The Nature Conservancy of Canada is reminding dog owners to pick up after their pets.

The NCC says that when left unchecked, dogs and dog waste can threaten the ecosystem.

When off leash, dogs can harm other animals, crush eggs and nestlings, and are susceptible to picking up ticks.

As for dog waste, the NCC says it can contaminate nature with foreign bacteria, disease, and unnatural nutrients that can severely impact local plants.

They recommend people keep their dogs on leashes and properly dispose of their waste to ensure the health of the ecosystem, the dog, and the public.