A new study from Curtin University has revealed that pet dogs, often seen as harmless companions, can cause serious harm to the environment—impacting wildlife, ecosystems, and even the climate.
While the environmental damage caused by cats has been widely documented, researchers found that dogs—now the world’s most common large carnivores—also present a major threat that has been largely overlooked.
Associate Professor Bill Bateman from Curtin’s School of Molecular and Life Sciences led the study. He said that even leashed dogs disturb wildlife, especially birds along the shoreline.
“Dogs chase animals, but even when they don’t, they leave behind scents, urine, and droppings,” Bateman explained. “These can cause long-lasting changes in animal behavior. In the United States, studies show that deer, foxes, and bobcats stay away from areas where dogs are often walked—even if the dogs aren’t there.”
The study also points to environmental pollution. Dog waste can pollute rivers and lakes and harm plant life. Chemicals used to clean dogs or protect them from parasites can run off into waterways, adding toxic substances to aquatic environments.
Another key issue is the dog food industry. With so many pet dogs globally, the demand for meat-based food is high. This leads to a large carbon footprint and heavy use of land and water resources.
Still, the researchers stressed that dogs have valuable roles—from offering emotional support to working in conservation as detection dogs. Bateman said the challenge is finding a balance between reducing harm and keeping the benefits dogs bring to people’s lives.
“The problem isn’t the dogs themselves,” he said. “It’s the number of dogs and the fact that many owners aren’t aware of their environmental impact.”
The study also looked at efforts to make pet ownership more sustainable. While the dog food industry is included in some national sustainability plans, only 12 to 16 percent of dog owners are willing to pay more for eco-friendly food, mainly due to rising costs. A lack of awareness is also a big issue.
“Most people don’t know the damage dogs can do—whether it’s disturbing wildlife or adding to pollution,” Bateman said. “Some think their actions won’t matter, but when many people think that way, it adds up. Beaches, parks, and woodlands suffer.”
The researchers say that banning dogs from sensitive areas is sometimes necessary, but not enough. They’re calling for a team effort between dog owners, conservation groups, and policymakers to create smarter strategies that protect nature without taking away the joys of dog ownership.
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