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.

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!