Dog poo down the loo is a no-no
Did you know that flushing dog and cat faeces down the toilet can cause serious health problems in humans and other animals, and impact the environment?
Animal poo contains bacteria that can cause toxoplasmosis, a disease transmitted to humans through contact with the faeces. This disease can be especially dangerous for pregnant women and people with weak immune systems.
Flushing animal poo and litter can also directly impact the sewer system, cause blockages, and even pollution. UK water company, Anglian Water has guidance on their website, advising that no animal faeces should be flushed down the toilet.
"The sewer network is not suitable for this kind of waste because of the presence of Toxocara - also known as roundworm - in animal faeces, which is tolerant of the relatively high temperatures and harsh conditions found in the final stage of processing the used water from sinks and toilets."
There are several reasons why you should not flush animal poo down the toilet:
- It clogs your pipes. Animal poo is more solid and fibrous than human waste and can easily get stuck in your plumbing system. This can lead to blockages, overflows, and expensive repairs
- It can contaminate water supply. Even if your pet's poo does not clog your pipes, it can still carry harmful bacteria and parasites. This is especially a concern if you have a well or septic system
- It could pollute the environment. If animal poo is flushed into the sewer system, it can overload sewage treatment plants and release harmful pollutants into the environment. This can pollute waterways and harm wildlife
It is important to note that even "flushable" cat litter and dog poo bags should not be flushed down the toilet. These products often do not decompose completely in the sewer system and can contribute to blockages and pollution.