Who wants to come across dog poop on the trail?
Nobody.
And we’re not just talking about people who go hiking with their dogs, but all hikers and outdoor enthusiasts!
There is nothing that will ruin a good hike like stepping in a pile of doggie doo-doo and getting it all over your shoes and socks. It is not only unsanitary but can also be a health hazard for the local wildlife and other dogs and pets.
So, as a responsible dog owner and trail user, it’s essential to clean up after your furry best friend.
To help those who aren’t sure how best to go about this, here are five easy ways to dispose of your canine’s waste while hiking.
1. Bag It And Trash It In A Bin When You Find One
This is perhaps the simplest and easiest way to deal with your dog’s doo-doo. Just stick a plastic bag in your pocket before you leave home, pick up the poop, tie the bag, place it in a container, and toss it into a garbage bin when you find one.
2. Use A Ziplock Bag
What if there is no trash bin nearby? Carrying the waste for the remaining hike is probably not the best option as it can get smelly.
What you can do in this instance is to use a ziplock bag. This will help hide the smell until you get to the next bin. One thing, though, is that you would probably want to place a dryer sheet inside the bag during the warmer months. This can better help reduce or mask your dog’s stool odors.
3. Let Your Dog Carry Their Own Poop
If you plan to go on a long-distance hike, why not let your dog carry their own poop?
Of course, I’m not saying to let your pooch do that with their mouth. But instead, secure the waste with a biodegradable dog poop bag or a ziplock like I mentioned earlier, and stick it in your dog’s hiking pack.
4. Use A Doggy Poop Pouch
Doggy poop pouches or hands-free dog waste carriers are basically just like ziplock bags but designed explicitly to carry your canine’s excrement.
And one of my favorites is the Ruffwear Stash Bag pick-up bag dispenser. It includes an internal key hook and organizer mesh pockets for storing doggie-related essentials. Plus, it comes with 15 Earth-Rated bags and has an eyelet on the back to allow for quick access to the roll of bags.
The Ruffwear Stash Bag can be attached to either your dog’s leash or your backpack or belt for added convenience.
5. Bury Your Pooch's Feces
Another way to dispose of your dog’s doo-doo is just to bury it, which also means you will need to bring a small plastic shovel with you. And you will also want to make sure that the hole you dig is six to eight inches deep and is at least 200 feet from any water source.
Conclusion
Leaving your dog’s poop lying around not only can bother other trail users but can also pollute the environment. And with so many ways to get rid of your canine’s waste while walking or backpacking in the wilderness, there is no excuse not to clean up after your furry hiking companion anymore!
