A cleaner, greener home for your pets 

Being environmentally responsible is healthier for the planet, for us and for our pets! Here are a few ways you can create a cleaner, greener home for you and your dog and cat:

1. Reduce the impact eliminations have on the environment. To take a green approach, use environmentally friendly, biodegradable waste disposal bags. Some are even compostable, but you shouldn’t use compost containing pet feces around edible fruit trees or vegetable plants since composting doesn’t heat up enough to kill bacteria that could contaminate food. If you have room, you might even consider an enzymatic septic system for pet waste.

As for cats, they acclimate to a litterbox quite well, but you should still use a green approach to scoop their poop. The type of litter also needs to be carefully considered. Thankfully, there are many biodegradable litters on the market made from products such as recycled newspapers and sawdust pellets. That’s a two-for-one green step!

2. Select eco-friendly collars and leashes. Collars and leashes made from natural fibers like hemp and cotton are literally “green” since they start as green plants. These leashes (minus the metal or plastic clips) are biodegradable, yet durable. These natural fabrics are also comfortable and hypoallergenic.

3. Keep fun time green. Dogs and cats love to chew, so their toys often end up in their mouths. Chew toys should be free of contaminants like lead, which can be harmful if ingested. Some dogs are allergic to the chemicals in plastic, so selecting safe toys for them is particularly important. You can purchase toys made from natural fibers like cotton or hemp, or if your dog doesn’t have a sensitivity, recycled rubber or plastic.
Cats love to scratch more than chew, so to save the furniture, cat owners often provide them with alternative scratching surfaces. Scratching posts made from bamboo or recycled cardboard are more environmentally friendly than those made from carpet and glue.

4. Consider green sleeping quarters. Your pet can enjoy a good night’s slumber on a bed constructed of recycled material or organic cotton. If your dog sleeps outside, consider a dog house made from sustainable wood. There are even dog houses with roofs designed to grow green plants to reduce the amount of airborne toxins.

5. Deal with environmental pests like fleas and ticks. There are many ways to deal with fleas and ticks. Using natural shampoos and herbal sprays may help, but are not enough. Vector-borne diseases like Lyme disease and more can be life threatening. So, ask your veterinarian for help in choosing a safe, effective product to keep fleas and ticks at bay.

6. Food can be green!  Nutrition is a vital part of staying healthy, so your pet’s diet must be nutritionally balanced and address any age or health issues. If you choose to feed your pet an organic diet, make sure it is balanced and meets USDA standards. Organic diets contain no artificial ingredients and are comprised of sustainable meat, fish from clean waters and vegetables grown without pesticides. If you choose to make your dog’s food, be sure to consult your veterinarian first. Home-cooked pet meals are not always nutritionally balanced, so your pet may need a supplement.

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