Dogs Going Green!

Creating A Planet Friendly Green Dog

Follow these simple tips to turn Fido into a planet friendly green dog aka doggie tree hugger. Reduce, reuse, recycle, carbon footprint - they're all terms we associate with taking care of our environment. You'll be glad to know that our four legged friends can also play a role in taking care of our planet. Here's how it can be done:

1. Reduce

Reducing waste and reducing wrapping and packaging can lower the amount of landfill we produce. Choose dog accessories and toys with no packaging, so there's less rubbish to dispose of.

Owners of green dogs buy their preventative medication and food in bulk, as this mean less packaging to put in the bin. For example, if the budget allows it, buy a year's worth of worming tablets instead of one at a time, and purchase a bulk bag of all natural kibble that will last you longer.

While we're on the topic of kibble, if you feed a good quality all natural food that is very digestible, you'll need to feed him less to meet his nutritional requirements. This will also mean you have to buy less food, and dispose of less packaging.

When you're picking up your dog's feces during your daily walk, use a biodegradable bag so that it breaks down when it's put in the bin. Plastics can last for many years in landfill.

2. Reuse

Don't throw anything out without making sure it can't be turned into something useful for your green dog. Those old bath towels can be stitched into blankets for him. Leftover ropes or panty hose can be plaited into tug toys for your newly converted green dog. You'll find that your dog isn't put off by recycled toys, and will enjoy a game, no matter what they're made of.

3. Recycle

Your worm farm or compost bin will appreciate a top up with your dog's feces, and they can contribute to your healthy garden.

Another helpful tip for creating a green dog, look for dog accessories made from recycled fabrics and materials. You can purchase dog beds with recycled filling, and your dog will sleep very well on them. Hemp can be recycled into dog collars, and it's very durable.

4. Replace

Replace any cleaning products that may be harmful to the environment with a gentler alternative. Use a phosphate free shampoo and never over bathe your dog. That way you're not adding chemicals to our waterways.

Look at what you're using for parasite control, and see if there is an environmentally friendly alternative. One example is using tea tree oil to control fleas on your dog. Keep in mind that just because a product is natural, doesn't necessarily make it safe - tea tree oil can be very toxic to dogs if used incorrectly.

However, don't take chances on natural products that may not be as effective as chemicals, particularly with potentially deadly diseases such as heartworm.

We've only got one planet, and we need to look after it as best we can. Give your dog the opportunity to do his part. He won't mind at all.

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