5 Pet Friendly Ways To Go Green

With Earth Day approaching again, it’s time to reconsider and revamp your green practices. As a proud pet parent, you may be wondering how you can get your furry friend involved in supporting the environment.

In honor of Earth Day, Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM, shares her best tips with us:

The Scoop on Poop- Use biodegradable bags when cleaning up after your dog. A regular plastic bag can take decades to decompose; whereas a biodegradable bag will begin to breakdown in just a couple of months. For cats, consider using an environmentally friendly litter such as one that is plant based or made from recycled newspaper.

Feeding Close to Nature- Dr. Carol is a major advocate of feeding your pet an organic, home-cooked meal. All natural meals benefit your pet’s health in exactly the same way that it benefits yours. The environment and your pet’s health will benefit from cutting out kibble all together. A homemade diet decreases personal cost, wasteful production of packaging materials and harmful chemical processing, while increasing your pet’s overall nutrition and the environment’s well-being.

Recycled Toys- There are now numerous companies that make pet toys and bedding from recycled materials and sustainable fibers. Also consider making homemade toys from old socks, water bottles, and ropes. You can make your own bedding from old pillows, blankets and towels.

Water Conservation- Instead of letting the water run during bath-time, consider purchasing a handheld attachment that you can turn off when not in use. This will reduce the amount of water being used. Using warm water, as opposed to hot, saves energy, and using phosphate/chemical-free grooming products can make the dirty water going down the drain more environmentally friendly.

Spay and Neuter- Pet overpopulation is a major problem for the environment on numerous levels. Always consider adoption first. Because of pet overpopulation, resources are tremendously strained to care for all of the pets both inside and out of shelters (feeding, medical care, waste management, etc.) and to handle the alarming number of pets who must be euthanized on a daily basis.

Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM is an author and world-renowned integrative veterinarian of twenty plus years. The first veterinarian in the U.S. to be certified as a Diplomat of the American Board of Anti-Aging Medicine for humans, Dr. Carol has applied her knowledge in the field to pioneer the exploration of new therapies for the treatment and prevention of age-related degenerative disease as well as promotion of optimum health and performance for pets.

10 Strangest Items Swallowed By Dogs

My mother’s Schnauzer mix, Sha Sha, eats just about anything. I didn’t quite believe just how often she would quickly snap up everything in her sight until a few weeks ago when she swallowed a quarter and a nickel in the blink of an eye. The vet advised my mother to watch her for the next few days as the coins would likely pass. It’s a very common issue among dog owners and it doesn’t only happen with puppies. The majority of dogs do grow out of the need to eat inedible objects. It can be difficult to pinpoint exactly what a puppy would eat so it’s best to be vigilant about where you dog is allowed to freely roam. Many dogs and puppies have been known to swallow seemingly unsuitable items, which you might not find in any way enticing or preferable, but they do. Check out this list of the strangest things swallowed by dogs as witnessed by the ASPCA :

Tips To Help Your Child Bond With Your Dog

Courtesy of Pet 360: Growing up with a family pet is a great way for kids to learn two of life’s most valuable lessons: respect and responsibility. To help parents create and foster a special bond between their human and fur kids, Pet360.com has pulled together the following tips for each stage of a child’s development:

What to Do if You Find a Stray Dog

Dogs are part of the family. The unique personalities and characteristics our dogs possess are irreplaceable, and it can be heart-breaking to lose their company. Stray dogs are a growing problem in the United States, and a majority of these strays are forced to wander the dangerous streets or begin a new life in an animal shelter. Learning how to properly bring a stray dog to safety is vital for your safety, as well as the stray’s safety. When trying to care for a stray, safety is always first. It is easy to become swept up in emotions when you see a stray dog hurt or in a dangerous situation — like running in traffic. Even if you have good intentions, it is important to consider all options before taking action to keep the situation from becoming even more hazardous. There are numerous ways to encounter a stray dog, but the most common scenarios are on foot or in vehicular traffic. Remaining calm is the key to keeping a clear mind and deciding the best option for the st

Some Puppy To Love

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