Greening your pet is as important as greening the rest of your home, with the double reward of protecting your furry family members and resident humans. Bacteria ridden residue on paws from the outdoors or litter boxes, toxins in pet creams, and bloodthirsty critters nestled in fur can harm humans just as easily as pets. Rethinking food, waste, grooming, vaccines/protection are four major points to consider when maintaining the health of the entire family.












Food
What goes in to your pet's body is just as important as what goes into your body. We can our health by choosing organic and unprocessed foods, so it makes perfect sense that our pets should enjoy natural foods as well. Yes, he or she is an animal, but a domesticated animal is a far cry from most wild things lurking in the woods, and our pets should be treated as their lifestyle dictates. Since foods made from animal byproducts are as unhealthy as topping your cereal with lard and sprinkles, check to see if your pet's food is FDA certified. Brandon Farms Pet Food is organic and contains no wheat, soy, or meat by-products. You could also make treats using leftover veggies and rice--no fried chicken--among other ingredients. Be careful with this as some foods should never be fed to your animal.


Poo Matters
It does! Dog poo is not a fun topic by any means, but it is necessary. It's also not fertilizer, as some pet-owners are prone to think (read: excuse for not cleaning  up after their dog). The disease bearing waste is actually toxic,and when uncollected can contaminate water sources. Knowing that dog feces is  the presence of  E.Coli, salmonella, and giardia should encourage a passionate movement toward cleaner beaches, lawns (the neighbor's), sidewalks, and parks. So what to do with this waste that destroys lawns and brand new running shoes? The obvious answer is to hold your nose and scoop, or at least pay someone to do it for you. However, unless you wish for Spike's poo to outlive you and your pet, don't use regular plastic bags. Use biodegradable bags like Flush Doggy poop bags or invest in a mini septic tank like the Doggy Dooley, which uses natural bacteria and enzyme cultures to turn waste into a ground absorbing liquid.

As for cats, natural biodegradable litter is healthiest. Avoid clumping clay litter as the carcinogenic silica dust found in the clay sediment can cloud your kitty's lungs. The clumping agent known as sodium bentonite can be inhaled when stepping litter or ingested during bathing. This can cause breathing problems and even posion your cat. Additionally, because these litters are produced by strip-mining, clay and silica litter will not decompose. 





Grooming
Take the time to maintain your pet's health with proper grooming. The products that you use to bathe your pet should also be selected with care.  Use organic and natural products that will not irritate your animal.  Eco-Me products are getting rave reviews and feature natural, safe products that won't irritate your pet. Washing your pet weekly and soaking their bedding in hot water can help eliminate the presence of fleas and ticks. Vacuuming your pet regularly can also help get rid of fleas.


Protection
Drugs, drugs, and more drugs: Get a titer for your pet instead of signing up for a plethora of vaccinations. This relatively inexpensive procedure takes little time, and can evaluate your pet's blood before recommending vaccinations. This decreases the chances that your dog will be over vaccinated.

Ticks: According to GreenPaws.org, a group dedicated to researching, lobbying, and providing information about the dangers and effects of flea and tick products, " the safest way for pet owners to protect their pets and their family is to avoid toxic chemicals by controlling fleas through regular use of a flea comb, bathing, and vacuuming". Read Better Flea and Tick Treatment  for more detailed information.

Neutering: You'll be doing pet a favor and the preventing overpopulation. Spayed and neutered cats and dogs has a decreased chance of developing prostate disease, uterine, ovarian, and testicular cancer.

Cleaning Products: Those harsh chemicals found in most household cleaners aren't just irritating your family's nose. Animals can be just as aggravated by chemicals as humans. Do everyone in your home a favor and replace old cleaning supplies with natural eco-friendly formulas. Note: Consider pesticides or fertilizer you may use on your lawn. 


Because We Love Them
Every good dog needs a rope to gnaw and every cat needs a warm cable knit sweater, right? Be honest. You may spend more on cute pet accessories than you do on food! Even if that sounds nothing like you, the next time you head to the store to replace an old pet bed or favorite toy, remember to choose sustainable items for your pet to enjoy. 








Resources

Raise A Green Dog:  an abundant source of information for raising a dog with a small carbon pawprint.

Green Pets: This site will provide you with tips and many fun, eco-friendly products for your pet.

GreenLivingOnline: Bad Kitty Litter: What you should know about kitty litter.