It makes sense that our pets would be so susceptible to the poisons in our homes and environment as they are the closest and most intimate with the chemical debris in the air, soil, and dust. The changes we make for our family’s health that benefit the environment, affect our pet’s life tremendously. Here are some tips to make sure that Fido and Fluffy are living as green, and thereby as healthy a life, as possible.
- Toys – Choose non-plastic toys made from natural materials. Seek out the growing selection of green options at local pet stores.
- Yard – Go organic! By eliminating all artificial fertilizers and chemicals in our yard, we are dramatically reducing our pet’s exposure to dangerous toxins. These toxins enter our home from their feet, which they then lick off. These toxins also become a part of the house dust that is breathed in by all members of the household.
- Food – Feed your pet the best you can afford. Wherever possible, seek out organic options or try making your own. Do your research when shopping at pet supply and grocery stores as pet food labelling is a highly- contested debate among pet advocacy groups. When providing food and water to your pet, use stainless steel or glass bowls and avoid plastic dishes.
- Pet Waste –
- For Dogs - Use biodegradable pet waste bags when putting feces in the trash, or another option is using an in-ground pet waste composter. An interesting project to keep an eye on is the San Francisco renewable energy plant using dog feces. This dog-friendly city produces over 6,500 tons of dog waste annually and is looking to turn all that waste normally ending up in the landfill, into valuable alternative energy!
- For Cats - Choose non-clumping, natural or recycled cat litter for your furry feline. Green options are easier to break down and have less impact on the environment. Use baking soda in the litter instead of chemical laden “odour free” litter additives.
- Household chemicals – Our pets are highly sensitive to household chemicals. They also ingest pretty much everything we use from walking or sleeping on cleaned floors and carpets and the licking their paws and body. Use only natural cleaning products that are clearly labelled as environmentally friendly or make your own[LB1] . Avoid any artificially-fragranced products like spray or plug in air fresheners, scented candles and burners. Choose instead pure essential oils made with natural ingredients as a green and healthy alternative. By using products that are good for our health and the environment, our pet companions will experience the same benefits.
- Pet beds and bedding – Avoid artificial materials in covers and stuffing as it is mostly comprised of petroleum derivatives, like polyester. Use natural cotton or hemp for all bedding in case your pet chews and ingests their bed.
- Overpopulation – Spay or neuter your pet and do your part to avoid the overpopulation of cats and dogs in North America. Going green is also going ethical in regards to avoiding the overcrowding in shelters. This prevents millions of dogs and cats from being euthanized every year in North America.
- Dog walking – When taking your dog to the dog park or out for walks, locate areas that are not commercially landscaped, reducing their exposure to artificial chemicals. Whenever possible, find undeveloped green spaces, lakes, oceans, wild areas, forests and so forth which offer you, your pet, and your family a health promoting, natural outing. When walking in urban areas, dog boots are a great option to help protect your pet from toxic exposure.