So you have decided to lead an eco-friendly and green lifestyle. You know to conserve energy, recycle, compost, use natural household products, bring your own bag, and the like. But what about Fido and Fifi? How do they live green as well? Here are some tips for helping your pet “go green”:

-Are you in the market for a pet? Look at local shelters, the Humane Society, or classified ads first. Give a pet a new home, and avoid “puppy mills.”

-Spay or neuter your pet. Unwanted puppies and kittens often end up crowding shelters and/or increasing the population of feral animals.

-Look for all-natural or organic pet foods online or in your local pet store. Most pet food is made of animal by-products (by-products not even fit for human consumption). Look for FDA certification of food-grade meat on the package.

-Buy treats and food in bulk. You will save yourself trips to the store and probably save money as well.

-If you own a cat, switch to eco-friendly cat litter. Conventional cat litter is usually made of clay that is strip-mined, and contains harsh chemicals your pet shouldn’t even be standing in. Try litter made of recycled newspaper pellets.

-Buy eco-friendly toys for your pets. Avoid toys made of plastic, as these may eventually be chewed and swallowed.

-Use natural shampoos and soaps for your pet. Their shampoos often have the same chemicals as the human shampoos we “greenies” are supposed to avoid.
-Once in a while, an accident may happen. Don’t reach for the toxic carpet or floor cleaner. Use all natural products for pet stains and odors, or make a batch of your own from common household ingredients such as vinegar and water.

-Keep your cats indoors. Feral and outdoor pet cats are responsible for many wild songbird deaths. Plus, who really wants a dead robin as a gift on the door step?

-Use biodegradable dog poop bags. Since these droppings will either end up in a landfill or incinerated, it is better to have a biodegradable, plant-based bag instead of plastic.

-Avoid using pesticides or herbicides on your lawn. Your dog will collect the pellets or residue in his paws, and either drag them into the house or lick them–or both.

-Donate old pet beds, supplies, and good-condition toys to local animal shelters or veterinary clinics.

-Look for pet pest control products (tick, flea, worm treatments) with natural ingredients. Most control products contain harmful chemicals.

Hopefully these tips are attainable for those who want a green living household. Your pets are family members. Treat them to healthy, natural, safe products, food, and surroundings.