Did you know that a single gram of dog waste can contain 23 million bacteria, viruses, and/or parasites? If dog waste is left on the ground, it decomposes and is either transported by water into the street and storm drain or seeps into the soil. This can potentially cause all sorts of problems, including:

• Negative impact on the quality of our waterways.
• Harm to you and your pet’s health. According to the EPA, the bacteria in pet waste can cause headaches, diarrhea, and vomiting. Children who play in parks or waterways and are exposed to these bacteria can especially be at risk.
• A troubled relationship with neighbors. (After all, who wants to accidentally step on stinky pet waste?)

Below are some pet care tips that can help protect our creeks and rivers:

• Bag it! Always bring bags to pick up after your dog and then dispose of the bagged waste by throwing it into a trash can. Remember to do this promptly since the longer the dog waste stays on the ground, the more it can contaminate the environment.
• Do not compost: While livestock manure may be used as fertilizer, parasites carried in dog and cat waste can cause diseases in humans and should not be incorporated into compost piles.
• Bath time: Whenever possible, bathe your dog in your bathtub using non-toxic shampoo, or have your pet professionally groomed. If you must bathe outside, place your dog on a permeable surface such as your lawn or a gravel area that can absorb the water. These bathing tips will prevent your pet’s wash water from flowing untreated into the storm drain system, which flows untreated into local Lincoln waterways.

Whether you have a furry friend and are looking for places to take them on the weekend, or you are looking to adopt a pet, this list of resources can help you out:

• Auburn Ravine Dog Park: Auburn Ravine Park is a 10-acre park featuring an off-leash dog park as well as trails and fitness kiosks so both you and your pet can get some exercise!
• Foskett Dog Park: Foskett Regional Park features a dog park, sports fields, and a playground.
• McBean Memorial Park: McBean Memorial Park is a 24-acre park including a dog park and baseball field.
• Placer County Pet Adoption: Looking to adopt a furry friend into the family? Check out Placer County Animal Services for adoptable dogs, cats, and other animals.
• Shelter Animal Volunteering: If you’re not ready to own a pet yet but would like to help out animals in need, check out these opportunities to volunteer at an animal shelter, donate to an animal shelter, or foster an animal.

Pet owners are likely well aware of the importance of keeping fleas and ticks off their pets. However, they may not know that some flea and tick medications may be harmful to human health and water quality. Here are some tips for less-toxic ways to keep fleas and ticks off your pets:

• Oral Medications: Speak with your veterinarian about using oral flea and tick medication rather than using external flea or tick treatments as these are more likely to rub off onto your pet’s surroundings in your home or wash off into the environment when your pet gets wet.
• Less Toxic Chemicals: If oral flea and tick medication is not enough, consider using flea and tick treatments that contain pyrethrins (not to be confused with pyrethroids). Pyrethrins are less toxic and decompose more quickly.
• Properly Dispose of Unused Medication: If you have expired or unwanted pet medication, do not throw it in the trash! Instead, find a location that collects medication and safely disposes of it.