Your Pet’s Carbon Footprint: Earth Friendly Facts, Tips and Pet Remedies for Dogs & Cats. Pets, like most other individuals on earth, do impact the environment and leave their carbon print. In general, it’s important to keep your pet as healthy as possible, schedule annual veterinary visits, check blood profiles for senior-aged pets, and do your best to keep your pet fit and lean. Being proactive when it comes to your pet’s health and wellness is as vital for Fido and Fluffy as it is for you.
Avoid Pet Over Vaccination! Vaccine titers are now being accepted in many states, for dogs and cats. Vaccine titers are simply a blood test that documents whether your pets internal level of immunity or antibodies in the blood are sufficient to offer protection from the diseases covered by the vaccination(s) itself. Vaccine titers are available for both Rabies and the core vaccines: Distemper, Hepatitis, and Parvo-Virus for dogs as well as Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calici-Virus and Pneumonitis for cats.
Your pet’s diet is critical! We are what we eat, so offering your 4-legged friend at least 2 balanced, daily meals consisting of fresh, wholesome foods and vegetables along with clean water 24/7 is the first step to help your pet enjoy a long, healthy, happy life. Certain Raw Pet Food Diets such as Stella & Chewy’s and Primal have also proven to be beneficial in our veterinary patients. Today’s pet arena even features “earth-friendly” pet medications. Buyers beware because, labels that use the word “natural” really mean nothing, it is merely a marketing technique.
Home-cooking for your pet is another option as long as you are providing your pet with a truly balanced diet. Yes, both dogs and cats can enjoy homemade diets. When formulating your pet’s diet providing 1/3 lean protein, 1/3 long acting carbs, and 1/3 fresh vegetables is a good start. Consistency and balance are key. For allergic pet’s upgrade to 50/50 lean protein and veggies, skipping the carbs. Many pets enjoy raw frozen and raw dehydrated diets available from a variety of sources. As far as labels, try to avoid Brewer’s Yeast, Additives, and Preservatives. Brewer’s Yeast is a leading cause of itching and allergies in dogs and cats. It is also an inexpensive source of B-Vitamins, generally found in lower grade supplements and products. If the first ingredient in dog or cat food isn’t a whole meat, walk away.
The Best Treat for your Pooch is a belly rub, a nice walk or a fresh vegetable. They’re healthy, low calorie and most Pets Love’em!
Dog Urine Harms Grass. Consider designating a small area of your yard for your dog’s urine; then your entire lawn won’t turn brown. Pets take a very small toll on the environment, especially when compared to people.
What about Pet Poop? Biodegradable poop bags are an option. They work and are earth friendly! Pet owners can compost their pets poop however unlike cow manure the true value remains obscure to the best of this veterinarian’s knowledge.
Earth Friendly Cat Litter is available. Yesterday’s News is a recycled newspaper, it’s a bit pricey but does biodegrade. It’s great for healing feline wounds, and because of its dust free it’s helpful for allergic cats and felines suffering from Asthma. Feline Fresh is a natural byproduct of the lumber industry. It is silica dust free, non-toxic and safe for pets and people even if ingested. World’s Best Cat Litter is also earth friendly and is made with natural corn components.