Easy Eco-Friendly Dog Tips
Easy Eco-Friendly Dog Tips
Becoming a fur parent comes with an incomparable sense of satisfaction, yet there’s a better reward if you go green with your pooch. Anyone can be an eco-friendly dog companion – you’d be surprised at the gazillions of life-altering choices you can make that would positively impact the environment. In this blog we will cover easy eco-friendly dog tips.
But before you choose this path, you must first guarantee your commitment to it. It would be unfair if you only last a few weeks before reverting to your old ways. You may have to do away with the usual conveniences, i.e., buying artificially scented dog shampoo, feeding your pup with commercial dog food, etc. Instead, you’ll have to introduce regular cleaning and feeding regimens that are environmentally sound.
If that’s something you’re willing to do, read on for some tips to help you get started.
Adopt, Not Shop
There are millions of dogs in shelters all over the country waiting to be adopted into loving homes. If you’re planning to get a furry friend, consider going to your local shelter first instead of buying from a breeder or pet store.
Aside from giving a homeless pup a chance at a better life, you’ll also be doing your part in reducing pet overpopulation. Every year, about three million adoptable dogs and cats are euthanized in North America alone because shelters are overcrowded and there aren’t enough people willing to adopt them.
Some people buy a pup, only to realize later that they’re not yet ready for the responsibility that comes with pet ownership. They then abandon their dog in shelters or, even worse, on the streets.
Spay or Neuter Your Dog
Another way to help reduce pet overpopulation is to spay or neuter your dog. Having your pet undergo this simple procedure prevents them from impregnating or getting impregnated by another dog.
Approximately six million dogs enter shelters every year, and of that number, only about 35% are adopted, while the rest are euthanized. If everyone had their pets spayed or neutered, that would surely make a dent in the pet overpopulation problem.
Choose Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
When cleaning your pup, use only eco-friendly products to avoid polluting the environment. There are plenty of green dog shampoos available in the market that won’t harm your pet or the planet.
Eco-friendly dog shampoo is made with natural ingredients, making it safe for you and your pup. They’re also biodegradable, so you don’t have to worry about them polluting waterways or harming wildlife.
If you’re up for it, consider producing your dog shampoo with readily available ingredients, i.e., vinegar, oatmeal, and baking soda. These ingredients aren’t just eco-friendly; they’re also certain to be gentle on your dog.
Commercial pet shampoo and soap often contain harmful chemicals that could be detrimental to your pet’s health in the long run. If these products end up in rivers and lakes, they can also pollute the water and kill aquatic creatures.
Use Reusable Doggy Diapers and Beds
Yes, there are reusable dog beds and diapers you can purchase online. If you’re dead serious about becoming an eco-friendly dog parent, you should ditch the disposables and switch to reusable products instead.
If your dog requires diapers, opt for reusable dog diapers which are absorbent materials and can be washed and used again. They’re also more comfortable for your pup since they don’t have the harsh chemicals found in disposable diapers. And since they don’t end up in landfills, they’re better for the environment.
Meanwhile, you get to choose from a host of eco-friendly dog bed options. You may want to consider beds made from organic cotton, wool, or even bamboo. What’s even better are those recycled plastic dog beds that are durable and easy to clean.
Pro Tip: If you opt for a recycled plastic bed, make sure it’s made with non-toxic materials. Otherwise, it might release chemicals that may harm your dog, especially when they like to chew on their bed.
Feed Your Dog Eco-Friendly Food
Just as organic and sustainable human food is gaining ground, so is eco-friendly pet food. More and more pet food brands are now using sustainable and environmentally responsible practices in their manufacturing processes.
When it comes to your pup’s diet, go for kibble made with organic ingredients. These products often use sustainable farming practices and support local farmers. As much as possible, avoid pet food brands that outsource their ingredients from other countries.
There’s also a growing trend of pet food brands using alternative protein sources like insects. So, if you’re looking for an eco-friendly and sustainable option, insect-based kibble is certainly worth considering. After all, Fido won’t mind munching on some bugs.
Make Home-Made Dog Treats
Another way to ensure that your pup gets eco-friendly food is by making their treats at home. It means you get to control the ingredients that go into their snacks. You’re guaranteed that the food you’re giving them is fresh and free from preservatives.
There are plenty of recipes online for homemade dog treats. And the best part is, they’re usually very easy to make. In most cases, you probably already have the ingredients in your kitchen. So, there’s no need to go out and buy anything special.
Pro Tip: Since your pup gets more than enough protein from their meals, why not give them a plant-based snack? Avoid using chocolate and artificial sweeteners as they could be poisonous to your puppy. You can use fruits and vegetables as healthy and eco-friendly alternatives to meat-based treats.
Recycle and Reuse
For the last of the easy eco-friendly dog tips, we want to remind pet owners to recycle and reuse. When it comes to your pup, recycling and reusing should also be part of your eco-friendly lifestyle. For instance, you can use an old tee shirt as a temporary dog cone. Or you can donate your old pet beds and toys to shelters or rescue groups.
There are also eco-friendly dog companies that use recycled materials to make their products. So, when shopping for new pet supplies, be sure to look for brands that practice sustainable manufacturing.
Bottom Line
Eco-friendly living is not just for humans. As a responsible pet parent, you should also do your part in taking care of the environment. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to make your pet parenting more sustainable and eco-friendlier. So, start making those changes today and help make the world a better place for you and your pup. Don’t forget to have fun while you’re at it! We hope you enjoyed this list of easy eco-friendly dog tips.
