Hey Portland Pups!
Did you know you also play a role in protecting Portland’s streams?
Your waste has lots of nutrients, bacteria, viruses, and pathogens that can be carried away in the next storm to City streams. When going on walks around your neighborhood or in your favorite City park, make sure your human brings at least 3 pet waste bags to pick up your waste. Then the most important part, make sure your human carries that bag home with you to throw away.
Help us prevent poo-llution!
When bagged and unbagged dog waste gets left behind, it washes into our storm drains where we have to clean it out to keep things from clogging. The waste can also be carried through the pipes to pollute our streams.
Ways to Protect Winter Paws
Winter salt is bad for paws and City streams. Ask your human to switch from road salt to:
Sand for traction
Pet-friendly ice melts
Ingesting winter salt can lead to upset stomachs, vomiting, diarrhea, and chemical burns. Have your human call your vet if you ate salt or salty snow.
Other pawesome winter tips include:
After a walk, have your human soak your paws in warm water or wipe with a warm wash cloth to rinse any salt off.
Ask your human to check your paws for sores, cuts, or irritation.
Wear well-fitting paw booties (silly dance is optional).
Have your human apply a paw wax for extra protection.