It seems that everyone these days is trying to do their part to become more eco-friendly.
Getting your family involved in this quest is important.
Since, for most, the dog is a part of the family, he should be included.
Some people may think that a pet does not leave much of a carbon footprint, but they do.
Think about all of the things that you buy for your pet every day.
A dog, like any other pet, has needs that must be met, and people spend millions on products such as dog food, toys, and flea control chemicals.
Following a few simple tips can help reduce your furry friend's carbon footprint and make the earth a cleaner, healthier place to live for all of us.
Homemade or Organic Dog Food When possible try to cook your own dog food.
This does not take an extraordinary amount of time, and it will cut down on waste due to shipping and pollutants in the air from manufacturing.
If you have absolutely no time to make your own dog food, consider buying locally made organic dog food from a local holistic pet supply store.
Pooch Poo Disposal Although many of us may not realize it, how you dispose of your pet's waste can have a big impact on the environment.
Try to treat their waste as your own, and flush it down the toilet when possible.
Buying biodegradable pet waste bags are designed to decompose quickly, and in turn, they leave less waste in the landfill.
Some companies even sell flushable biodegradable waste bags.
Eco-Friendly Dog Supplies and Accessories When buying new accessories and toys for your dog, look for toys and bedding that are made from natural, recycled, or biodegradable materials.
Try to avoid accessories that are treated with harmful chemicals such as flame retardants.
When your pooch gets bored with his old toys and outgrows his bedding, consider swapping them with other pet owners in your area.
Freecyclegroups on Yahoo are a good place to find people willing to swap or give away their unwanted items.
Combat Fleas the Right Way If your dog has a problem with fleas, treating him with the toxic chemicals designed for flea control can add to the other harmful toxins already in the air.
While using less toxic means to control fleas may take a little more time, it's worth it if you're interested in reducing your pet's carbon footprint.
The University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute offers a few tips on eco-friendly ways to combat these pests.
Wash your pets bedding thoroughly with hot soapy water.
Regularly vacuum your carpet, rugs, upholstered furniture, and crevices thoroughly to get rid of flea and their eggs.
Dispose of what you've vacuumed up in a sealed bag.
Use a special flea comb designed to get rid of fleas and their eggs regularly.
Spray Fido with a mixture of half water and half distilled white vinegar daily.
Add brewer's yeast, vitamin B-12, or garlic to your dog's food each day.
Rub your pets coat with fennel, rue, and rosemary.
If you absolutely must use chemical to get rid of fleas, opt for spot treatments or flea collars as opposed to sprays and powders.