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15 Tips for Eco-Friendly Pet Ownership

Many pet owners have taken steps in their personal lives to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle.  However, most pet owners are not aware of the environmental paw print their pet may leave behind.  Pet adoptions have exploded nationwide during the Coronavirus outbreak which has been a wonderful silver lining of the pandemic.  Fido and Mittens have become more popular than ever as they fulfill a very important need during this historical time.  Yet, their lifestyle may be an extension of their owners which can have a negative environmental impact.  Here are 15 simple ways you can help reduce your furry friend’s carbon paw print:              

1. Recycle Wet Food Cans
I bet most of you reading this article routinely elect to recycle your yogurt cups, milk containers and delivery boxes. However, do you apply the same mindset to your pet food containers?  If Fido or Mittens eat wet food you should make the same effort to recycle their cans.  Several companies are working towards making plastic dry food bags recyclable as well.       

2. Scoop that Poop
Plastic bags are so last century.  It’s time to stop using common plastic bags or non-biodegradable poop bags to pick up your dog’s waste.  Did you know it can take hundreds of years for a common plastic bag to decompose?  Support the planet by purchasing biodegradable pet poop bags.  Biodegradable bags break down in a matter of months opposed to several hundred years.

3. Compost the Doody
If you are the DIY-type you can compost your pet’s waste.  This is not a trick!  However, you will need a separate composting system than the one used for garden vegetables.  Pet waste contains pathogens that can contaminate homegrown produce so “no touchy”.  No landfill, no problem!   

4. Eco-Friendly Kitty Litter
Many kitty litter formulas contain sodium bentonite clay which is derived from environmentally destructive strip mining and takes a long time to decompose.  Kitty litter alone accounts for 2 million tons of landfill space.  A plant-based or all-natural kitty litter derived from products such as wood shavings or recycled newspaper are more planet friendly and can also be composted.  Allow your cat to naturally contribute to your backyard eco-friendly oasis.    

5. Reusable Grocery Bags
Cloth grocery bags are no longer just for personal grocery shopping.  They can be used at Fido’s grocery store as well.  The next time you hit the pet food store bring a reusable grocery bag to transport your pet’s food and supplies.  Leave a bag in your car for convenience.  

6. Safely Break the Ice
Common de-icing salts can contain items such as rock or tablet salt and potassium nitrate that can be harmful to your pet’s paws.  Pets can experience a burning sensation from direct contact.  The next time you find yourself at your local hardware store elect for a pet-safe de-icer made from calcium magnesium acetate, potassium chloride or calcium chloride to address icy conditions around your home or place of business.      

7. Adopt Don’t Shop
We have all heard the popular slogan “Adopt don’t shop”.  If you are a prospective pet owner consider rescuing a pet from a local rescue or shelter.  Adopting opposed to buying can result in a substantial trickle-down effect.  Reduced puppy mill or breeder demand will result in fewer animals bred for profit paving the way for more space at shelters.  Millions of pets are euthanized annually simply for lack of space. There is no better feeling than saving a pet’s life!    

8. Spay and Neuter    
The veterinary community will often develop catchy slogans to grab the attention of pet owners regarding important industry topics.  “Neuter is cuter” and “spay today” are just a few examples.  Despite nationwide efforts to control the pet population there are still millions of dogs and cats born annually into homelessness.  Getting your pet spayed or neutered conserves food, energy and resources that would otherwise be spent on rescued shelter animals.  It reduces shelter overpopulation and spares the environment from the substantial volume of waste produced by homeless animals.        

9. Donate, Donate, Donate
Do you have a bin of dejected pet toys collecting dust in your living room?  Maybe you were convinced Fido would fall in love with that stuffed Lamb Chop toy.  Yet, to your dismay he prefers an old sock instead. Is Fido’s collar no longer fashionable yet still functional?  Consider donating gently used pet supplies including toys, collars, leashes, clothing and dishes to your local shelter.  Think of it as your pet’s own personal recycling program.  

10. Say Good-Bye to Plastic
Most pet products are made with some form of plastic including vinyl, phthalates or BPA.  However, pet products are becoming more and more eco-friendly by replacing plastic with products such as hemp and organic cotton.  Read product labels to ensure your pet purchases are supporting the environment with eco-friendly ingredients and packaging.  
 

11. Cut the Chemicals
Cleaning products are often laden with chemicals such as bleach, ammonia, chlorine and formaldehyde which are toxic to both your pet and the environment.  Be mindful of the cleaning products used within your home.  The next time your pet has an accident indoors elect for an organic eco-friendly cleaning product instead. 

12. There is No Crying in Dog Grooming
Some pet grooming products contain toxic chemicals that may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.  Use eco-friendly shampoos and conditioners that are chemical-free.  Oatmeal-based pet shampoo has natural anti-inflammatory properties and will keep your pet’s coat from drying out.  Try not to bathe your furry friend more than once monthly unless indicated otherwise.


13. Microchipping
Microchipping saves lives!  If you become separated from your beloved pet their microchip can be scanned at a local veterinary hospital or shelter.  You can literally be reunited within minutes.  This electronic system can save time and paper for all of those “lost pet” signs.  A spay or neuter procedure is an ideal time to have your pet microchipped.  Take advantage of general anesthesia as the microchip needle is fairly sizable.  

14. Buy in Bulk
Do you dread making the trip to your local pet store once monthly just to buy kitty litter?  Purchase pet supply items in bulk when possible (check expiration dates if indicated).  This will minimize trips for single product purchases and will cut your car’s carbon dioxide emissions.     

15. Cut the Fat
Production of pet food requires a lot of energy, resources, land and water use…not to mention transportation.  Cut down on the amount of pet food you purchase by ensuring your pet maintains a healthy body condition.  More than one-third of cats and dogs in the United States are overweight.  Cutting the fat will ensure your pets live a longer and healthier life while minimizing resources and trimming your budget.     

Page Mader

Co-Owner, Veterinarian

Five Parks Animal Hospital

P: 303-647-3241 

W: fiveparksanimalhospital.com

A: 13777 West 85th Dr, Arvada, CO 80005

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