What to do when you step in dog poop

In the moment, it seems like nothing could be worse when you’ve stepped into some dog doodie. Whatever good mood you may have been in has been completely robbed by the stinky mess that now encompasses your shoe. What can you do about it? Some may attempt to wipe it off on the grass, scrape it onto a curb, or take a hose to it, but we all know that these meager attempts are unlikely to eradicate much of the ghastly grime. And with just one gram of canine fecal matter containing 23 million coliform bacteria, that is just not something you want to bring back home.

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Want to be prepared for your next walk? Introducing the DIY Dog-Poo-On-Shoe emergency kit.
You will need:

• Latex gloves
• Travel-size bottle of vinegar
• Toothbrush
• Chopstick
• WD40 (optional)
• Antibacterial wipes
• Hand sanitizer
• Travel bottle of mouthwash

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Step 1: Let out a big sigh
Step 2: Embarrassingly hop on one foot until you can get your supplies out
Step 3: Initiate Shoe Purification Mode

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Put on those latex gloves and let’s go to battle!

First you will want to spray vinegar to the entirety of your shoe. Although the liquid may not kill 100% of the germs, it is a great source of acetic acid that will help break down the waste and separate it from your shoe’s material without damaging it. Ideally you would want to let the vinegar sit for 5 minutes to get the full effect but if you’re in a hurry, go straight for the toothbrush. Scrub rapidly into the vinegar, making sure to get in all the crevices. If your shoes possess ridges that are too small for a toothbrush, use the pointy end of the chopstick to dig further.

If the poop is really caked on and not wanting to come off, spray a bit of WD-40 around the area. Although it has no cleansing properties, it can penetrate the solid waste, lubricating it enough to be extricated.

Next use an antibacterial wipe to obliterate any germs that are still in existence, wiping with a moderate amount of pressure. You may want to use multiple tissues to ensure you have tackled all the areas.

Then of course the hand sanitizer – after handling waste of any kind, even if you wore gloves, you should always wash or sanitize your hands thoroughly.

Even with all this cleaning, there can still be a slight odor lurking in your footwear – mouthwash can be a great quick fix. Alcohol-based mouthwashes contain chlorhexidine (or a similar antiseptic) that will target and attack whatever causing stench-causing bacteria that lingers. You’ll find sprays like Lysol and Febreeze will fail to conceal the scent and only mix in with what pungent aromas are already in place.

Once you get home, if you fear that there are still feel like some poopy particles left adhered, stick your shoe in a plastic bag and toss in the freezer for a few hours. Sounds bizarre, but the cold will harden the feces and solidify any moisture, making it much easier to scrape off.

If you are ever in a situation without your trusty kit, you may have to resort to napkins and paper towels. Remember that if you are going to engage your poop-filled shoe without the proper tools, just ensure that you have a way to wash or sanitize your hands directly afterwards.

Find yourself stepping in dog poop in your own backyard? If you are able to do a routine pick-up yourself, we suggest purchasing a pair of clogs that will solely be used for outdoor cleaning – any poops you may happen to step into can be hosed off and has zero chance of being tracked inside.

Don’t want to deal with the mess? Let’s where Pet Poo Skiddoo comes in! On a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly basis we will come scoop your yard to ensure you, your family, and your shoes stay safe.