How Often Should You Pick Up Dog Poop? (The Answer Might Surprise You)

Why Dog Waste is Different from Wild Animal Poop

You might be wondering: “Dogs are animals. Isn’t their waste just like fertilizer?”

Not quite.

Unlike cows, horses, or wild animals who eat natural diets and roam open pastures, dogs eat processed foods and live in suburban neighborhoods. Their waste is loaded with bacteria, viruses, and parasites that don’t break down cleanly in the environment.

In fact, the EPA considers dog poop a non-point source pollutant—right up there with oil and toxic chemicals.

The Health Risks of Ignoring Dog Waste

Here’s what can build up in your yard if you’re not scooping often enough:

• E. coli & Salmonella – Can linger in your lawn and be transferred by paws or shoes into your home.

• Parasites like roundworms and hookworms – These can be transmitted to children, other pets, or even adults.

• Giardia – A microscopic parasite that spreads through contaminated water or surfaces.

• Flies and pests – Dog poop is a major attractant for flies, which then lay eggs and spread bacteria.

Even if you think your dog is healthy, their poop can still carry pathogens—especially if you’re using public spaces like parks, trails, or doggie daycares where exposure is higher. Curious why some dogs even eat their own waste? Check out our post on why dogs eat poop, causes and how to stop it to understand this common (and fixable) behavior.

So… How Often Should You Really Pick It Up?

For One Dog:

2-3 times a week minimum, depending on size and diet. If you have a small backyard and your dog goes outside multiple times a day, daily scooping is ideal.

For Multiple Dogs:

Daily scooping is essential—especially in summer months when heat and humidity accelerate odor and bacterial growth.

If your schedule doesn’t allow for that (we get it!), that’s where a pooper scooper service like Clean Paws Scooping makes a huge difference.

Seasonal Considerations: Why Summer Demands More Frequent Cleanups

In Georgia’s hot summers, waste breaks down faster—but smells stronger and attracts pests sooner.

This means:

• More odor in your yard

• More flies and mosquitoes

• More chances of your dog stepping in it and tracking it into your house

• Higher risk of contamination if you have kids playing outside

Let’s not even mention what happens when a lawn care company runs over it with a mower…

Yard Aesthetics Matter (Yes, Even the Back Yard)

Your yard is part of your home—and it deserves just as much care. A poop-covered yard:

• Makes outdoor gatherings awkward

• Keeps you from relaxing barefoot or playing with your dog

• Becomes a barrier to fully enjoying your outdoor space

Imagine hosting a BBQ or letting your toddler roam the yard… only to realize the grass is littered with dog waste. Not ideal.

Save Time and Skip the Mess with Clean Paws Scooping

Here’s the good news: you don’t have to do it yourself.

Clean Paws Scooping offers:

• Once-a-week or twice-a-week service options

• No judgment—even if it’s been a while since you last cleaned

• Friendly, professional techs who care about your pets as much as you do

• Text notifications when we’re on our way and after we’re done

You get to enjoy a clean, healthy yard without lifting a finger.

Final Scoop: Your Dog Deserves a Clean Space, and So Do You

Dog poop isn’t just gross—it’s a health risk, a nuisance, and a yard killer. By scooping regularly (or letting us handle it), you’re protecting your family, your pet, and your home environment.

Serving families across Sandy Springs, Lawrenceville, Johns Creek, Smyrna, Milton, Dacula, and beyond.