Our Pets Are Going Green! Are Yours?

I have always been an avid animal lover and pet owner.  While growing up I adopted many different pets, including rabbits, hamsters, frogs, lizards, cats, dogs, horses, birds, guinea pigs, and more.  If I had kept going, I could have moved expanded into a business!   Today, our home continues to expand to our four legged friends including our German Shepherd Hondo, who patrols the home, making sure the others behave, two cats, two gerbils, 4 bearded dragons, an iguana, 4 gecko lizards, and 2 chameleons.  Now make no mistake the only pet I own is Hondo, the others that have come to call this home are owned by my son and his wife.  Most all of these wonderful creatures have been adopted from others who no longer wanted them.   This made me want to blog about how much pets, no matter what kind, are very much included in our quest to be green!   

                                                                       Remember, first when wanting a pet realize it is a long-termcommitment of 10 or more years.  Second, make sure your home and surroundings are conducive for the type of pet you are considering.  Third, realize when taking on a pet, the first few weeks or even months they will need added care to adapt to their surroundings.  It takes time to get to know one another, not to mention getting accustomed to a new home and routine.  

When you do decide to venture out for your pet, please first consider looking at the County Animal Shelter in your area.   There are so many wonderful pets that have been abandoned or taken to these shelters that need a good, secure, loving home.  Many already have their necessary shots, and have been spayed or neutered.  If for some reason this does not work out for you, before going to the pet store, first check your local paper under classifieds for individuals giving away, or selling their pets. 

If your are getting any type of reptile, like a turtle, or lizard, remember they require a mostly contained environment and tremendous care. A great way to stay help your environment is to use recycled goods for the items you will need.   Visit your local flea market, farmers market, or check your local paper for the items you will need. My daughter-in-law purchased all used tanks, and equipment for the reptiles that she rescued.  Not only did she acquire the used tanks from the farmers market, she also purchased rocks, plastic and silk vines, woods logs and burrows, heating pads and lights, and more.  She not only helped her environment by recycling used equipment, she also saved an enormous amount of money.  She is doing the same with much of their food, by creating her own re-hatching methods with crickets, worms, and flies.

If your getting a cat or dog, when looking for toys, you can always find items at flea markets and garage sales. Our Hondo loves any type of old used toy, however his favorite is merely a stick outside that we throw.  If you purchase a new toy make sure they are made from recycled materials or sustainable fibers such as hemp.   You can also buy items made strictly from organic materials too.   Of course cats are more easily entertained, as just a simple ball of yarn can keep them busy for hours.  

When feeding your dogs or cats, you also think healthy, natural and organic.  All natural and organic pet foods use meats that are raised in low-chemical, humane ways without added drugs or hormones.  Of course certified organics can be more expensive than their counterparts, but worth it knowing your pets are not eating potentially hazardous foods.  I have included a website here that offers organic and natural foods.  http://www.onlynaturalpet.com

When it comes to washing your pets, there are many organic and natural shampoos on the market.  Please always avoid toxic flea and tick repellents, as they aren't safe and over time can build up resulting in poisoning pets and wildlife alike.   Try natural remedies that have been proven over time, such as citrus extract, neem, tea tree, lavender and regular use of a flea comb should help with vacuuming regulary.  For many years I have used brewers yeast and garlic in dog food.  In the future the company I love Zoegetics will also offer these products, but in the meantime, I have included a website here that offers organic and natural shampoos.  http://www.onlynaturalpet.com

A last tidbit for cat lovers and their litter box.  Please only buy the litter made from recycled material such as sawmill scrap or waste from wheat or corn.  It is biodegradable and lighter.

For more about us or Zoegetics:  www.zoelifestyle.com/mspell