GabyThere are approximately one billion pet dogs in the world. They are our beloved companions and helpers, sharing their lives with us. However, researchers emphasize that dogs remain predators, known for their negative impact on the environment. For decades, scientists have focused their professional attention on domestic cats, which number significantly fewer than dogs—around 220 million. Meanwhile, our canine friends have developed an almost untouchable reputation. This gap has been partially addressed by Bill Bateman and Lauren Gilson, researchers from the Behavioral Ecology Department at Curtin University in Australia. In their study, they confirmed that our attitudes toward domestic dogs are, unfortunately, largely based on feelings rather than real data. The impact of our beloved pets on wildlife and the environment is “significantly greater, more insidious, and more concerning” than one might imagine.
Dogs as Predators
Although dogs were bred to be obedient and responsive, they are domesticated wolves—predators at heart. According to animal protection organizations, domestic dogs are responsible for more attacks on wildlife than cats. Researchers reported that off-leash dogs have been a primary cause of the near-total disappearance of a colony of little penguins in Tasmania. In New Zealand, one domestic dog escaped and killed around 500 brown kiwis in just five weeks, while the total population was only 900 individuals. Off-leash dogs love to chase animals and birds. This may seem innocent, but such pursuits can exhaust migratory birds, forcing them to expend more energy. Additionally, dogs often attack the offspring of birds nesting on beaches, including those species that are endangered. The mere presence of dogs frequently frightens wildlife. Even when dogs are on leashes, wild animals remain tense and on high alert. In the U.S., for instance, deer are more likely to flee from a person with a dog than from a person alone. Some mammal species perceive dogs as a greater threat than coyotes, as reported by Science Alert.
Environmental Pollution
Researchers have drawn particular attention to issues that are often overlooked. Dogs pollute wildlife with chemicals. They mark trees and poles with their urine and leave their waste everywhere. The medications people use to protect their pets from parasites can linger on their fur for weeks and wash off when the dogs swim in water bodies. However, some of these products contain ingredients that are extremely toxic to aquatic life. Scientists have also found that when chickadees collect dog fur for their nests, it leads to an increase in the number of dead chicks. Waste is another form of environmental pollution. Over an average lifespan of 13 years, a typical dog produces a ton of feces and 2,000 liters of urine.
This mountain of waste contributes to waterway pollution with nitrogen, alters soil chemistry, and even spreads diseases among humans and animals. Millions of cows and chickens are raised worldwide to provide quality food for our pets, leading to enormous greenhouse gas emissions.
We Don’t Want to Think About It
We love our dogs. They make us feel healthier in body and mind. And we don’t want to acknowledge that they can also cause harm. The moral of this research is not to stop adopting pets. Rather, it’s essential to remember what this choice entails for our responsibility toward the planet. Being a good dog owner means caring not only for our beloved animals but also for the nature around us.
