Green your Dog

green | August 24th, 2009 - 12:17 PM

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Most people don’t consider their pets when it comes to greening their home. Pet owners are starting to realize that a green lifestyle holds some of the same benefits for their dogs.

Dogs are domesticated animals and can wreak havoc on our delicate ecosystem and native wildlife. Keep your dog on a lead unless in specified areas.

Although the floor may look clean to you, keep in mind that some dogs lick the floor when you drop food, and these some cleaners may be harmful to your dog. Look for natural biodegradable cleaners that say “safe for pets” or consider making your own. Baking soda, vinegar and water are safe options that can help reduce your dog’s exposure to harmful chemicals.

Room fresheners, plug-in deodorizers and cleaning supplies with fragrances can be harmful — especially to pets that may accidentally eat or lick such things. Air fresheners can contain varying amounts of phthalates – compounds that the Centers for Disease Control found may cause cancer, hormone abnormalities and other health problems.

Landscapists may use pesticides, deer repellents, fertilizers and plant foods that are chemical-based and can be hazardous to your dog’s health. Some of these chemicals are known carcinogens. Check out with landscapers or garden store staff to find more natural solutions to common yard problems.

To minimise your dog’s pawprint, investigate  companies that offer pet products are made from environmentally conscious materials such as hemp leads and collars or even recycled cardboard furniture. At Haul, Gus the boxer, models their “Heavy Petting” range of dog collars and leads made from recycled billboard vinyl, perfect for your environmentally aware green friend. These days, you can even get pet beds made with organic cotton or even recycled PET bottles.

Buy sustainable toys or conside recycling everyday items you already own, such as old socks, hair ties or clothing, to make into dog to. Your pet may not realize that its playtime is saving the environment, but that won’t stop it from having fun with its toys. Do make sure the toys you give your dog are safe for biting and chewing.

While organic pet food may cost a little more money, it is made with renewable resources and no pesticides or environmentally unfriendly fertilizers. Any extra expenses on food could easily be offset by less medical expenses for your pet from a healthier diet. Replace water and food bowls made of plastic and use stainless steel instead. Studies show Bisphenol A BPA in plastics may be an endocrine disrupter, meaning it can alter the body’s hormonal system.

Animal waste is no fun no matter what kind of pet you own. Walkies with your dog can leave a biological hazard, consider your neighbours and walking areas and pick up after your dog.  Biodegradable bags are sold at most pet stores, and provide an alternative to using plastic bags that are nearly impossible to decompose.  Michigan green Safe products offer a range of biodegradable bags.

Check medications as reactions range from skin irritation to seizures, and in some rare cases, death of a pet. Remember to comb your dog regularly with a fine-toothed flea comb to remove ticks and fleas. Vacuuming daily to remove eggs and larvae and put brewer’s yeast and vitamin B complex supplements in pet foods as a natural repellent.  Use natural topical repellents, such as lemon and eucalyptus. Also opt for natural shampoos and other pet care products.

These just a few of the ways to green your dog and there are great articles on the net with more suggestions.

Check out these articles.

Make your pet eco friendly

Go green for your dog’s health

Five tips for greening your pets

GREEN SPACE: Greening your pet — not that it cares!

8 ways to green your pet.

Going green benefits your dog’s health as well as the planet

Top green pet tips

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One Response to “Green your Dog”

  1. I”m a very green woofer.

    I am very busy [ between media commitments: http://www.haul.com.au/pressclippings_gus ] designing my new dog collar range from recycled printing blankets – they are rubber with a canvas backing. Like these: http://www.haul.com.au/printer_blanket

    Woof Woof Woof

    http://twitter.com/GustheBoxer

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