Earth Day is coming up April 22nd. Many people are making real efforts—and great strides—towards living more sustainable, eco-friendly lifestyles, and helping preserve and protect our beautiful planet. There are also some things you can do to reduce your pet’s carbon paw print. A Burlington, ON vet offers some tips below.
Many household items can find a second life as goods for your pet. You can turn an old end table with doors into a cute bed for a cat, or give a toddler’s mattress a new purpose as a doggy bed. You’ll find many more great ideas online.
Consider making your pet’s toys. Grow small pots of organic catnip on your windowsill. Make kitty playthings out of them by stuffing the dried herb into baby socks, and sew the opening shut. As for Fido, you can make him a doggy toy out of an old tee shirt or towel. Braid the strips together, and then braid the braids together. Tie the whole thing off in a knot.
Instead of using paper towels to clean spills and messes, opt for washable microfiber cloths or old towels.
Buying in bulk can cut back on the amount of packaging you use. Of course, you don’t want to go too crazy: if you buy too much kibble, some of it may go stale before you get to use it.
Try to cut down on your use of plastics. The next time you get new dishes for your furry friend, opt for stainless steel or glass instead.
When purchasing food, toys, treats, or other pet products, choose ones that use sustainable resources. This applies to cleaning products as well. (Bonus: many eco-friendly cleaners are also less toxic, and therefore less dangerous to pets.) You can also get biodegradable kitty litter and waste baggies.
Pet overpopulation is a serious problem, and one of the main reasons that there are so many homeless pets in shelters. Make sure your furry buddy doesn’t contribute to the issue!
When you’re ready to adopt a new pet, head for a shelter instead of a pet store. This is also a great way to find your animal companion!
Please reach out to us, your Burlington, ON vet clinic, for all your pet’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!