A Cleaner, Greener Home for Your Pets

How can I be a more environmentally responsible pet owner?

Being environmentally responsible is healthier for the planet, for us, and for our pets. Here are some easy ways that you and your pet can “go green”:

1. Reduce the impact eliminations have on the environment. Dogs and cats must “go” and it is up to us to monitor their bodily functions and to provide suitable outlets for nature’s call. Dogs usually eliminate outside. A single dog taking care of business may be insignificant, but in an urban area with a little or no yard, or hundreds of dogs eliminating in a tiny green space, the environment takes a hit.

Responsible dog owners know how to “scoop the poop” but may not realize that the bag can be a problem. Plastic waste disposal bags are not all biodegradable, which means these bags linger in landfills for years. Even though your dog’s feces are organic matter, they cannot break down when sheathed in non-biodegradable plastic. Instead, look for environmentally-friendly, biodegradable waste disposal bags. Some bags are even compostable — but do not use compost containing pet feces around edible fruit trees or vegetable plants. Composting does not kill bacteria such as E. coli, which could be a dangerous food contaminant.

Cats use litter boxes, but you still must scoop the poop, so the bag issue is the same as with dogs. In addition, consider the type of litter you’re using. Look for biodegradable litters made from recycled products such as newspaper and sawdust pellets. Lots of litter is made from clay acquired from earthen mines, which can take a toll on the environment. Clay litter also introduces dust particles into the air when cats scratch and bury their stool. This clay dust can be irritating to both human and feline lungs.

2. Select eco-friendly collars and leashes. Your pet’s collar and leash may seem like a small thing, but avoiding synthetic materials can help the environment — even at this level. Collars and leashes made from natural fibers, like hemp and cotton, are literally “green” because they start as green plants. They are especially “green” if the plants are grown organically. Hemp and cotton leashes (minus the metal or plastic clips) are biodegradable, yet durable. These natural fabrics are also comfortable and hypoallergenic.

3. Keep fun time green. Dogs and cats love to chew, and when they chew their toys, they may ingest toxic components. Chew toys should be free of contaminants like lead, which can be harmful if ingested. Some dogs are allergic to chemicals in plastic, so selecting safe toys is particularly important. You can purchase toys made from natural fibers like cotton or hemp, or even recycled rubber or plastic if your dog does not have a sensitivity to these materials.

Cats love to scratch more than chew, so to save the furniture, cat owners often provide alternative scratching surfaces. Scratching posts made from bamboo or recycled cardboard are more environmentally friendly than those made from carpet and glue.

4. Consider green sleeping quarters. If your pets do not sleep with you, they may enjoy a good night’s slumber on a bed constructed of recycled material or organic cotton. If they sleep outside, consider a doghouse made from sustainable wood. There are even dog houses with roofs designed to grow green plants to reduce the amount of airborne toxins.

5. Deal with environmental pests like fleas and ticks. Often, a single method is not enough to deal with fleas and ticks. Feeding your dog a diet that includes garlic may deter a few insects, but garlic can be toxic to certain dogs and to cats. Using natural shampoos and herbal sprays may also help, but may not be enough. The risk of exposure to fleas and ticks may outweigh the risk of exposure to pesticides and chemicals. Diseases spread by fleas and ticks, like Lyme Disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and Bartonella can be life-threatening. Talk to your veterinarian for help in choosing a safe, effective product that is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

6. Keep your cat indoors. Many studies show the negative effects that roaming cats have on the native wildlife surrounding their homes — particularly birds. Cats kill billions of birds each year, in the United States alone. If your cat needs some outdoor time, be sure to supervise them, use a leash, or build an outdoor enclosure to minimize their impact on the other species in the area.

7. Food can be green. Nutrition is a vital part of staying healthy, so your pet’s diet must be nutritionally balanced and must also address age and health issues. If you choose to feed your pet an organic diet, make sure it is balanced and meets standards set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).

Organic diets are comprised of sustainable meat raised humanely, fish from clean waters, and vegetables grown without pesticides. They contain no artificial preservatives, hormones, antibiotics, or genetically-engineered ingredients. If you choose to purchase organic meat and vegetables and cook your pet’s food, be sure you consult your veterinarian first. Recipes for a home-cooked diet should be obtained from a veterinary nutritionist, as online and cookbook sources are shown to be inadequate for most pets.

The Best Way to Go Green

One of the best things you can do to maintain a greener home for your pet is to get a “recycled” pet! Consider visiting a shelter or rescue organization or ask your veterinarian about pets available for adoption. Then raise your dog or cat in a wholesome, environmentally friendly way that will benefit you both.