5 Eco-Friendly Essentials for “Responsible Pet Owner’s Month”

February is “Responsible Pet Owner’s” month and World of Green suggest these “must-have’s” to ensure your pet is safe and happy and your quality of life with your furry friend lasts forever.

1. Properly Identify Your Pet
Unfortunately in the U.S., a family pet is lost every two seconds resulting in over 10 million pets becoming lost each year. Of these, only one in 10 lost pets are ever found according to the National Humane Society and the National Council of Pet Population Study and Policy. The Blanket ID is one of the best, most affordable ways to protect your pets. Unlike expensive microchips, these stylish IDs not only make great accents to their collars, but they link your pet’s owner details online allowing your lost precious pooch or feline friend to be found, identified and returned home faster. Simply register your pet ID tag online including any pet photos. In the event your pet strays from home, simply report your pet missing using the Blanket ID number which automatically sends a broadcast email to local animal hospitals, shelters, Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and other local Blanket ID members so that everybody has 24/7 access to a full description and photos to help identify your lost pet. This affordable tag also lasts longer than engraved pet tags, which often fade and are undetectable.

2. Remove Pet Dander & Breathe Easier
If you or a member of your family is part of the 15% of the population allergic to pets, there are things you can do to help keep allergic reactions under control. Here are some tips in making your home more comfortable and dander-free.

• Clean and vacuum regularly
• Bathe your pet weekly
• Try restricting your pets from the bedroom
• Switch your light bulbs to Pet CFLs with a built-in ionizer to remove allergens & pet dander from the air

• Do not allow your pet on the furniture

• Brush your pet daily

Many pet owners suffer from itchy, watery eyes and coughing and sneezing. The new Pet CFL from Purely Products eliminates pet dander so you can breathe easier. Each “energy-star certified” Pet CFL is wrapped with an ionizer that collects the pet dander right out of the air when the light is on. Because allergens collect on fur and adhere to walls for long periods of time, Pet CFLs use ionizing technology to permanently remove dander from the air and is more affordable than purchasing air purifiers.

3. Bag it with Biodegradables
If you’re in the habit of using freebie plastic grocery bags to dispose of your pet’s waste, think again. These bags are anything but free since they cost our wild life and environment plenty. Every year, around 500 million plastic bags are used worldwide which equates to over one million bags damaging and polluting the environment every minute. Be a responsible dog owner and don’t put pet waste in plastic bags that pollute the earth. Put Fido’s “do-do” in biodegradable bags like Green Doggie Bags that naturally decomposes and don’t add more waste to over-crowded landfills.
Each green doggie bag has convenient handles that makes it easy to carry and tie up your waste.

4. Keep Your Pet Moving
Is your pet slowing down or not quite as active as before? Approximately 25-30% of family pets suffer from arthritis also referred by veterinarians as DJD (degenerative joint disease). Arthritis in pets is just as painful and debilitating as it is in humans, but there are many things you can do to prevent this chronic condition.

a. Keep your pet active – Regular exercise can actually prevent future arthritis flare-ups. Regular light exercise allows your dog or cat’s natural body fluids to lubricate the joints, allowing them to move smoothly.
b. Watch your dog’s weight – Obese dogs have a high chance of developing arthritis. This is because their legs are suffering too much from the extra weight. Being overweight puts lot of strain on your dog’s limbs, which will eventually cause the cartilage to deteriorate. Dogs that are within their ideal weight are not as likely to develop arthritis even as they enter their senior years.

c. Prevent Pet Inflammation– A good way to care for your dog’s arthritis, hip dysplasia or joint condition is with natural, safe holistic pet supplements instead of pharmaceuticals medicines that are harmful to your pet’s liver and kidneys. Glucosamine-based remedies like FlexPet and Joint Resolution are excellent natural solutions that help reduce further damage and increase your pet’s mobility. FlexPet delivers the crucial ingredients MSM and cetyl myristoleate in tablet form and has been proven to promote healthy joints in pets. If you prefer liquid forms, Joint Resolution with collagen is another exceptional choice. Collagen, the most abundant protein found in joint cartilage is found in Bio Cell Collagen Type II and helps build new cartilage and reduces further damage to the joints. This patented, all natural ingredient found in Joint Resolution is extremely absorbable improving your pet’s overall activity.

5. Pamper Your Pet

Grooming your pet not only ensures your pet stays healthy, but it’s the best way to reduce allergies from your pet by keeping them dander and flea free. Professional pet grooming can be very expensive, so investing in natural pet grooming products is a great way to save money. Plus, when you groom your pet regularly, you can prevent expensive trips to the vet by spotting any early conditions. Natural shampoos like Comfy Dog Oatmeal Shampoo relieve dry itchy skin problems and prevent reactions to poisonous plants and insect bites. Free of parabens, detergents, and artificial chemicals, Happy Tails specializes in effective solution-based products for a range of common pet issues like Ear Aid wipes with pre-moistened pads to prevent frequent ear infections and Flea the Scene, a “must-have” spray which is perfect to apply on active dogs keeping them free from fleas. Besides achieving obvious health benefits from grooming your pet, you can also reap the extra benefits of bonding with your pet emotionally and physically during regular at-home grooming sessions.