Septic Systems & Pets: Important Things to Note

Introduction: Furry Friends and Backyard Septic Systems — What You Need to Know

If you’re a pet owner living in a home with a septic system, chances are your four-legged companions love enjoying their time in the backyard. Did you know pets may unknowingly damage your septic system, or they could possibly even be put at risk by your septic system?

At Wholesale Septic Supply, we know your septic system is not just a part of your home’s overall infrastructure, it’s a key component of your family’s health and comfort, and this includes your fuzzy friends. Whether you have playful pups, curious cats, or even backyard livestock (chickens, goats, cows, etc…), this guide will help you better understand how to keep your pets safe around your septic system and avoid easily preventable damage to your septic tank, drainfield, and associated components.

Keep Pets (and Their Paws) Off the Drainfield

Your drain field, also referred to as a leach field, is a vital part of your septic system, The drain field slowly disperses treated wastewater back into the soil, yet it’s not designed to handle the following from pets and other animals on your property:

• Digging
  
  

• Heavy foot traffic
  
  

• Buried bones or toys
  
  

• Running and trampling
  
  

Risks:

• Soil compaction from repeated movement reduces drainage efficiency
  
  

• Pipe damage from digging or clawing
  
  

• Exposure to untreated effluent in case of a leak or saturated field
  
  

If your dog loves to dig, you’ll want to consider fencing off the drainfield or putting in the time and effort to train your dog to avoid the drainfield area. You can also choose to install clearly marked riser covers and tank lids from our online store here at Wholesale Septic Supply to better ensure buried components are safe and secure.

Dog Waste ≠ Septic Safe

It may seem like a good idea to dispose of dog waste in a septic tank, but it’s not recommended.

Why It’s a Problem:

• Dog waste contains different bacteria and pathogens than human waste
  
  

• It doesn’t break down efficiently in residential septic systems
  
  

• It can disrupt the natural bacterial balance in your tank
  
  

• Excessive waste may contribute to solids buildup
  
  

 Never flush dog waste down a toilet connected to a septic system, and don’t bury large amounts of dog waste near your drainfield.

 A better option is to scoop pet waste and properly dispose of it in trash receptacles. Use a dedicated pet waste bin to safely dispose of and stow away the waste until it’s picked up by your local waste management service. 

Avoid Washing Pet Bedding & Bowls in Bulk

Pet laundry can be much dirtier than you may think. Pet laundry is often filled with fur, dander, hair, and even flea treatment residue which could interfere with your septic performance.

Best Practices:

• Shake or vacuum pet beds before washing
  
  

• Use septic-safe, fragrance-free detergents
  
  

• Wash heavy loads in small batches
  
  

• Avoid using bleach or harsh disinfectants
  
  

Choose biodegradable, septic-safe laundry products to help your septic tank break down extra organic loads safely.

Be Mindful of Outdoor Baths

Washing dirty dogs outside is common, but you’ll want to consider where the water ends up. If you’re using shampoo or rinsing dirt off of your dog near your drainfield, you may be overloading the system with chemicals or graywater.

Tips:

• Bathe pets far from your drainfield
  
  

• Use a grassy or gravel area with proper drainage
  
  

• Choose natural, biodegradable shampoos
  
  

• Consider using a kiddie pool to contain runoff
  
  

At Wholesale Septic Supply, we always encourage water-smart and pet-safe habits which keep your septic system flowing and your lawn looking great.

Watch Out for Septic Components That Could Harm Pets

Septic tanks, lids, risers, and clean outs may all pose hidden dangers to pets if they’re not properly secured or maintained.

Pet Hazards:

• Unsecured lids = falling risk (especially for curious dogs)
  
  

• Riser openings = toxic gas exposure or drowning risk
  
  

• Alarms and wires = chew hazards for puppies or goats
  
  

• Effluent surfacing from damaged lines = exposure to bacteria
  
  

Be sure to inspect all components regularly, and if you need a replacement lid, riser, or effluent filter, check out our wide array of products.

Don’t Let Pets Drink from Standing Water Near the System

If you happen to notice water pooling near your drainfield or septic tank, don’t let pets drink the water or walk through it, as this could indicate a leak or backup.

Signs to watch for:

• Smelly or discolored water in low spots
  
  

• Damp grass when there hasn’t been rain
  
  

• Pets showing signs of stomach distress after being outside
  
  

Call a septic professional immediately if you notice any of these signs

Livestock & Chickens Need Extra Precaution

If you are raising chickens, goats, or other small animals, it’s very important to keep them off of the drainfield and away from tank lids.

Why?

• Livestock can crush or damage underground components
  
  

• Droppings add excess nitrogen and bacteria to the soil
  
  

• Pecking birds or curious goats can dislodge risers and cables
  
  

Installing a simple fence or other form of barrier around your septic field will add an extra layer of security to your septic system.

Bonus Tips: Pet-Friendly Septic Maintenance Routine

Here’s a seasonal septic checklist that’s pet-safe and proactive:

Love Your Pets, Protect Your System

Your pets are part of the family, and your septic system is a crucial part of your home. With a few simple precautions, you can ensure your septic system maintains its functionality while also ensuring your furry friends have the freedom to enjoy the yard space.

Here at Wholesale Septic Supply, we help our customers with high-quality products, fast shipping, and onshore customer service for every type of homeowner. Whether you’re managing one household, or caring for a backyard farm, we’re here to help you every step of the way.