The Eco-Conscious Canine

The green movement has unquestionably swept the nation and by now, you have probably jumped aboard the environmental band wagon and are doing your share to ensure the longevity of our planet for generations to come. Maybe you hang your clothes out to dry, carpool to work, and are tenacious about recycling. But did you also know that it’s possible to reduce your dog’s carbon paw print? We don’t expect your pup to start picking up litter on the sidewalk during your daily walks, (though we’ve heard it’s possible, Ruby a golden from Colorado does just that) but there are small lifestyle changes that can be made which are not only better for the planet but also your cuddly canine.  In honor of Earth Day, we have outlined some green-savvy tips to help you and Fido help the planet.

-Biodegradable Poop Bags: If you haven’t yet made the jump to canvas bags, use all those leftover plastic bags as poop bags on your dog’s walk. If you are already a canvas bag junkie, pat yourself on the back and use bio-degradable bags for your dog’s eliminations. These bags are compostable and can be flushed down the toilet so they don’t sit stagnant taking up space in landfills. 

-Donate dog toys: No one understands more than we do that your dog is your child. But having two toy boxes full of dog toys might be overwhelming for your dog, not to mention wasteful. Buy durable toys that won’t be destroyed an hour after your dog gets hold of them, and give them a quick wash when they get dirty. You can donate toys you no longer want to shelters where homeless dogs would be more than happy to play the day away with Fido’s hand-me downs.

-Green your dog products: As the environmental movement gains ground, so too do natural products ranging from your shampoo to the paper towels you use. The dog industry has seen its share of amazing innovative earth friendly products. From compostable dog food Becobowls, made from natural fibers like bamboo, to toys made at Planet Dog from leftover recycled materials.

-Spay or neuter: Spaying and/or neutering your dog not only fixes numerous behavioral problems but ensures we don’t continue to overpopulate our planet with canines that may wind up in shelters.

-Adopt a dog: Shelters across the country are overflowing with dogs that have come across hard times. Provide them with the loving warm family they desire and deserve. Let’s celebrate the lives of wonderful dogs already in this world!

These are only a few helpful tips. How have you and your dog gone green?

Sources: dogtime.com

The Hunt for the Best Dog Toy

A long time ago, in far simpler times, the question of which toy(s) to purchase your dog never plagued the human population. There was either a bone or a stick from the backyard. But experience and common sense has shown that sticks and bones aren’t the safest playthings for your pup. More popular today are rawhides and chewing sticks, but even these pose some risks to your dog’s health. Because of this, efforts have been made to produce better, safer toys that produce a variety of squeaks, moos, and even songs. The sky’s the limit! And while having an array of options is great, it can be overwhelming. If you’re struggling to decide where to put your money in the canine toy arena, we can help! The following is our “Pick of the Litter” of dog toys, and methods of deciding which is best for your particular pooch.

Chew Style

What type of chewer is your dog? Does your pal rip all toys to shreds, or gently nibble? If your dog tends to settle down with a toy and really go at it, it’s best to purchase playthings that are made of durable rubber like Kongs made by the Kong Company®. Kongs have been known to withstand the roughest chewers. When the rubber begins to crack and tear, its time to throw it out and buy another.

If your dog has a softer approach to playing, or loves toys that squeak and squeal, consider sewn plush toys. Canvas toys are a terrific option for rough chewers that are fans of the squeak. Semi-aggressive chompers can also enjoy rope toys which break apart less easily and are wonderful for your pet’s dental health.

Planet Dog has even devised a system to aid consumers in the purchase of dog toys called the Chew-o-Meter. Their system takes into account the chewing style of your pup compared to the durability of their products to help you make the best purchase possible. Furthermore, 2% of your purchase is used to fund the training of service dogs. 

Know Your Material

It is important to be aware of the materials used to make your dog’s toy because they spend a lot of time in your canine’s mouth where harmful substances can be easily absorbed. Be careful; the Consumer Product Safety Commission only deems pet toys harmful if they put the owner at risk! As mentioned previously, Kongs® and Nylabones® are safe products that are made without harmful toxins but if you are unsure, check the label.

Safety First

Instead of smaller toys that may be a choking risk, stick to Frisbees and large balls that can’t reach the back of your dog’s mouth. A reader of The Bark recommends lacrosse balls which are large and come in a variety of fun colors. In addition, regularly check all toys for cracks or holes so that your dog’s mouth stays in tip-top shape.

Forward Thinking Pet Companies

Companies like Kong®, Tough by Nature, and Planet Dog are innovative toy producers that keep the safety of your pet in mind. They constantly take our pets’ needs and health concerns to heart and consistently provide new modes of fun and recreation.

The dog toy frontier is also pioneered by designers who wish to actively and mentally engage dogs with puzzle-like toys that require your pet to move pieces in order to reveal hidden treats. Nina Ottosson has a line a of dog toys that seek to work the canine brain by encouraging them to discover concealed treats using their nose and paws. Some of Ottosson’s products are made from particle board and should not be eaten or chewed, so it is important to watch your dog while playing with them. Another great option is the Buster Cube, which comes in different size cubes that must be rolled around in order to dispense the treats inside. Resembling a gumball machine, the Yuppy Puppy Food and Treat Machine has a large bone handle that when pressed down by your pup’s paw, dispenses treats! However, if you have any hesitations about whether your dog will chew off pieces of these brain teasers toys, opt to only use them when you can monitor your dog.

To keep the good times rolling for you and your best friend, consider your dog’s safety and well-being when selecting from the large range of toy options on the pet market today. Ready, set, play!

Sources: Sheila Pell The Bark.com
The Happy Dog Spot