The Impact Of Pet Dogs On The Environment.

The Impact Of Pet Dogs On The Environment.

Pet dogs provide us with so many mental and physical benefits, when we share our lives with them. However, dogs can sometimes have an impact on the environment, which isn’t always helpful. Read our Holidays4Dogs article to find out more about the impact of dogs on the environment and how you can look help protect nature as a dog owner.

Dogs can have a huge impact on the environment through both, their behaviour and their health/diet. Dogs have been implicated in disturbing wildlife, damaging habitats, polluting water courses and transferring disease. On top of that, meat-based diets produced for dogs, can contribute to high carbon emissions.

There have been many studies on the effects domestic cats have on the environment. A study by the mammal society in 2003, estimated that pet cats kill 275 million mammals annually. However, pet cats are not the only domestic animals that can have such an alarming impact on wildlife and habitats. According to The University of Edinburgh, dogs too, can have a huge detrimental effect on the environment.

What specific impacts can dogs have on the environment?

Well, there are few. Lets take a look at the main ones.

Predatory behaviour and disturbance of wildlife.

Dogs are natural predators. As such, they are a threat to over 200 species of prey animals and birds worldwide. While one, or two, dogs in a household are unlikely to have any impact, it has to be remembered the UK has a rising population of pet dogs. Last year it was estimated there are 13 million pet dogs in Britain. In addition, as the human population rises, so too will the numbers of pet dogs.

Off-lead dogs can cause disturbance to wildlife, such as nesting birds. Not only can wildlife be killed through a dog’s behaviour, birds and mammals can become highly stressed by their presence – even if the dog is on the lead. This can lead to interrupted breeding patterns, or certain species leaving an area altogether – often leaving young behind. In addition, a dog’s scent, or urine, can cause disturbance to wildlife by scaring them away.

Disease.

There are several diseases that can be passed from dogs to other species. These include, amongst others, – salmonellosis, brucellosis  and certain parasites, such as roundworms and hookworms. These diseases can contaminate soil and water sources which can then have a negative impact on wildlife. The importation of dogs is also cause for concern, since can this has the potential to introduce new diseases into the UK – potentially having a devastating effect on established British animal species.

Dog fouling.

Not only does dog waste contaminate water courses and habitats, it can also create high levels of phosphorous and nitrogen in the ground.

This creates a situation where habitats are over fertilized creating an environment where some plant species dominate others which, in turn, reduces biodiversity. For example, over fertilisation can increase the growth of nettles and hogweed, reducing the chance for other plant species to flourish.

Chemical pollution.

Dogs can pollute habitats with the chemical they carry on their bodies. Parasite treatments used on pet dogs, are of particular concern to environmentalists and scientists. This is because many contain toxic chemicals which are released into streams and rivers and in high enough levels to harm aquatic life. In addition, these chemical can have an effect on wider eco-systems.

These chemicals which have been banned in the agricultural industry, because evidence shows, they can harm pollinating bees and insects.

How to reduce the impact.

We can all help to mitigate the impact pet dogs have on the environment, by aiming to be more responsible ourselves and raising awareness for others. Here’s how we can do it ; –

Use a lead

Keeping your dog on a short lead and keeping a good distance away from nesting birds and other wildlife, can really help reduce disturbance to nature’s creatures and habitat. This is as important in the countryside as it is in more urban areas and green spaces.

Pick up after your dog.

Picking up after your dog can stop the spread of disease and reduce pollution which can subsequently harm biodiversity.

Respect dog-free zones.

Don’t take your dog to sensitive habitats. Don’t ignore areas where signage tells you dogs are not allowed, or must not be allowed off-lead (nature reserves, for example).

Chemical free treatments.

While many dog parasite treatments contain neonicotinoids, many do not. Use carefully selected products, or try natural treatments. Consider the risk level and weigh up the circumstances – by taking this risk-based approach you could reduce the impact that chemicals have on nature – and your dog.

Conclusion.

It is important we try and balance the hugely positive benefits that companion animals have on people, with the potential for environmental damage. With a huge increase in pet dogs (along with the often uniformed views of dog owners ) – we are creating an environmental problem that no longer be ignored.