If we are at all interested in saving our planet, there are a few simple things we can do that are also ways that we can protect our pets and wildlife, as well.
- First and foremost, clean up your dog's poop. It can be harmful to water sources. Dispose of it wrapped in a bag into your trash. Or drop it in the toilet. Never put dog or cat poop into your compost, particularly if you plan to use the dirt in your compost on your garden. The temps in the compost do not get high enough to kill bacteria.
- Clean up anti-freeze spills in your garage. Your pets are attracted to the sweet smell and may lick it up. Anti-freeze is highly toxic and if you suspect your pet has licked some up, contact your veterinarian immediately.
- Keep cats indoors. In the country where I live, we have fishers, raccoons, coyotes, foxes, hawks, and other wild animals that could easily snatch up a cat. Also, cats kill millions of birds yearly, so save the birds and keep your cat indoors.
- Invest in a natural lawn. If you use chemicals to keep your lawn perfect and bug-free each year, you are exposing not only your children but your pets as well to whatever toxins are in the pesticides you are using. Our lawn has been chemical free since we moved here, nearly 13 years ago, and we are happy with the green we have, whether it is from grass or a variety of weeds.
- Spay and neuter your pets to avoid an overpopulation problem.
- Adopt from a shelter. There are plenty of cats and dogs looking for homes. Think about adopting before going to a breeder. And never, ever purchase a pet from a pet store. Pet stores are notorious for getting their pets from puppy mills where the safety and health of the pet is of little concern to the breeder. Always go to a reputable breeder where you can see the conditions where the pet was bred. But first, check out your local shelter - they often have puppies that need good homes.
- Avoid using salt for ice. If your dog licks too much salt from its paws, it can become sick. If you live in an area where they use salt, you can either train your dog to wear booties or wipe your dog's feet when you get home from your walk.
There are many more tips for keeping your pets healthy and living in a greener world for you and your pets. We will feature more in other blogs, so stay tuned!