Litter Dangers for Pets: How to Keep Your Dog Safe on a Walk

The UK has a litter crisis.

Discarded cans, plastic, glass and food waste are making our public spaces less safe for our pets and wildlife. Our survey of over 1000 pet owners has shown the devastating extent of our rubbish problem, with over a quarter of pets needing veterinary treatment due to injuries related to litter.

However not all is lost, there are steps we can take to keep our furry friends safer, reduce vet bills and better protect our wildlife.

1) Take Litter Home

Although it can feel unfair to have to deal with someone else’s litter, taking the time to pick up any rubbish we see on our walks will help reduce risk to other pets and wildlife.

The RSPCA receives an average of 10 calls a day about animals affected or injured by litter. Sadly, wildlife can easily become trapped in rubbish and litter can also damage natural habitats.

On your next walk why not try to reduce the problem a little in your local area. Bring a spare bag (even a poop bag or two of litter is less to worry about!) and some gloves on your next wander and feel proud that you have contributed a little bit of good to the world.

Many communities organise litter picking events, so if you want to try and do more or at least have company while getting your hands dirty, get involved in local efforts.

2) Pack a First Aid Kit

Sadly, our canine companions are most at risk of injury due to litter. Our survey indicated that the most common causes of litter related injury was food waste, glass and packaging.

Rotting food can be a big risk to dogs in general but certain human foods are already dangerous. Learn about the 5 Toxic Foods for Dogs and keep a close eye out on your walks.

It is always worth being prepared just in case something happens on a walk.

A pet first aid kit or a few basic first aid items in your bag or walking pouch could be a lifesaver. Items like tweezers and saline solution can quickly remove things like glass and rinse out wounds.

Remember first aid is temporary short-term care or treatment, our pets will still need veterinary attention.

3) Report Litter Hotspots

Certain areas can become hotspots for litter and unfortunately, there are certain selfish people who see rubbish and happily add to it. Did you know that adding rubbish to an already overflowing bin is littering?

To help combat the build-up of waste take litter home if bins are full and report areas of rubbish to your local council to encourage action.

4) Keeping your Dog Safe on Walks

We shouldn’t have to worry about our dogs being injured due to the selfish action of littering but sadly we do. Sometimes it’s hard to avoid rubbish strewn areas, so in these places its worth keeping your dog on a closer lead.

Ensuring your dog has great recall will make this easier, as you can get them back and keep them by your side until you get somewhere safer. Watch our Guide to Recall Training.

5) Get Behind Community Efforts

Our community voice holds more power than we realise and banding together to combat litter can make such a difference to our local areas.

From lobbying our councils to deal with persistent problems, to calling out litter droppers on social media to organising rubbish picking events. There are so many things we can do to reduce waste and preserve the natural world around us.

Connect on social media through groups or neighbourhood apps with other passionate residents or pet owners and find ways to combat litter.

Alerting other dog owners/walkers to dangerous areas can help keep our canine companions safe as they will know which areas to avoid.

For inspiration on getting started with a litter passionate group, why not read about the remarkable Watton Wombles…

Littering is ever increasing so personal responsibility, and strong community action is so essential to combat this blight.
Summer is here and we are now spending more time in our great outdoors in local parks, beaches and forests. Let’s fight to keep our beautiful country litter free!