Amidst the growing advocacy for a more pet-friendly world, there is a growing demand for natural and sustainable pet products. Certainly, becoming an eco-friendly dog owner has never been easier.

From ingredients and packaging to the products themselves, being an eco-friendly dog owner means making considered and conscious choices when it comes to purchasing pet products. It’s all about reducing our carbon paw print.

Luckily, being an environmentally-friendly pet parent is much simpler these days. This is because there is a wide range of sustainable, biodegradable and natural pet products on the market.

Of course, there is also much more advice and guidance available nowadays too. Here are our tips on how you can become an eco-friendly dog owner.

What’s that? You have a cat. No problem, check out this post on how to become an eco-friendly cat owner.

5 ways to become an eco-friendly dog owner

For some pet parents, the journey starts by looking for ways to reduce their own carbon footprint. They might switch from a diesel to an electric car in a bid to reduce carbon emissions. They might swap out meat for a more veggie-based diet. Perhaps they choose to only shop local!

These are all good choices but eventually, pet owners will set their eco-friendly sights on their beloved pooches. After all, our barking buddies may be super-adorable, but they can also be big polluters. Think plastic poop bags, the abundance of old dog toys that will eventually end up in landfill, and the packaging used in the creation of pet food.

However, don’t be dismayed; there are loads of ways to reduce your pet’s carbon pawprint and help protect our planet.

1. Be a proud pooper scooper

Leaving your dog’s waste on the ground is VERY bad for the environment and not at all responsible. Not only is it likely that someone will step in your dog’s poop (yuk!), it can contaminate local waterways.

Pet poop contains bacteria. If this seeps into nearby rivers or streams it can damage the marine ecosystem and cause harm to other species.

However, when it comes to picking up your poop be sure to choose biodegradable or compostable poop bags. There is a growing range of plant-based poop bags on the market. You can even get different sizes, with or without handles, as well as scented or unscented—making them a great choice!

2. Read the ingredients

Sure, preventative health is really important for pets but it’s good to note that flea and tick sprays, as well as pet shampoos, can contain chemicals, which are bad for the planet. Heck, they might not be all that great for your pet’s skin either!

So, what’s a wannabe eco-friendly dog owner to do? Well, why not start by looking at some of the natural ways you can protect your four-legged friend from ticks and fleas. For example, you can sprinkle a little diatomaceous earth onto your dog’s coat and bedding to prevent fleas. Or, you can look for chemical-free flea and tick products. It’s all about doing your research and finding the best eco-friendly solution for your pooch.

3. Consider your dog’s diet

Luckily, unlike cats that are carnivores, dogs can eat a diet that centres on veggies and seeds. Why would you want to reduce your dog’s meat intake? Because livestock, particularly cows, produce a large amount of CO2.

If you don’t like the thought of cutting meat out of your dog’s diet completely, then why not just reduce the amount he eats. Another way, to become a more eco-friendly dog owner is to shop locally for your canine chum’s pet food. If you can walk to the shops, even better!

Note: If you are thinking about changing your dog’s diet, you may want to talk to your local vet first.

4. Ditch plastic toys

In the past, most pet toys were made from plastic, but nowadays we have much more choice. Plant-based or bamboo pet toys should be your new go-to. These are not only biodegradable, but they can be better for your dog. For example, hemp rope dog toys are very hard-wearing and can also help clean your dog’s teeth. How good is that?!

The problem with plastic toys is two-fold. Firstly, some plastic contains harmful chemicals, which can be bad for your dog’s health. Secondly, a LOT of plastic ends up in landfill. Opting for eco-friendly toys is a great way to do your bit for the planet, while also keeping your pooch happy and entertained.

5. Adopt, don’t shop

There are millions of pets living in shelters and rescue organisations that are looking for their ‘fur-ever’ home. Adopting, rather than shopping for, a pet helps reduce the number of abandoned pets. It is a kind and loving act that can help save an animal’s life and is much more sustainable in the long run.

Certainly, whatever we can do (big or small) to reduce the carbon pawprint of our pet is a positive step towards a better and brighter future.

 

What actions have you taken to become a more eco-friendly dog owner?

 

Image source: Unsplash.com/Dan-Blackburn