Greener Pets: How You Can Make Pet Ownership More Eco-Friendly

Pet ownership is a big responsibility - you have to care for the animal for its entire life, buying food, bedding, clothing, toys, and other supplies. But did you ever stop to think about the environmental responsibilities of owning a pet?

There is, in fact, a significant environmental consideration in owning a pet. Consider, for instance, the manufacture of pet foods and all the packaging involved, and consider the synthetic rubber and plastic toys pet owners often buy for their animals. Here are some tips on how you can make pet ownership more eco-friendly.

Managing Pet Wastes

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Dogs - When you walk your dog, you really need to scoop its poop. Leaving it outside pollutes the water supply and is unsanitary. It also changes the composition of the soil and kills grass and other plants. When you dispose of your pet's waste, the most eco-friendly thing to do is seal it in a biodegradable bag and trash it.

Cats - Scooping kitty litter is one of those tasks that most cat owners dislike, but you can at least make it a more eco-friendly venture by also using biodegradable bags to place the "scoopings" in. Also, effective, biodegradable kitty litter is available and is a good, eco-conscious choice.

Buying vs. Making Food

Interestingly, pets produce more of that problematic waste material (i.e. poop) when they are fed cheap pet food that's full of fillers and artificial colors. Also, the manufacture of pet foods on such a massive scale may not be the most environmentally friendly thing.

Consider making your own pet food, or buying sustainable, pre-made pet foods that are simple and natural. It's not too hard to make your own pet treats, either - they are basically just hard biscuits made in pet-friendly flavors.

Does Your Dog or Cat Really Need That?

Let's face it - it's fun to buy little cute toys and things for your fur babies. But does your dog really need another rubber squeaky toy, and does your cat need another plastic dingle ball? Many dogs are happy with a stick or a favorite toy or two, and many cats just enjoy an inexpensive piece of string. Rope toys made from natural hemp are an option for dogs, and many cats enjoy rolling on catnip, which you can grow yourself.

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Flea Control

Controlling fleas is important for your pet's health and comfort. But using pesticides on your pet's body may be harmful both to your pet's health and to the environment. Consider eco-friendly, herbal flea collars, sprays, or spot-on treatments. It's also a good idea to comb your pet daily to remove fleas that were picked up outdoors before they get established.

By following just a few simple green tips, you can make owning a pet better for you, them, and the environment.

Keep Your Pet Healthy With Natural Dog Foods

Many commercial dog foods are made primarily from soy or grain, which really aren't natural for dogs to eat, and don't do their health any favors. In fact, many pets fed on these foods are now suffering from some of the same diseases we humans are (obesity, diabetes, heart disease, etc.), after eating an abundance of grains and soy for the past 40 years! If you are going to feed your dog a commercial dog food, make sure it is a natural brand, containing natural ingredients which are healthy for dogs.

Most natural dog foods contain essential minerals and vitamins such as manganese, phosphorous, calcium and potassium, all of which dogs need to have in their diet. Dogs also need some antioxidants, which are contained in many vegetables that are included in most good quality natural dog foods. There are lots of branded natural dog food options available today for your pet. However, it is better to consult with a veterinary doctor before starting to feed natural food to your dog, to find out what type would be best, since some dog foods are formulated for specific breeds.

There are many advantages of feeding natural foods to dogs. Natural dog food is usually very rich in vitamin E, which is very important for their growth. Vitamins such as beta carotene are helpful in removing toxins from the body commonly known as free radicals. Dogs need vitamins to be healthy, just like you do!

(Photo credit: Finger Food)

Natural dog foods shouldn't contain artificial ingredients, and instead should consist of whole, healthy foods that a dog would naturally eat, such as meat and vegetables. This will help reduce toxins in the body, and keep your dog healthy and thriving for as long as possible. Feeding your dog natural foods is basically like an insurance policy for your pet!

You can also make your own natural dog food quite easily, from raw, natural meats and vegetables. However, there are certain foods that should not be given to dogs, such as oily food or pork, cured meat, bread, grapes, citrus, raisins, onions, pasteurized milk products, and any sugary food. These are junk foods to your dog, and aren't good for him - some can even make him sick! However, feel free to feed your dog raw meats such as beef, lamb, poultry, fish, carrots, leafy greens, and other vegetables, as well as very small amounts of cooked grains. Raw eggs are also a good healthy food for dogs.

Natural dog foods have a lot of health benefits, and many doctors suggest it is better to give natural food to dogs. Natural food can also affect the behavior of your pets, making them more active, playful and happy. Feeding your dogs natural dog food can help your treasured pets live a healthier, happier, longer life.

Natural Dog Foods Are Available for Purchase Online:

   

11 Eco-Friendly Pet Care Tips

With all of the issues of late with pets dying from the food they eat, a lot of people have begun looking at alternative ways to care for their pets. This even extends to the kind of flea collars that are used and toys that are bought for them. We want to keep our beloved furry friends healthy and around for a long time, but you can help the environment, too, while keeping your pets healthier. Here are some tips for going green with your pets.

(Photo credit: vijairaj)

1. Use biodegradable doggy bags for the poop. As a responsible dog owner, you know that when you take your dog for a walk you have to clean up the poop. But if you use biodegradable bags, then you'll be helping out the planet as well as the neighborhood.

2. When it comes to bath time, use an earth-friendly soap on your pet. It's better for your pet because it doesn't have all of the chemicals and toxins that most pet washes do, and that also makes it better for the environment. Often they are gentler on your pet's skin as well, and may help with itching or allergies. These soaps break down in the drain easier and are better for septic systems. An added bonus is they usually smell nice, too.

3. Clean up with vinegar. Not only does it clean, but it also deodorizes. Use it to get up the hairballs in the carpet, drool on the couch, poo accidents or throw up... (Because let's face it, even the best trained pet has an accident once in a while.) It's better than bleach and still removes the mold and bacteria all the same. So instead of reaching for the bleach, try using vinegar to clean up pet messes.

4. Towel dry your pet after baths instead of using the blow dryer. While the blow dryer is fast and convenient, it's not good for the environment and it can dry out your animal's skin anyways, or frighten him. So dry him off well with a towel and then let him air dry the rest of the way.

Just make sure to keep him inside until he's really dry, especially if it's cold out. Not only do you not want your just bathed wet dog rolling around in the dirt, you also don't want him to get sick.

5. Use rags instead of paper towels for clean ups. You'll produce less waste by using rags for cleaning up any messes your pet makes. You'll also save yourself money by not having to buy paper towels all the time.

Paws and More No Kill Animal Shelter in Washington, Iowa. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

6. Recycle your old pet towels by washing and donating them to a shelter. Towels, blankets, or whatever linens you don't need anymore can be great and very much needed at your local animal shelter. They are always in need of things like that. That goes for that old rawhide chew toy your dog won't play with, too. Instead of throwing it away, pass it on to someone who can use it. The collar and leash that your dog outgrew can be passed on to the local animal shelter.

7. Make your own fertilizer for your garden with your pet's waste. This makes for a great and natural fertilizer and you will use fewer bags throwing it away. (Note: Don't use pet feces on any area of the garden used for growing vegetables to eat, as disease can be spread this way. But it's fine to compost it with other items for flower beds, shrubs, trees, etc.)

8. For your cat, stop using clay kitty litters. Trade it in for an eco-friendly kitty litter - there are many on the market today.

9. Don't give your pet bottled water. Use the faucet. If your water is not very good, add a filter to your faucet or get a separate filtration system - you'll be healthier too!

10. Instead of driving to the dog park, walk if you can. Or better yet, walk around the neighborhood with your dog. The exercise will be good for both of you! If you really want to get your dog out and socializing at the dog park and don't live in walking distance, then see if you can carpool with another one of your dog park buddies.

11. Use a natural flea repellent instead of flea collars. Things like rosemary, lavender, apple cider vinegar, or a lemon spray all naturally deter fleas. And you don't have the added waste of the collar and the toxic chemicals of the flea collar touching your pet and being emitted into the air - not to mention polluting your home.

Following these eco-friendly tips when it comes to pet care can be great for your wallet and they will make you feel good about what you're doing for the environment, too. It's also better for your pet, and it often will save you money. So try some of these tips, and go green with your pets today!

Product Review: West Paw Design Eco Drop Pet Beds

Eco-friendly dog beds might sound like a bit of a luxury, but if you believe in sustainability and eco-friendliness and want to treat your dog to a soft, comfortable, chemical-free bed, the West Paw Design Eco Drop Pet Bed is fantastic. They come in several different sizes, so you can get the one that will work for the size of your dog. The material of the bed is made from a fleecy 85% recycled fabric, the filling is 100% recycled, from soda bottles.

I am sure your dog will love to curl up and snuggle into the soft cushions, so if you're in the mood to give your pet a treat that lasts for the next holiday, this one is a winner. The color choice of the dog bed is Ember Glow, Porcelain or Pearl with a grey-colored bottom. And as dog beds get easily dirty and hairy, the cover of the bed is machine washable and dryer safe.

Overall, these eco beds are earth friendly and natural and create a lovely hang-out for your dog. They are strong and very durable and constructed to a very high standard. If you are looking to invest in a dog bed that is designed with Mother Nature in mind, you won't be disappointed with the West Paw Design Eco Drop Pet Beds.

Where to buy: www.amazon.com (Large, Medium, and Small sizes shown below).

West Paw Design Eco Drop Pet Beds:
    

Tips to Detox Your Pet’s Space

We talk a lot on here about toxic load, and detoxification for you and your household, but what about your pets? Pets can find things toxic that you would have no reaction to (and vice versa), so it is a good idea if you have pets, to keep an eye out for things that may be harmful to them, even if you wouldn't give it a second thought for yourself. Accidental deaths and injuries can often result from pets getting into toxic substances. Like little children, pets need to be watched and, when left alone, their space needs to be free of toxins and dangerous substances. Here are some common things to look out for.

Image via WikipediaFood:

Dogs are prone to eating all manner of food. Anything their owner is eating is fair game as far as they are concerned. But there are some common foods that can be harmful or even lethal to pets. Here are some foods to keep out of your dog's reach:

* Chocolate
* Grapes and raisins
* Soft drinks
* Coffee
* Walnuts
* Avocados

Houseplants:

Cats are especially prone to munching on houseplants. They will also help themselves to your garden plants outdoors. Look online for a comprehensive list of plants that are poisonous to pets. Here is a partial list:

* Aloe
* English Ivy
* Morning Glory
* Yew
* Crocus
* Calla Lily

Provide cats with potted, sprouted greens like wheat and rye grass so that they will be less tempted to eat houseplants. Keep your dog on a leash or in a fenced-in yard, and inspect the yard before letting your dog have the run of the fenced area.

Household Cleaners:

Take care not to use toxic cleaners on your floors, whether carpet, vinyl, hardwood, or other flooring. Most harsh, chemical floor cleaners should either not be used (this is the best option, both for your pets AND your family!) or if they must, they should be used only when the pet is not in the room, and the pet should not allowed back into the room until the floor is dry. Store cleaners, including shampoos, laundry soap, and dishwashing detergent well out of reach of your pets.

Outdoors:

Animals can eat some really disgusting things when allowed to roam unchecked through your neighborhood. Even your yard and immediate property can pose hazards.

Cats and dogs will catch and eat rodents, insects, and grass, all of which could contain poisons. Rodents could have ingested rat poison or have worms. Insects could have been exposed to pesticides or your pet may be allergic to the insect's bite or sting. And neighborhood grass could be sprayed with weed killer or other chemicals. (Hopefully if you're reading this blog, you are practicing organic lawn care/sustainable gardening, so your yard at least should be safe!)

Image via WikipediaSmall Animals:

Small pets like hamsters and mice need a safe space, too. Do not give your caged rodents cotton for bedding; they can ingest it, causing a blockage. Also, colored inks in newspaper and cardboard can be toxic (carcinogenic) to rodents, especially pet mice. So make sure your caged rodent has safe chewing toys and non-toxic bedding.

Keep all pills, medicines, and supplements out of your pet's reach. If you leave a bottle of pain reliever on the counter with the lid loose, your cat could knock it off and it - and the dog - could eat the pills and even be killed.

Do not use plug-in scents or scented candles in your pet's space. They may smell too good and invite ingestion. If you must, use non-toxic products, and keep them up well out of reach of pets.