Dog poop scoops make dog owners' lives a lot easier.
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What is the best dog poop scoop in 2024?
Picking up your dog's poo in public spaces is a must if you don't want to risk paying a fine. As for the poop in your garden, it is recommended to pick it up regularly for hygienic reasons.
Picking up dog poop is never a pleasant experience! Fortunately, there are several ways to make dog owners' life easier. Just use a dog poop scoop to pick up the droppings without having to bend down or getting too close to them. On the other hand, these are not very practical tools to take on a walk in the city or the park. That's where poop bags come in handy: they still allow you to pick up poop without getting your hands dirty.
Are you about to adopt a puppy? Make sure you have everything you need to welcome your new pet by choosing a light and handy dog poop scoop. We have prepared this short buying guide to help you navigate the wide variety of available models. It's up to you to compare the scoops on offer and select the most practical one for you and your dog!
Summary
Why should I pick up after my dog?
Picking up after your dog is essential to keeping the environment clean. Whether your dog does its business in your garden, on the pavement or in the park, everyone will appreciate you cleaning it up.
In addition, dog poop can contain many parasites, which transmit diseases to animals and humans alike. These include the bacteria Toxocara Canis, which can cause a fatal infection, as well as E.Coli and Campylobacter.
If your dog does its business outside in a public space, it is a matter of good manners to pick up the droppings. It is always very unpleasant to step in dog poo that happens to sit in the middle of the pavement! Furthermore, when it rains, the excrement ends up in ponds, rivers, and the sea, along with all the bacteria it contains. Dog poop can therefore contaminate drinking water.
How do I pick up dog poop properly?
There are several ways to pick up dog poop. The most common way is with a scoop or a small shovel and a plastic bag. That is why many manufacturers have come up with an ergonomic dog poop scoop system that saves you the trouble of bending down. This scoop features a large handle with a grip, which you have to pull so that the jaws catch the poop. Naturally, you should remember to clean the scoop's teeth after each use.
When walking with your dog on the street, the best way to pick up poop is with a bag. Put your hand inside the bag, grab the poop and turn the bag inside out. That way, you will not be in direct contact with the poop at any time. You can opt for biodegradable bags if you want to dispose of them in the compost.
How do I choose a dog poop scoop?
To choose the best dog poop scooper, consider several criteria.
Make sure it is easy to handle. Whether you opt for a scoop and rake or a claw, your accessories should be convenient to use. If the droppings are hard to reach or poorly moulded, you'll appreciate having a lightweight, easy-to-handle scoop.
Additionally, get durable tools that won't deteriorate even when left outside. They should also be able to withstand being hosed down without rusting.
A considerable advantage of a shovel or rake is an adjustable handle. You can adjust it to your height, not to hurt your back.
What are the different types of dog poop scoops?
Dog walking accessories come in different models.
The most common are pooper scoopers, which allow you to pick up droppings without bending down. They are classic and very effective.
Such scoops are operated by a handle. You simply squeeze the handle to open the clamp while positioning it over the poop. You then release the pressure, and the tool catches the poop. That is a practical solution in the garden, but it is usually too bulky to take with you to public places.
You can also opt for a rake and shovel kit. The rakes allow you to pick up poop on all surface types by pushing it into the scoop. The scoop can then be emptied into a waste bag.
As for the dog excrement bags, they are all suitable for outings. They are very compact and fit easily into a handbag or pocket.
Are dog poop scoops suitable for all surfaces?
Some scoops are better suited for certain surfaces than others. For example, if you want to pick up your dog's poop on the grass, you should use a rake and shovel. The rake's teeth will brush the grass without tearing it up while moving the droppings around. A clamp is not very suitable for this surface type, as the teeth can tear up the grass and crush the poo.
On the other hand, you can use the clamp on a dirt floor or a pebble driveway without any problems. Dog poop clamps are also very effective on hard ground, such as terraces or asphalt. Please note that the poop must be well moulded. If the poop is liquid, choose a dog poop bag and a small shovel instead.
