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MCC Daily Tribune Archive

Green Tip of the Week: Greening Your Pet


Green Tips for You & Your Pet Have you ever considered how having a pet can impact the environment? If you are a pet owner (or wish to become one) you can make simple choices that are good for your pet and good for the environment at the same time.

1-      Adopt an animal from your local shelter. In addition to being a humane choice, rescuing a pet from a shelter will help combat overpopulation of unwanted animals. Check out the local shelters online:

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2-      Prevent the birth of unwanted puppies or kittens by spaying or neutering your pet. 3-      Protect local wildlife from your cat. The best thing for your cat and the birds in your yard is for your cat to remain indoors. However, if you must let your cat explore the great outdoors, try to limit the amount of time outside and attach a small bell to its collar to alert the local wildlife that a hunter is in the area.

4-      Wash your dog less. Over shampooing can dry your dog's skin, contributing to itchiness. Less frequent washing will help to maintain the natural oils in the skin and will conserve gallons of water at the same time.

5-      Purchase pet toys, beds and other products made of environmentally-friendly, sustainable materials.
 
6-      Purchase pet food that doesn’t contain chemical preservatives, which is good for your pet & the environment. However, be sure to check with your veterinarian before changing your pet’s diet.

7-      Use natural & biodegradable cleaning products. Reducing the chemicals in your living space will be good for the overall health of your household and can reduce the number of itchy, allergic reactions that your pets may have.

8-      Use pet-friendly de-icing products, like Safe-Paw, on porches and walkways during the winter. This will re-duce the amount of chemicals that seep into ground water, while also protecting your pet’s pads.

9-      Use eco-friendly cat litter & never flush cat litter down the toilet. There are a number of eco-friendly cat litters available made out of a variety of biodegradable products, including recycled newspaper, wheat & pine. Avoid the clay & chemicals; your cat will be happier!

10-  Use eco-friendly waste bags while walking your dog or in your cat’s litter box. Reduce the amount of plastic waste you produce & purchase biodegradable bags. You can find them online (poopbags.com) or at your local pet supply store.

11-  Refrain from or limit the use of chemicals in your yard. Weed & insect killers can adversely affect your pet's health and have a detrimental effect on wildlife, too.

12-  Try a natural alternative to flea & tick medications. Try adding brewer’s yeast or garlic to your pet’s food or use an essential oil combination to repel unwanted pests.

13-      Give your pet lots of love. It’s good for them & for you!




My shelter dog, Bailey.
 

Bethany Gizzi
Sociology
10/08/2008