Dog waste is not the predominant or most toxic pollutant in urban lakes and streams, but it is one of the many sources of pollution that can cumulatively have a big impact if left unmanaged, especially in the city the size Chicago. With at least one half million dogs, the volume of waste being generated can be significant.
Dog waste contains bacteria and parasites, as well as organic matter and nutrients, notably nitrogen and phosphorous. Dog waste may be infested with microscopic organisms that can be transmitted to humans.
Some of the diseases that can spread from dog waste to humans are:

• Salmonella –the most common bacterial infection transmitted to humans from dogs, symptoms include fever, muscle aches, headaches, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• Roundworm – is also a very prominent health concern in relation to dog waste. Roundworm resides in the small intestine of the dog. Its eggs are passed to the outside environment in the dog’s waste. However since humans don’t develop roundworm the roundworm takes a different path in the human body through the tissues and organs that can cause disease to the lungs, liver, and eyes.
• Hookworm – is a parasite that is picked up by individuals that walk barefoot in contaminated areas.

In addition to the diseases that can be transmitted to humans, there is the issue of water pollution, soil contamination, odors, flies, insects, and rodents that carry their own diseases. There is of course the issue of plastic bags being used to pickup and overflowing our landfills with more plastic. Managing dog waste is an issue who’s time has come. The “out of sight, out of mind” attitude regarding dog waste is not a way to address the issue any longer. We need to face the facts and take action now to insure the health of our families, our dog’s, and our environment.