Disposing of dog poop properly is an important part of being a responsible dog owner. Dog waste contains bacteria and parasites that can be harmful to humans and the environment if not disposed of correctly. However, one common concern when picking up dog poop is avoiding maggots. Maggots are fly larvae that feed on decaying organic material – like dog feces. Seeing maggots crawling in dog waste is unpleasant and can be alarming if you don’t know what causes them.
What attracts maggots to dog poop?
Flies are naturally drawn to the odor of fecal matter to lay their eggs. Within 24 hours of the eggs being laid, they hatch into maggots. The maggots grow quickly, feeding on the dog poop. They go through several growth phases over 4-7 days before pupating into flies. So if you see maggots in dog waste, it means flies accessed the poop and laid eggs sometime within the past few days.
Maggots thrive in moist, warm environments with available food sources. That makes fresh dog feces an appealing place for flies to lay eggs. During warmer months when flies are most active, maggots in dog poop are especially common.
How can you prevent maggots in dog poop?
The best way to avoid maggots in dog waste is to remove poop from your property frequently. Follow these tips:
- Scoop poop from the yard at least once daily.
- Seal waste in a bag or bin after scooping.
- Take sealed bags of poop to outdoor trash cans frequently.
- Line cans with compostable bags to reduce odor.
- Rinse bins and trash cans regularly to prevent odor and flies.
- Use enzymatic cleaners on soiled areas in the yard.
- Avoid leaving poop bags outside for extended periods.
By quickly removing waste from the yard and sealing it in bags or bins, you deny flies access to lay eggs. This greatly reduces the risk of maggots. Proper storage and frequent waste removal are key.
What if you already see maggots in dog poop?
If you already notice maggots squirming in dog feces, you can still scoop and dispose of the waste safely. Here’s how:
- Wear gloves and use a pooper scooper or plastic bag over your hand.
- Scrape off the top layer of soil if maggots are crawling at the surface.
- Scoop up the waste and maggots together.
- Seal the waste fully in a plastic bag.
- Throw the bag into an outdoor bin lined with a compostable bag.
- Tie off the compostable bag and put it in your outdoor garbage can.
- Clean the scooper and gloves thoroughly with soap and water when finished.
The maggots will die off once sealed in the bag without air and food. Simply throw the sealed bag away as usual. This contains them and prevents flies from emerging and repeating the cycle.
Other tips for keeping dogs poop maggot-free
In addition to promptly removing waste from the yard, try these extra precautions:
- Ask your vet about deworming if your dog has recurring diarrhea or loose stools.
- Check for leaky faucets or pipes near poop areas as maggots thrive in mud.
- Rinse dog bowls frequently to avoid stagnant water and flies.
- Fill holes or low spots in your yard where water can pool.
- Keep dogs on monthly flea/tick and heartworm prevention to maintain health.
- Change the litter frequently in dog potty trays.
- Clean up pet accidents inside right away to remove odors.
A healthy pet with minimal parasites and prompt waste cleanup habits will make maggots far less likely in their feces.
How to make your own dog poop disposal system
To make maggot-free poop disposal even easier, set up a dog waste management station. This gives you a dedicated system for sealing and tossing waste properly. Here are two examples you can make yourself:
DIY dog poop trash can
- Get a covered outdoor trash can with a latching lid and side handle.
- Line it with commercial compostable bags or a tall kitchen bag.
- Scoop poop directly into the compostable bag liner and latch the lid.
- When full, tie off the compostable bag and toss into your normal outdoor garbage.
- Wash bin and replace liner bag weekly or when needed.
Dog poop bucket
- Use a 5+ gallon bucket with a screw-on lid.
- Cut a slot in the lid to slide poop bags through.
- Line the bucket with a compostable bag.
- Drop full poop bags through the slot into the bucket.
- When full, tie off the liner bag and toss into your garbage can.
- Hose out the empty bucket before adding a fresh liner.
Having a designated sealed waste container makes the process neater and minimizes odor. Empty it frequently to prevent flies. A screw-on lid bucket or a lidded trash can both work well!
Safe dog poop disposal methods
Once you have scooped dog poop into a bag or bin, there are a couple environmentally responsible ways to get rid of it:
Trash collection
- Double bag poop bags or tie off bin liner bags.
- Place in your household outdoor garbage bins.
- Put bins at the curb on trash collection days.
- Waste is taken to the landfill or incinerator.
Flushable poop bags
- Use designated flushable dog poop bags.
- Tie off bag and flush down a toilet.
- Waste enters the wastewater treatment system.
- Bags are designed to dissolve so as not to clog pipes.
Check your local laws, as some municipalities restrict disposing pet waste in household trash. Flushing appropriate poop bags is the next best option if allowed in your area.
Why you should never toss dog poop in the compost
Composting dog waste is not recommended. Here’s why:
- Dog feces contain harmful pathogens that can infect people.
- Compost temperatures are typically not high enough to kill parasitic organisms.
- Roundworm eggs can survive over a year even in active compost piles.
- Toxoplasmosis, Giardia, and other illness risks are present in dog waste.
- Poop and compost should never be used together around edible gardens.
The risk of passing parasites through compost is too high. Dispose of dog waste through the trash, a lined bucket system, or flushing compliant poop bags instead.
When to seek veterinary advice
Though common, maggots in your dog’s poop should not be ignored. Consult your vet if:
- Maggots are present repeatedly or year-round.
- Your dog has recurring diarrhea or other signs of illness.
- You see signs of fly strike on your pet’s body.
- Your dog eats own poop (coprophagia) frequently.
- Your dog appears unwell and lethargic.
While fly eggs can develop into maggots quickly, chronic or seasonal maggot issues may indicate an underlying health problem. Seek advice to treat parasites, illness, or behavioral causes.
The bottom line
If you notice maggots in your dog’s poop, try not to worry. Simply seal up the waste and dispose of it as usual. Focus on removing feces from your property every 1-2 days. Use lined bins or buckets to store waste safely until collection. Proper cleanliness and storage habits go a long way in keeping maggots away. Divert outdoor water sources near poop zones, maintain your dog’s health, and act quickly on poop messes. With the right diligence, you can stay maggot-free!
