HOW TO GREEN YOUR HOME
Sustainable Pet Care: Tips for Our Furry Friends
By Rosa Colucci
July 17, 2024
We love our furry friends.
It’s easy to get carried away with food, toys, and even clothes as they proliferate the marketplace with an endless variety of choices. In the U.S., the pet care industry will account for more than 150 billion dollars in sales this year.
Take a little time and make sure that your purchases don’t end up in a landfill. Thanks to online shopping, it’s easier than ever to find products that are good for your pets and the environment. Here are some choices to consider.
Pet Toys
Boredom is bad for dogs. Toys that can be refilled with treats and keep them busy is the way to go. Brands like “Kong” make treat dispenser toys that can be used over and over. Summertime frozen treats in ice can keep your dog hydrated and busy. Pet bloggers have lots of recipes to make, and remember — no frozen grapes!
When purchasing, it’s best to avoid plastic toys that break easily, as these end up in the trash — forever or worse, in your pet’s digestive system. Playtime, walks, and a good game of fetch will do the trick and keep you and your pet healthy.
Food
This is one category that makes sense to invest in. Good food means a healthy pet. My cat developed severe kidney disease (Stage 4) seemingly overnight. After some research, I took him off commercial food completely, the vet administered a few rounds of IV fluids, and kidney values returned to the high end of normal. He lived for several more years on a natural food diet supplemented with taurine and other minerals.
Today, the marketplace is full of natural pet foods that can be shipped to your home or at your local grocery store. Carrots and green beans make great snacks for dogs and your cat will love a piece of plain boiled chicken. Avoid store-bought treats full of fillers… the less ingredients the better.
Bathing
Cats generally do not need bathed and the frequency of dog baths depends on the breed and type of fur. Avoid shampoos with sulfates, parabens, and phthalates as they can seriously damage your dog’s skin. Artificial fragrances should also be avoided. Most of all, do not use human shampoo on your pets.
Waste Control
Years ago, my cat was grooming himself endlessly, creating bald patches. The vet suggested allergy shots. I dug and after some research, switched out the scented cat litter to all natural and unscented. Problem solved.
Cat litter that contains crystalline silica dust and lots of perfumes are bad for you and your cat. Brands such as Swheat Scoop, Arm & Hammer, and World’s Best are good choices. chewy.com has an entire category dedicated to this segment.
For dogs, purchasing biodegradable plastic bags is easier than ever. Companies including “Earth Rated” and “Pursuit” are available at big box retailers and they are reasonably priced.
General Health
Grab a copy of “Dr. Pitcairn’s Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats.” This A-Z resource covers every medical, behavioral, and well-care issues and includes a section of detailed recipes by Dr. Pitcairn, a expert in naturopathic pet care. Learn more at drpitcairn.com.
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