We hear lots of talk about the importance of reducing our carbon footprints as a means of preserving our earth for future generations. We can drive more efficient automobiles and utilize more green energy, but it that enough?
Experts say there is also a need to reduce our pets’ carbon paw prints to maintain a healthy environment. That means doing a little homework to see what you can do to reduce the impact that your dog’s lifestyle has on our planet.
Food is one thing that majorly impacts your dog’s footprint on our earth. The difference between feeding a diet that contains organic meats from naturally grown livestock and one that contains chemically altered meat from livestock that have been given antibiotics and hormones to induce growth can have a major impact on the earth.
The consumption of large amounts of chemically altered meat and animal byproducts takes a much larger toll because raising poultry and livestock this way introduces more chemicals to the planet that simply don’t need to be there. Instead, carefully consider and examine the source of the meat in your dog’s food. Also consider making your own dog food by using organic vegetables and antibiotic- and hormone-free meats.
However, it is important to note that you should speak with your dog’s veterinarian before making any major dietary changes as protein is an absolutely vital element to your puppy’s diet and one that needs to be given in the correct quantity and quality.
One might not realize that overfeeding leaves behind a larger carbon paw print. The more food a dog eats, the more feces he or she produces. Feeding a high quality food versus one that contains lots of inexpensive fillers can reduce the amount of excrement, thus reducing the amount of waste.
Believe it or not, dogs can and do provide a means of spreading invasive plants. If a dog eats an invasive plant, he or she can deposit unwanted seeds when relieving themselves in another area.
Picking up after your dog and properly disposing of his or her waste is a very good means of reducing the impact on our earth. Be sure to carry biodegradable or flushable waste bags when walking your dog. Some folks choose to reuse plastic grocery store bags. While this may not be the optimal solution, it is still a greener means of disposing of dog waste that could end up in human water supplies.
A Massachusetts Institute of Technology student has come up with a green means of dealing with dog waste. A park in Cambridge, Massachusetts uses dog poop to power a streetlight. Owners use biodegradable waste bags. Used ones are placed into a 500-gasllon tank. Microbes convert the waste into methane, which in turns fuels the streetlight.
You can help reduce Fido’s carbon paw print by using green products. For example, a natural shampoo is better for the environment than one laden with harsh chemicals that could leech into the ground.
Use products that do not contain toxic chemicals when cleaning up after your pet. Organic plant-based cleaning products are far safer than those that chemicals that can cause health and environmental issues.
Consider your dog’s toys. If Fido has enough plush animals and squeaky toys to fill a toy box, you may want to consider cutting back on the purchase of new ones. After all, most dogs have a few favorites that they play with all of the time. The rest sit and collect dust.
Old stuffed toys can be rejuvenated with a run through the washing machine for that “new” smell. Dust mites can be killed with just a few hours in the freezer.
Consider donating your dog’s excess toys to a local shelter or rescue organization instead of just throwing them out.
Another way you and Fido can team up to help the Earth is recycling. Instead of tossing your used water bottles into the trash, consider making it into a toy. Dogs love to crinkle a water bottle stuffed into an old sock. Recycle the bottle when it is no longer being used by Fido.
Uncontrolled breeding of dogs has a big impact on the earth. It is important to spay and neuter pets before they have unwanted litters. Adopting pets rather than inspiring breeders to strive for more puppies is a viable means of reducing our pets’ carbon paw prints.
If possible, use chemical-free flea and tick treatments. Sometimes a pet owner has to resort to using chemicals to battle pests. When that happens, try to choose the “greenest” of the evils.
When shopping for any canine product, take the time to read labels. Choose items based on how green they are.
Most dogs are happy with a soft, comfortable place to lie down. Unless your dog has a physical condition that requires some of the new foam bedding products, consider using old blankets or pillows for Fido. He or she will be happy to have something with your scent. If you feel you have to buy new, choose items that are made from natural or recyclable materials such as hemp or cotton.
It is not difficult to reduce a dog’s carbon paw print. A little thought and good buying habits can go a long way in minimizing the dog’s effect on the earth.
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I would like to address the removal of a meat-based diet for your dog and replace it with veggies and grains?!?!? Really? Dogs and cats are CARNIVORES! There are ways that poultry and cattle are raised that help to reduce their effect on the environment, but suggesting that dogs would thrive on a plant-based diet just doesn’t make sense to me.
Hi Ronette, I just finished rewording the article as it was definitely a little confusing the way it was reading. I didn’t mean to imply that the main staple of the diet should be plant-based and to remove meat entirely, but I do see where the confusion came from. I reworded the article to make the clarification of the type of meat that should be considered in addition to a balance of organic veggies, grains or other naturally grown, chemical-free products.
But I do appreciate your, very passionate, response and hopefully this will clear up any confusion or implications that will be made in the future on the way the article reads.
- Jeff
Perfect Puppy Care