DIANE ROSE-SOLOMON
SPECIAL TO THE MIRROR
Choosing “eco-friendly” or “green” products for our homes is becoming increasingly more common. Why not choose pet products that have a gentler impact on our environment too? Not only does this positively impact the environment, but it also positively impacts your pet’s health and our health as well.
Here are some ideas of eco-friendly products you can choose for your pet.
Plush and stylish dog beds from West Paw Design are made from recycled soda bottles. They come in many sizes and colors to suit your taste and your pet’s size. Or check out Jax and Bones for cheerful and modern prints, heavy duty and organic fabrics.
Dog toys can be toxic not only for your pet but also for your family and the environment. West Paw Design offers heavy-duty chew toys that can also be fetched to help exercise your pooch. The toys are designed to be recyclable, they don’t create waste during manufacturing, and their packaging uses recycled paper. West Paw Design donates to worthy charities and fundraising events too.
Jax and Bones non-toxic, eco-friendly rope toys were voted “Best Pet Toy” by Pet Product News in 2008. Further, a portion of each sale is donated to therescuetrain.org a non-profit dedicated to eliminate animal suffering and euthanasia through hands-on rescue work, education, and awareness.
Both West Paw Design and Jax and Bones manufacture in the United States.
Check them out at: westpawdesign.com and jaxandbones.com
Now that we’re all using reusable bags at the market (right?!) we can no longer collect plastic bags to pick up dog waste. That’s actually a good thing because those plastic bags will just sit in a landfill and take thousands of years to decompose. Instead, try the Bon Ton biodegradable bags by United Pets. In addition to being eco-friendly, they come with a handy dispenser that clips onto the leash so you always have a bag with you on your walk. unitedpets.it/eng/azienda.asp
Happy Tails grooming line of shampoos and washes are all eco-friendly and cruelty-free. Happy Tails offers products for Itchy Skin, Matted and Dull Coat, Smelly Dog, Eye and Ear, Nervous Dog, and Older Dog. They work great, smell good and are good for the environment. happytailsspa.com
If your family is eating more healthful organic food it’s probably because you recognize the benefits for you and our planet. Our pets are part of our family too and deserve the same high quality food for their health and the sake of the environment. Evangers, Newmans Own, and Belly Rubs offer high quality organic pet food that your pet will love. evangersdogfood.com/dog/organic_dog, newmansownorganics.com/pet, and meyercountryfarms.com
Naturally strong and eco-friendly hemp collars and leashes can be found at Planet Dog. The collars are made with a nylon-reinforced, plastic, quick-release buckle for extra durability and they will stand up to the more rigorous salt-water swims. They are fleece lined to ensure optimal comfort for your best friend. Two percent of sales go to planetdogfoundation.org, which provides cash grants and in-kind support to programs throughout the country that train, place, and support service dogs who work to help people in need. planetdog.com
Odor free Bully Sticks from Free Range Dog Chews come in different sizes and shapes and are great to take your dog’s mind off chewing your shoes. Your dog will love the long-lasting-free-range chews that help clean teeth, satisfy boredom, ease anxiety and fulfill their urge to chew. freerangedogchews.com
Organikat is home to the world’s most planet-friendly organic catnip. Let your cat scratch the eco-friendly way on the Worlds Grooviest Cat Scratcher with organic catnip. It is the most responsible way your cats can express their natural instincts, plus it will save your furniture. organikat.com/organikat
Cat toys stuffed with 100 percent premium organic catnip will keep your kitty entertained for hours. The healthiest choice for cats and our planet. Check out West Paw Design’s Cat Toys. westpawdesign.com/catalog/cats
Please visit the websites included for more information about these products. Many of these products can also be found at Healthy Spot Pet Stores in Santa Monica and West Hollywood.
Adopting a rescue pet is also eco-friendly. There are so many shelter dogs and cats in need of a permanent loving home. Choosing a rescue pet over a purchased one will not solve the pet overpopulation problem, only responsible pet owners can do that, but it does give many animals a chance they otherwise would not have had. Check out petfinder.com for your perfect pet.
Finally, spaying and neutering your pet is the most eco-friendly and humane thing you can do to help cut down on pet over-population. According to the Humane Society of the United States, millions of pets are destroyed and it’s a needless tragedy. By spaying and neutering your pet, you can be an important part of the solution. Plus, spaying or neutering your pet offers other health benefits to your pet. Contact your veterinarian today and be sure to let your family and friends know that they should do the same. For more information on the importance of spay and neuter please visit the Humane Society. humanesociety.org/issues/pet_overpopulation/facts/spay_neuter_myths_facts.
Check out this site for affordable Spay and Neuter resources in the Los Angeles area: pawdsquad.org/spay_neuter2
Diane Rose-Solomon is a Certified Humane Education Specialist. Please visit her website Save Our Pets People and Planet www.sop3.com.
Contact Diane Rose-Solomon
diane@smmirror.com
