6 to 9 months.

However, this should not imply that you can’t rush the composition since it might be good since it may help in the fertilization of nonedible plants.

Diet

The other huge factor that may affect the process is dieting. Dogs are natural omnivores, meaning they can feed on plants and meat.

If your dog feeds on meat exclusively and regularly, then his fecal waste may take longer compared to a pooch that consumes food filled with grains.

Pet owners need not select their pet’s diet based on fecal decomposition because it’s not ideal for their health. If you might be confused about the kind of diet, you should give your dog consult with your vet for recommendations and customized feeding regimes and diets for your dog.

Below are some common ways you could use to help you dispose of your dog poop safely and conveniently.

labrador puppy eating a treat

Digesters

A digester is used to help break down any form of waste by using special enzymes as the catalyst and water.

It will be difficult to say exactly how long it will take for the initial “load” to decompose as you constantly add feces, water, and enzymes.

However, in the warm season, it takes two to three months. It is advisable not to install the digesters near clay floors since they suck up the materials which find their way up, which is unhealthy and unsafe for the occupants of the property.

Liquefied waste cannot return to Earth or takes a long time. You can’t use this method when the ground is frozen, as the sweetness only breaks when it freezes and the weather warms up.

Easy DIY Dog Poop Composter

You can add dog manure to compost, litter boxes, and other organic material. This problem is solved by constantly rotating the disintegrating substance.

It is advisable to add sawdust or some other source of carbon to two shovel spoons of the dog waste.

You can compost your dog’s litter box, but you can’t throw regular compost in the trash. Creating a composting system that separates nitrogen and carbon-rich materials is necessary.

If you don’t want to do it yourself, you can do it with help of a dog disposal system. It imitates and mimics the common mini septic tank in our yards.

Additionally, you need to constantly add water and powdered enzymes in the garden if you want to bury the waste in the garden.

Properly treated fertilizers are designed to kill carnivorous pathogens but are not recommended in home gardens or near an orchard. It’s good for flower beds, potted plants, and gardens.

Worm farming

If you are interested in growing worms or practicing vermiculture, then dog poop can come in handy. Dog poop can help feed the worms with scraps of food and other organics that are added to the worm basket.

Mixing dog poop and plant litter means throwing a rag or newspaper in the trash because it provides carbon.

It doesn’t decompose because it warms feeds on the poop. A pound of red worms has the capability to feed on half a pound of garbage in a single day.

Worms create their waste every day that you can use as fertilizer. However, do not use dog fecal material on forage crops as fertilizer.

What does it mean when you step in dog poop?

Dogs have been man’s best friend for a long time, and the two species have found common grounds to coexist.

However, the man’s best friend has been associated with several superstitions worldwide, with some sounding ridiculous.

There are people out there who put total trust in their pooches and would go to extent of sharing their problems and issues with the belief they can understand all our troubles.

Some superstitions may have gone overboard and would sound weird and unbelievable. There’s one superstition that some communities around upholding stepping on dog poop bring luck.

about to step into dog poop

In France, there exists a popular superstition that stepping on dog poop will bring you luck.

However, there’s a little twist to the notion since it depends on the foot that accidentally stepped on the poop. If you accidentally step on dog poop with your left leg, it implies that good luck will come your way.

On the other hand, if you step on the fecal matter with your right leg, bad luck will come your way. The obvious picture is that it’s an unpleasant experience since you got a mess on your shoes.

It’s believed that this superstition was derived from the don’t care attitude the Parisians developed by regularly encountering dog pop in the streets.

The belief might have stood ground as a way to console the French that stepping on dog poop is not that bad.

About

Jane Davis

Hi, my name is Jane Davis, and I love dogs. I own a labrador retriever named Max. When I was growing up, we always had dogs at our house. They provide us with such unconditional love and companionship, and I can't imagine my life without one by my side.

This website does not provide pet medical advice. For professional advice regarding your pet's health, please consult a licensed veterinarian in your local area.