Posted on August 31, 2025

We all know picking up after our dogs is part of the deal — leash, treats, poop bags, repeat. But have you ever stopped mid-scoop and thought: “Wow… how much of this stuff do they make in a whole year?” Buckle up, because the answer might blow your mind (and your nose).

Daily Doodie = Yearly Mountain

Dogs are pretty regular. Most go once or twice a day, and while the size of the “deposit” depends on the dog, here’s the scoop:

• Small dog (under 20 lbs): About ⅓ pound per day → that’s 120+ pounds a year.
• Medium dog (20–50 lbs): About ½–¾ pound per day → up to 230 pounds a year.
• Large dog (50+ lbs): Close to 1 pound per day → a whopping 360 pounds a year.

Yep. Your sweet, cuddly pup might be producing more waste annually than an actual baby cow.

Imagine the Pile…

Picture this:

• A small dog’s yearly poop = An adult human — imagine carrying around another person’s weight… in poop.
• A medium dog’s yearly poop = a large refrigerator worth of dog waste in just one year.
• A large dog’s yearly poop = The weight of a vending machine — all in poop.

That’s not just a pile — that’s a poop monument.

Multiply It Nationwide

Now imagine 48 million dog-owning households in the U.S. Even if half those homes have medium to large dogs, that’s millions of tons of dog waste produced every single year. Forget Mount Rushmore — we’ve got Mount Ruffmore!

Why You Can’t Just Leave It

Some folks think dog poop is “natural” and will just melt into the earth like fertilizer. Nope. Dog waste is packed with bacteria and parasites that can spread illness and contaminate waterways. In other words, it’s not compost — it’s a biohazard.

The Final Scoop

Your furry friend may be small, but their yearly waste pile is anything but. From 120 pounds to over 360 pounds a year, that’s a lot of scooping. Whether you tackle it yourself or call in a professional pooper scooper service, staying on top of the doodie means cleaner yards, happier neighbors, and a healthier community.

So next time you’re walking with your pup and tying off that little baggie, give yourself some credit. You’re not just picking up poop — you’re saving the world, one scoop at a time. 🐾💩