We would all like to do our part to live more sustainably and make the earth a better place to be—both for ourselves and for future generations. Did you know that there are several ways to care for your dog in an eco-friendly, sustainable manner? Here are a few tips from your local veterinarian on earth-friendly dog care.

Use Sustainable Pet Products

Purchasing planet-friendly dog products isn’t difficult, and it can make a huge impact when it comes to your pet’s environmental footprint. There are plenty of options out there: biodegradable dog poop bags that won’t take up space in landfills for decades; “green” grooming products, such as shampoos and conditioners; eco-friendly cleaners and stain removers for those accidents on the rug; and toys made from recycled materials are just a few examples.

Try Eco-Friendly Food

Choose dog food packaged in recyclable or biodegradable bags, and try finding companies that are committed to reducing their carbon footprint and overall environmental impact. You can also look for foods with higher quantities of plant-based ingredients versus animal-based ingredients, since animal products generally have a much larger environmental footprint than plant-based products. Try making your own dog treats, rather than purchasing them and contributing to plastic waste. Do some research online to find recipes for healthy homemade treats. Of course, you’ll always want to check with your veterinarian to make sure what you’re feeding Fido is safe.

The DIY Route

When it comes to dog care, there are many do-it-yourself options that save you money while proving environmentally friendly at the same time. Try making your own dog toys out of old T-shirts, or turning that stray couch cushion you were going to throw out into a dog bed. Steps like these cut down on plastic and packaging waste while reducing the impact on your wallet!

Adopt From Shelters

One of the most effective and simple ways to own a dog sustainably is to adopt them from a shelter. Getting your pup from a breeder or pet store means that you’re perpetuating the cycle of breeding, which is very unsustainable. When you adopt your dog from your local shelter, resources like food, toys, medicine, and even energy are freed up to help other animals who need them—you’re saving a life and helping the shelter to conserve its resources. Contact your vet clinic for even more great tips. We’re here to help!