The answer to whether you should pick up dog poop before mowing is unequivocally yes, due to both practical and public health concerns. Mowing over pet waste does not eliminate it; instead, it spreads the localized problem across the entire yard. This action creates mechanical consequences for your equipment and poses serious health risks by dispersing pathogens. Addressing this issue promptly protects your lawn’s aesthetics, preserves your machinery, and safeguards the health of your family and pets.
Impact on Lawn Appearance and Mower Blades
Mowing over dog waste immediately degrades your lawn’s appearance and creates significant mechanical problems. Dog feces, whether wet or dry, adheres to the underside of the mower deck and blades. This fouling reduces the deck’s aerodynamic efficiency, which is designed to lift grass blades for a clean cut, resulting in a ragged finish.
The accumulated waste can also clog the discharge chute, forcing the mower to work harder, which may lead to overheating or stalling. Furthermore, dog feces is not a fertilizer; it contains high concentrations of nitrogen that cause “lawn burn” or brown patches. When the mower chops the waste and mulches it into the turf, it concentrates this excess nitrogen, causing the grass to yellow or die.
The Risk of Spreading Pathogens and Parasites
The most serious reason to clean up pet waste is the substantial health hazard created when a mower pulverizes it. Mower blades transform solid feces into a fine mist of aerosolized particles. This invisible cloud of contaminated debris is broadcast across the entire lawn, where it can be inhaled or tracked into the home.
A single gram of dog waste can contain millions of fecal coliform bacteria, and mowing over it effectively spreads these microbes everywhere. These pathogens include zoonotic bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella, which can cause severe gastrointestinal illness in humans. The most concerning risk involves parasites, such as Roundworms (Toxocara canis) and Hookworms, whose eggs can survive in the soil for years.
When the mower aerosolizes waste, it disperses microscopic parasite eggs onto toys, garden surfaces, and play areas. Children are particularly vulnerable because they often touch contaminated surfaces and put their hands in their mouths. In serious cases, roundworm larvae have been known to migrate through human tissue.
Strategies for Effective Pre-Mowing Cleanup
Preventative cleanup is the only way to avoid the mechanical and biological hazards of mowing dog waste. Patrol the yard about 24 hours before you plan to mow to ensure all fresh deposits are removed.
Using the correct tools, such as a long-handled scooper, makes the job simpler and cleaner by minimizing contact. Once collected, dispose of the waste in a sealed bag in the trash, or flush it down the toilet if local regulations allow, as treatment plants handle the pathogens. If an accident occurs, immediately clean and disinfect the mower deck and blades to prevent corrosion and eliminate the biohazard.