How to Pick Up Soft Dog Poop from Grass

As any pet owner knows, picking up dog poop is an unpleasant but necessary task.

Not only is it unsightly, but dog feces can also carry harmful bacteria that can spread illness to humans and other animals.

 Additionally, it is illegal in most areas to let dog feces go uncleaned.

As such, you will want to pick after your dog, especially when you are with her in public.

But this is easier said than done…

If your doggie relieves herself on soft grass, you may find that it’s a bit of a mess to pick up.

The poop will inevitably stick to the grass and this can make cleaning up harder than it should be.

But if you use the right technique and tools, you can eliminate this problem and make picking up poop less of a hassle.

Here are a couple of techniques and tools that can help:

1. Allow the Poop to Dry First

One of the simplest workarounds you can leverage is to allow the soft dog poop to dry before trying to remove it from the grass.

This will help to reduce the mess and make it easier to pick up.

You can either leave the poop directly on top of the ground or place some paper towels over it to help absorb some of the moisture and speed up the drying process.

But if there is enough sun, then it is better to let it be exposed to the sun.

Once dry, you should be able to pick up the poop without creating much of a mess.

However, this method will only be practical for your private lawn because the law requires you to pick up after the dog.

Leaving it out in the public to dry may get you in hot water as it may be misconstrued as negligence.

Learn more here: Do You Legally Have To Pick Up Dog Poop?

2. Use Compressed Air

Compressed air can also be an effective method of dealing with loose dog poop on the grass.

The idea is to use compressed air to freeze the poop before it sticks to the grass.

This method can be quite effective in dealing with wet poop not only because it helps solidify but it can also be used to dislodge the poop from the grass.

 A handheld canister with compressed air can be used for this purpose but you could also use a hose with a pressure nozzle.

However, you may want to cover the poop with a plastic bag first because the pressure from the compressed air might spread the poop around and create an even bigger mess.

3. Use a Thick Plastic Bag

Another solution would be to use a thick plastic bag to pick up soft dog poop on the grass.

The idea is to place the plastic bag directly over the poop.  This will help contain it and prevent it from spreading around when you try to remove it.

You can then use the plastic bag as a makeshift glove to pick up and dispose of the poop.

Thicker plastic bags are ideal for this task because they will be more durable and less likely to tear when you try to pick up the poop.

This can be a very effective method if the dog poop is not too soft or wet.

4. Sprinkle Clumping Cat Litter

If you’re looking for a more effective method of dealing with loose dog poop on the grass, you could also consider sprinkling some clumping cat litter.

This can help absorb moisture and solidify the stool so that you can easily pick it up without creating a huge mess.

 Clumping cat litter is especially useful if your dog has diarrhea or loose stool as it can help to solidify the stool and make it easier to pick up.

To do this, simply sprinkle some cat litter over the soft dog poop before using your pooper scooper or plastic bag to remove it from the grass.

 Be sure to use high-quality, clumping cat litter for best results.

And speaking of high-quality clumping cat litters, here are the top three that I recommend:

• Fresh Step Scented Clumping Cat Litter

• Purina Tidy Cats Clumping Cat Litter

• Walnut Natural Fresh Clumping Cat Litter  

5. Use Pooper Scooper for Soft Poop

If you have a pooper scooper, you may find that it works quite well for removing soft dog poop from grass.

The pooper scoopers are designed to help pick up loose stool from various surfaces, including grass, so they are often a good option for dealing with soft poop.

However, some pooper scoopers may work better than others depending on the material and design of the scoop.

You may want to try out different scoopers to find one that works well for you to remove the soft dog poop from your yard or lawn.

Here is a quick list of the best options in the market right now: 12 Best Self-Bagging Pooper Scoopers to Buy for Your Dog

6. Use Poop Freeze Aerosol

Handling loose dog poop can also be much easier if there was a way of freezing it.

Then instead of dealing with the mess, you just pick it up like a rock.

Well, there is a way…

You can use poop freeze aerosol, which is a specially-designed spray that can freeze soft dog poop.

All you’ve got to do is spray the poop and it will solidify in a jiffy. You can then easily pick up the stool.

However, the poop freeze aerosol may not work very effectively on extremely loose stool e.g. if your dog has diarrhea.

It also gets depleted very fast—in 3-4 uses.

There are also many other negative reviews about this product on Amazon.

So, to avoid disappointment, you may want to try other methods that I have highlighted above.

7. Hire a Professional Pooper Scooper Service

Even though it is illegal not to pick up after your dog (whether soft or hard poop), some workarounds will still get the job done.

One option is to enlist the help of a professional pooper scooper service, which can take care of the cleanup for you and ensure that your yard is always clean and free from dog waste.

Obviously, there are a couple of limitations to this option.

For instance, you may still need to clean after your dog yourself when you go out with your dog for a walk.

A workaround would be to also hire a professional dog walker who will also be tasked with the responsibility of picking up after your doggie.

But that would mean you do not spend any quality time with your furry baby outdoors.

Related: How Much Do Dog Walkers Make?

Bonus Tip: Change Your Dog’s Diet

Changing your dog’s diet could help harden their poop, making it easier to pick up.

By increasing the amount of fiber in their diet, you may be able to reduce runny dog poop from sticking to the grass and make cleanup a more straightforward process.

However, it is important to consult with your vet before making any major changes to your dog’s diet, as this could have negative health effects if not done properly.

Important Safety Precautions When Removing Soft Dog Poop

If you don’t want to get your hands dirty, using gloves can help protect your skin from contact with the soft dog poop on grass or other surfaces.

There are a variety of gloves that can be used for this purpose, including latex and vinyl gloves.

However, you should be sure to choose a pair that is durable enough to protect your hands when picking up soft dog poop.

In addition, it’s important to take other safety precautions when removing soft dog poop from grass or other surfaces.

This includes wearing protective clothing, such as clothes and shoes that cover your skin, and preventing any loose litter or debris from getting into your eyes.

 To avoid inhaling any harmful bacteria or pathogens in the dog poop, it’s also a good idea to wear a face mask when cleaning up after your dog.

 And finally, be sure to thoroughly wash your hands and other areas of exposed skin after removing the soft dog poop from the grass to prevent any potential infections or illnesses.

Closing Thoughts

Despite your best efforts, loose dog poop on grass can sometimes be difficult to deal with.

However, there are several different methods that you can try to help make the cleanup process easier and reduce the mess.

Whether you use compressed air, a plastic bag, a pooper scooper, or another method, there are plenty of options available to help you clean up the mess and keep your lawn or yard looking tidy.

Just be sure to take the time to find a solution that works well for you and your dog, as this will make the cleanup process much easier in the long run.

Image Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4