Owning a dog can have a negative impact on the environment. But you can lower your carbon pawprint by choosing greener activities to do with your dog and dog products made from sustainable, recycled, or biodegradable materials.
You can be a greener and more environmentally friendly dog owner by:
1. Using eco dog grooming products
Many dog grooming products contain chemicals that can harm the environment and your dog’s health. Select products that are made from natural, organic, and biodegradable ingredients.
2. Buying sustainable dog food
Choose dog brands that use sustainably sourced ingredients and have a green focus. Brands such as Butternut Box, offer plant-based dog food, and sustainable insect-based dog foods are now available.
If you want to try Butternut Box for half the normal price the Blue Dog Butternut Box discount code will give you 50% your first two orders.
3. Reducing waste with biodegradable poo bags
Switch to biodegradable or compostable poo bags, which break down more quickly and are less harmful to the environment.
4. Adopting a rescue dog
Adopting a dog from a rescue is a more sustainable choice than buying from a breeder. It also helps reduce the number of homeless dogs and gives a loving home to a dog in need.
5. Using green cleaning practices
Look for eco-friendly, dog safe cleaning products that don’t contain harmful chemicals. Choose biodegradable, non-toxic, and natural cleaning products to keep your home safe and healthy.
6. Minimising single-use plastics
Choose products with minimal packaging or packaging made from recycled materials. Buying sustainable dog food and dog treats in bulk help reduce packaging waste. Use stainless steel or ceramic bowls instead of plastic ones.
7. Giving away, not throwing away
Dog toys and equipment in good condition could be passed on to friends, neighbours, or local dog rescues. Rescues, and some charity shops, will welcome food and water dishes, leads, collars, towels, blankets, and beds in good condition.
8. Supporting green pet brands
When shopping for your dog, support companies that prioritise sustainability and eco-friendly practices. Buying local supports the local community and reduces your carbon footprint.
9. Doing eco-friendly dog activities
Walk your dog straight from the front door, rather than jumping in the car for a short trip. Explore local green spaces and new parts of your neighbourhood to keep walks interesting for you and your dog.
10. Buying leather alternatives
Vegan leather is an ethical alternative to traditional leather and uses fewer resources and causes less pollution to produce. Vegan leather dog products offer a range of other benefits. These include being low maintenance, durable and stylish. Take a look at the Dapper Dogwear range of vegan leather dog collars and training leads and get 10% off your first order by using BLUEDOG10 at checkout.
11. Choosing eco-friendly dog toys
There are many eco dog toys available including natural rubber balls, toys made from recycled materials and hemp rope-pull toys. Try DIY dog toys such as a home-made snuffle mat or plaiting strips of material to make a tug toy. Cardboard delivery boxes are great for fun ‘find it’ games.
12. Buying age-appropriate natural chews
Chewing has lots of health and wellbeing benefits. Choose quality natural chews such as bulls 'pizzles' and various low fat animal ears, which have a lower environmental impact than processed chews. They are also often a safer alternative to chemical laden chews such as rawhide. Please remember to always supervise your dog if you give them a chew.
Check out some of the natural chews my dogs LOVE!
Sustainable dog ownership involves making conscious choices that benefit both your pet and the planet. By making a few simple changes, you will ensure your dog leads a happy, healthy, and environmentally friendly life.
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