Doggie Doo Doo
Nothing can quite compare to the feeling of walking barefoot on one of Manzanillo’s sandy beaches on a warm, sunny day...and stepping in a huge pile of fresh dog poop. Let's face it; the refusal of many dog owners to remove their pets' waste from public property does absolutely nothing to improve the general public's opinion of our canine friends. And the bigger the dog, the more noticeable the offense.
The problem with dog waste goes well beyond the inconvenience of having to scrape it off the bottom of your shoe before you go into your house. There are real health concerns associated with leaving the stuff lying around. Dog feces can harbor certain harmful bacteria and parasites and it is possible for these to be transmitted to humans. Especially at risk are small children (famous for putting everything in their mouths) who come into contact with contaminated soil or water (think of the water run-off during rainy season that goes directly into our ocean where we like to swim, snorkel and dive). The resulting health problems can range from mild skin rashes to very serious bacterial infections with symptoms of fever, nausea, and diarrhea. Flies that accumulate around piles of dog doo also pose a health risk since they can carry all kinds of disease.
Disease and infection aren't the only health concerns, either. In Paris, where dog waste is a big problem, more than 650 people each year wind up in the hospital with broken bones as a result of slipping on the stuff.
It's neither difficult nor expensive to pick up after your dogs. When you walk your dog, bring along a plastic bag. The bags from the Comercial Mexicana work fine. Do not use Soriana bags; they have holes in them! After your dog has completed his business, stick your hand in the bag, grab the pile, turn the bag inside out, tie a knot in it, and throw it in the trash.
Dog poop. It’s a serious health problem. Why? Because it contains disease carrying bacteria that can make people sick. A single dog produces 200 grams, or 7.5 ounces, of dog poop a day. Now, how many dogs do we have in Manzanillo? Do the math. Then do this. Pick up after your pooch. Remind your neighbors to pick up after theirs. Good manners, great health policy.
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