Pet Waste: Veterinarian Warns Against Flushing!
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CAPITAL — April 21,2025 — What seems like a convenient way to get rid of pet waste—flushing it down the toilet—is actually a hazardous practice,according to veterinary experts. They highlight the potential spread of harmful bacteria and parasites. These pose threats to both human health and the surroundings. The proper disposal of pet waste is critical for safety and to protect our water systems.
Veterinarian Issues Urgent Warning: Keep Pet Waste Out of the Toilet
While the convenience of flushing pet feces down the toilet might seem appealing, experts are now cautioning against this practise due to potential risks to human health, animal welfare, and the environment.
Animal waste differs considerably from human waste, posing unique challenges to wastewater treatment systems. Many people think that stools are stools, no matter who it comes from. but animal bitch is actually vrey different from human stools,
according to veterinary experts.
Did You know?
Dog feces contain twice as much harmful bacteria as human feces and can harbor parasites resistant to standard treatment processes.
Cat feces, in particular, can contain the parasite *Toxoplasma gondii*, which is resistant to many cleaning processes.This parasite can infect both humans and animals, and municipal water treatment plants are often ill-equipped to handle it.
The parasite can end up in rivers, lakes, and the sea, potentially harming both humans and wildlife. Dog waste is also problematic, containing twice as much harmful bacteria as human waste and parasites like *Toxocara*, which can withstand high heat and are difficult to remove.
Toxoplasmosis: The Silent Threat
toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by *Toxoplasma gondii*. Most infected individuals (over 80%) show no symptoms. Those who do may experience mild flu-like symptoms such as lethargy,muscle pain,and headache. While typically harmless, it poses risks to individuals with compromised immune systems and pregnant women.
Source: Norwegian Health Informatics
Flushable Fallacies: The Trouble with “Flushable” Products
Many products marketed as “flushable” fail to break down as advertised, leading to notable problems in sewage systems.
Pro Tip:
Avoid using “flushable” wipes or bags. They frequently enough contribute to clogs and system failures. Opt for disposal in the trash instead.
studies show that biodegradable and “flushable” bags are not dissolved in cold water, and are designed for specialized composting systems, not regular toilets,
experts explain.
In Australia,these bags have caused over $8 million in drainage system blockages. Cat litter can also clog older pipe systems designed only for the “three Ps”: pee,poo,and paper.
The Recommended Solution: Responsible Disposal
Veterinarians recommend using environmentally pleasant dog waste bags, preferably made from reused materials intended for landfill or combustion.
pro Tip:
Consider composting pet waste in a designated compost bin, away from vegetable gardens and water sources. Always check local regulations regarding pet waste composting.
In this way, you help reduce new plastic production, cut emissions and fight plastic pollution in the sea,
experts advise.
The conclusion is clear: keep animal waste out of the toilet. It can be more risky than you think.
