Throughout my entire life, I have been a pet owner and a pet lover. As a child I had dogs, cats, horses, iguanas, birds, guinea pigs—basically you name it and I had it. Now that I have grown up and am taking care of them on my own, I have settled with a dog and two cats and they admittedly rule my life. Pets require a great deal of attention and can arguably even require the same amount of care as a child (depending on how much you give into them). So, making decisions that will benefit their health and their life in general is a very important task. I have learned that many of the choices I am faced with and the decisions I make regarding my pets can also be an attempt to help the environment and my own health. A natural approach to pet care could make your pet, your pet’s environment, and your environment a bit more happy and healthy.
It somewhat saddens me to think that, as a child, I never really thought about what type of food my pets were eating, or what was in the shampoos we used on them, or what kind of chemicals were in the medicines we would give them. More recently, I have realized that I think it is just as important for them to eat organic food like me, and use natural products or remedies as I do. Because I am conscious of the environment with the decisions I make for my own personal life, I also thought it was important to consider it in theirs as well. I decided to ask myself: What are some of the options I have to green up my pets’ lives? Here is what I have some up with so far:
They must eat. How can I make their diets healthier for them and the environment?
Conventional dog food contains pesticides, chemicals, additives, and preservatives that are harmful to your pet and the environment. Several brands of pet food have even been recalled as not safe for consumption. By feeding them natural or organic foods, you will be reducing the amount of toxins ingested by your pet and released into our natural environment. There are many store-bought options, or you can make your own! For my pets, I focus on buying them high-protein, grain-free foods. I usually end up buying Wellness CORE and Tiki Cat for my cats, and Wellness or Innova EVO for my dog. You can find more varieties at the Only Natural Pet Store online
And what about their hygiene and their gear?
Just as in my own life, I try to make the eco-friendly choice for my pets when available for the products that I buy. Whether it is shampoos, toys, collars and leashes, or bedding, there is a natural alternative. Chemical additives in all of these products can irritate their skin or leach into their systems. You can learn more about natural options with the guide “Pet Care: Make it Eco-friendly”: http://www.wordpress-837916-4114959.cloudwaysapps.com/GreeniacsGuides/Pet-Care-Make-it-Eco-Friendly.html.
When flea, tick, or mosquito season comes around, I drown my pet in chemicals. What is the alternative?
In my experience, the conventional solutions to these problems have not worked and they have turned my pets into a toxic mess. Flea and tick season can cause a lot of stress for the animals that are infested, and mosquitoes can expose them to heartworm. Often times, the medications, solutions or other treatments can negatively affect your pet and contribute more toxins into the environment. For example, when I put flea spot treatment on my cat’s neck for the first time, he threw up for several hours after—lesson learned. Many of the pet and earth-friendly remedies you can choose from are made from plants, herbs, essential oils, and other natural ingredients. For fleas, learn how to fight them with nature with this Greeniacs Guide: http://www.wordpress-837916-4114959.cloudwaysapps.com/GreeniacsGuides/Heartworm-Prevention-A-Guide-to-the-Natural-Approach.html.
I must admit, after deciding to transition my pets to a natural lifestyle, I feel better about the decisions I am making for their livelihood and for the well being of the environment. I know that the food they are eating is making them stronger and healthier and it is not contaminating the planet. Their teeth are strong, their coats are beautiful, and they have been less prone to illness. When I decide to spoil them with toys and other accessories, I know that they are not ingesting toxins or other chemicals. Fortunately, I have not had heartworm come through my house (I like to attribute that to their strong immune systems) but I have dealt with a miserable infestation with fleas. Like I mentioned before, when I first noticed the fleas I covered my pets in chemical flea treatments that did not solve the flea problem. They had open wounds from itching so much and fleas were visibly jumping all over them and the house. It wasn’t until I showered my house in fresh lavender and eucalyptus, and treated my animals with essential oils sprays, that they finally had relief. Being a lifelong animal owner, I have learned from many of my mistakes regarding their well being. I am now a firm believer in taking a natural approach to their care. I truly believe it is better for your pet and for the environment.
