Taking care of our environment has become a necessity these days. We all know of the fate that awaits us if we don’t. However, having a pet is counterintuitive, as having a pet can lead to a similar carbon footprint as owning an SUV. Did you know dogs contribute around seven percent of yearly environmental change effects? Sounds unbelievable, right. Unfortunately, it’s true.

So, is there nothing we can do to care for the environment as pet parents? Well, there is! You can take various small steps to reduce your and your pet’s carbon footprint. These will help embark on a sustainability path and help care for the environment. 

So, what exactly are we talking about? Read on to find out.

1. Adopt a Pet, Instead of Buying One

The first thought we have when we want a pet at home is to buy one. We hardly think about adopting at all. However, if you do care for the environment, do consider adopting a pet the next time. Here’s why!

Most businesses involved in pet selling transport pets from diverse areas. Transportation adds to the emission of carbon dioxide and other gasses into the atmosphere. Adopting a stray or sheltering a pet can help you leave a smaller environmental impact. 

By adopting a local pet, you also stop supporting unethical breeding, reduce the risk of diseases associated with importing, and also save money.

2. Switch to Sustainable Food Options

Pets such as cats and dogs are carnivores. Beef and other non-vegetarian food items contribute to greenhouse gas emissions at various stages. Thus, one of the best things you can do for the environment is to feed your pet sustainable food items.

If you have a pet dog at home, you can switch to sustainable dog food items, such as insect dog food, cricket dog food, and sustainable fish treats for dogs. These food items are sourced with sustainable practices and have a lower impact on the environment.

For example, crickets emit about 100 times fewer greenhouse gases, use 2000 times less water, and require 12 times less feed compared to beef while producing the same amount of protein. Thus, cricket-based foods prove to be a better option environmentally.

Moreover, such foods also have good hypoallergenic properties. They are excellent for feeding pets having food allergies. So, if you have a dog who is allergic to multiple food items, you can try hypoallergenic dog treats. These treats will provide them with all the required nutrition without causing any adverse effects on their health. Plus, these hypoallergenic dog foods are good for your dog’s gut health. Your pet—and the planet—will thank you.

3. Resist Overbuying Pet Supplies

When becoming a pet parent, you might feel like you need to provide your pets with the finest items. It’s very natural to feel that way. But, excessive spending on unnecessary toys and products is a serious environmental issue. Why? Because it can increase waste generation.

The health of humans and others can be harmed by environmental pollution brought on by garbage. Thus, it is crucial to consider the products your pet truly needs, even when you are purchasing from eco-friendly pet product vendors.

So, henceforth remember to not go overboard with your pet supplies as it can impact the environment.

4. Switch to Eco-Friendly Options 

There are various eco-friendly alternatives available for different pet items. They have the same applications and provide the same benefits but cause little to no impact on the environment compared to their counterparts.

For example, you can switch to sustainable rope toys, bamboo dog leashes, recycled mats, compostable poop bags, and others to reduce the environmental impact.

5. Dispose of Waste Produced by Your Pet Correctly

While it may be tempting to flush or throw away pet waste simply, this can actually do more harm than good. 

When pet waste enters the sewage system, it can end up in waterways, where it can contaminate the water supply and harm aquatic life. Furthermore, pet waste that is thrown in the garbage can end up in landfills, where it will release harmful chemicals into the ground. 

The best way to dispose of pet waste is to scoop it up with a biodegradable or compostable bag and put it in the trash. Biodegradable or compostable bags are broken down by microorganisms and converted into compost. 

So along with your pet’s poop, the bag too is put to good use and helps to improve the soil quality. This will help keep our environment clean and safe for people and animals.

6. Prevent Your Pet From Overeating

As a pet parent, you play an important role in taking care of the environment. One way you can do this is by preventing your pet from overeating. Animals that are fed too much often produce more waste than they would if they were eating a healthy diet. 

This waste can end up polluting the air, water, and soil. In addition, overeating can lead to obesity in pets, which can cause a range of health problems. Moreover, meat producers face a higher demand as more individuals overfeed their pets. This again increases the impact on the environment.

Thus, by feeding appropriate portions, not only will your pet be happier and healthier, but you’ll also be doing your part to protect the planet. So next time you’re tempted to give your furry friend a little extra food, remember that moderation is key.

7. Utilize Natural Cleaning Products

As a pet parent, you want to take care of your furry friend and create a healthy, safe environment for them to live in. A great way to do this is by using natural cleaning products around your home. This is because many conventional cleaning products contain chemicals that can be harmful to both pets and the environment. 

For example, bleach is a common ingredient in many cleaners that can irritate a pet’s skin and respiratory system. In addition, when bleached cleaner runoff enters the water supply, it can cause problems for wildlife. 

On the other hand, natural cleaners are made with ingredients like vinegar and baking soda that are safe for both pets and the planet. So, next time you’re at the store, be sure to look for natural cleaning products that will help you create a healthy home for your beloved pet.

8. Don’t Forget to Give Your Pet Regular Grooming

Grooming helps to remove loose hair, dander, and dirt, which can otherwise end up in the air or waterways. It also helps to reduce shedding, which can help keep your home clean and reduce the amount of vacuuming you must do. 

In addition, regular grooming can help to prevent mats and tangles from forming, which can make it easier for your pet to move around and stay comfortable. By taking care of your pet’s coat, you can help to take care of the environment as well.

Utilizing non-toxic cleansers, shampoos, and soaps is crucial in this regard. By doing this, you will stop toxic materials from leaking into the water drains. In addition, hazardous substances present in shampoos might end up irritating your pet’s skin.

Conclusion

No matter how adorable and loving they are, unfortunately, our pets contribute negatively to the environment. That being said, it is not hard to adopt environmentally-friendly methods without compromising on their care and love, as explained in the article.

We hope that you will diligently incorporate the tips mentioned in the blog to reduce your pet’s environmental impact. Do you have any other ideas that can help take care of the environment as a pet parent? We would love to know!