Dogs are wonderful companions and most of us can't imagine life without them. However, some hard-core environmentalists claim that living with them is really hard on the planet. Since it's not likely that dog lovers will give up their pals just to be green, here are some things to do to make sure you have the least amount of impact. - If you're looking to get a dog, make sure to rescue. Also consider getting a smaller dog. - Spay and neuter to avoid overpopulation. - Buy food that is organic and grown/made in the USA. Support companies that use environmentally-friendly packaging and/or encourage your favorite companies to consider changing their packaging. If you want to go the extra mile - make your own dog food using ingredients that have little or no packaging such as bulk flours, beans, and vegetables. - Find a local vet, groomer, and day care facility so you don't have to drive far. Extra mile: do (most of) your own grooming. - Don't drive to the dog park. Walk there if you can, or if you're too far away take a stroll around your neighborhood instead. - Always pick up dog waste, and use biodegradable bags to do so. Extra mile: compost it (seriously). - Purchase non-toxic dog care products like shampoos and pesticide control. - Properly dispose of any unused/leftover medications. Like human medications, don't flush them down the toilet. Instead, remove all personal identification from the container, crush or dissolve all medication in water, place in a sealed bag, and put in the trash. Extra mile: see if there's a local waste management facility or pharmacy that collects unused medication. - Choose high quality toys that are manufactured in the USA, non-toxic, and made from eco-friendly materials. Extra mile: make your own toys - dogs are happy with a stick from the woods, empty bottles, and rags turned into a tug rope.
