How To Be An Eco-Friendly Pet Owner

Making small changes in our daily lives can help fight climate change, but what about the impact our pets have?

There’s lots of ways for us humans to be more environmentally conscious, such as walking to work or eating less meat. But as a pet owner, did you know that your beloved animal companion can leave a major carbon ‘pawprint’ on the environment?

Between the plastic toys and the ecological impact of their faeces, our pets are major polluters. There are, however, a few ways pet-owners can incorporate more eco-friendly habits into how they care for their pets.

Some small changes and adjustments can go much further than you might think, which can not only lower your pet’s carbon impact on the planet, but also help improve their health and wellbeing. Read below our top ways to be a more environmentally friendly pet parent.

1. Scoop the Poop

Each year, there is a huge amount of dog waste created. This causes a significant environmental problem if it’s not cleaned up, as dog faeces can contain bacteria, parasites, and pathogens that are extremely harmful to the environment, other animals and even humans.

Rainwater does not break down dog waste, so it flows right into the drainage systems. This contaminated water is transported into lakes, streams, and rivers, causing harm to any living things in the water, and anyone that comes into contact with it could become seriously sick. As well, it can release damaging nutrients that will cause excessive growth of algae and weeds in the water, making it difficult for people to swim, fish, or even boat in.

Even if it is just in your garden, dog poop can contain some micro-organisms such as roundworms or e-coli, which hang around and survive for up to four years if not picked up. Think about how often you use your back garden, especially coming into the summer months, and what microscopic beasts could be lurking there if dog poop is ignored.

Invest in some compostable dog poop bags such as M-PETS Poo Compostable & Biodegradable Waste Bags or a pooper ‘scooper’ such as M-PETS Foldable Waste Scoop to help cut down on your single-use plastic.

2. Sustainable Cat Litter

Changing your cat’s litter to an eco-friendly option is a great way to help reduce your kitty’s carbon footprint! Often made from recycled paper, woodchip or vegetable fibres, these environmentally friendly options are often flush-able, biodegradable and compostable making them a great choice for those looking to make the move from silicone or clay based cat litter. For eco-friendly cat litter, we recommend:

• NATURE’S ECO -n an eco-friendly, sustainable and renewable cat litter, made from 100% recycled paper – and their packaging is also recyclable!
• WOODY Cat Litter is a wood pellet based litter made from 100% recycled wood. This litter is highly absorbent and compostable making it a very sustainable choice.
• M-PETS Organic Bamboo Cat Litter – as the name suggests, this eco-friendly option is made from the highly sustainable bamboo plant which is contains natural antibacterial, antioxidant and deodorizing abilities to protect your pet and ensure a fresh smelling house.

4. Go Natural

Small pet parent? Avoid synthetic bedding for your small pet and opt for natural products such as hay, straw or woodchip. They are more sustainable and can be composted too. Some options to consider trying out are WOODLANDS Meadow Hay Large Pack, which consists of pure meadow hay, making them the ideal option for the eco-conscious pet parent.

Before choosing a natural bedding for your small pet, always make sure they are suitable for your pet’s species, but as always, we are on-hand if you have any questions, so just have a chat with your Petmania Pet Care Advisor.

5. Green Grooming

By incorporating some eco-friendly products into your at-home grooming routine, you’re not only helping to keep the earth green, but you’re helping your dog stay healthy and happy too! Our top recommedations are…

1. HOWND Keep Calm Natural Conditioning Shampoo

HOWND Keep Calm Natural Conditioning Shampoo 250ml deeply cleanses while being gentle on your dog’s skin and coat. This shampoo has been tailored to reduce shedding, while conditioning and strengthening your dog’s fur. This pH-balanced formula contains wheat protein, oatmeal, argan oil and aloe vera leaf juice – making a dog’s skin feel nourished, while conditioning the fur to make it easy to brush.

2. HOWND Got An Itch? Moisturising Body Mist, 250ml

HOWND Got An Itch? Moisturising Body Mist 250ml can be sprayed onto a dog’s dry fur after bathing and between washes. This will help soothe and nourish dry and flaky skin, whilst giving it a gleaming, static free and refreshed coat. This pH-balanced formula contains aloe vera leaf juice, oat kernel, wheat protein and argan oil – which together help keep your dog’s skin and coat nourished. Ideal for keeping your pooch smelling great!

Any questions? We would be more than happy to help.

There are range of eco-friendly pet options available and our team in-store are available to help you to find the one that is most suitable to your pet’s needs.

Check out our full range of eco-friendly pet care products below.