Why You Should Never Leave Dog Waste in the Yard in Summer

“It’ll Just Wash Away or Dry Up.” Nope.

A lot of pet owners assume it’s no big deal to leave dog poop in the yard, especially if the lawn is big or they think rain will take care of it. But the truth is, ignoring dog waste comes with a serious cost, especially during Houston’s hot, humid summers.

At Major Piles, we’ve seen the damage first-hand: from ruined lawns to families dealing with unexpected illness. Here’s why dog poop is more than just an eyesore and why summer is the worst time to let it slide.

Dog Poop Is More Than an Eyesore

Contains E. coli, Salmonella, and Parasites

Dog waste isn’t just smelly. It’s loaded with bacteria and parasites that can live in your soil for weeks or even months. E. coli, Salmonella, Giardia, roundworms, and hookworms are just a few of the dangerous pathogens hiding in every pile.

Transmits Disease to Humans and Pets

These organisms can transfer through direct contact, shoes, paws, or even airborne particles. Young kids playing outside and dogs who sniff or roll in waste are particularly at risk.

Lingers in Soil for Weeks

Even after the waste “disappears,” the bacteria remain. They can leach into the ground, spread through your lawn, and be tracked inside your home if not professionally removed.

Why Summer Makes It Worse

Heat Amplifies Smells and Bacteria

Houston heat accelerates decomposition, which means bacteria multiply faster and the odor intensifies. What might be tolerable in cooler months quickly becomes overwhelming in the summer sun.

Flies and Pests Breed Faster

Dog poop is a magnet for flies. In hot weather, they breed and spread faster than ever. These pests carry germs to outdoor furniture, water bowls, or even your dinner plates during backyard cookouts.

More Risk with Barefoot Kids and Backyard Parties

Summertime means more playtime outside with barefoot kids, pets, and guests walking through your yard. The chances of stepping in or touching contaminated spots multiply, even if the waste is no longer visible.

Real Risks to Your Family and Pets

Foot and Paw Infections

Bare feet and paws come into direct contact with soil, making it easy for bacteria to enter through cuts, scrapes, or cracks in the skin.

Contaminated Water Runoff

When it rains (or when sprinklers run), dog waste doesn’t wash away clean, it flows into storm drains, contaminating nearby streams and water systems. That’s why the EPA classifies pet waste as a non-point source pollutant, right alongside toxic chemicals.

Increased Allergy Symptoms

Decaying waste can worsen respiratory issues and allergy symptoms, especially when stirred up during mowing or yard work.

Don’t Take the Risk

You’ve worked hard to make your house a home. Don’t let something as preventable as pet waste jeopardize your family’s safety or ruin your lawn.

At Major Piles, we handle the dirty work for you—so your yard stays clean, safe, and enjoyable all summer long.

Schedule Weekly Pickup Today 

Protect your lawn, your family, and your peace of mind with professional dog waste removal from Houston’s most trusted team. Contact us today.