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By Nancy Cope

Use these four tips to become an eco-friendly dog owner.

1. Spay or Neuter Your Dog
There is no doubt about it, pet overpopulation is a huge problem, in North America at least. In fact over 3 million animals are euthanized each year in shelters in America. Do the right thing and spay or neuter your dog and stop the pet overpopulation problem.

2. Waste Not, Want Not
Dog feces can actually be a benefit instead of a burden if you use it wisely. First and foremost though, never wrap your doggy poo in a plastic bag and then throw it away. The plastic will not decompose and it will preserve the waste for hundreds of years, a tribute I’m sure neither you nor your dog will appreciate. Instead, try composting the waste and using it on flower beds (but never vegetable because of issues with bacteria).

3. Buy Quality, Organic Food
You can be an eco-friendly dog owner by also buying organic foods for your dog. These foods are made from healthy cows and chickens and crops without pesticides, which is better for the Earth. Quality food will also help your dog live a longer and happier life.

4. Use Natural Cleaning Products
You don’t want to soak in a chemical bath, and neither does your dog. Instead of buying regular flea shampoo look for plant based products, or even better yet try tea tree oil to keep fleas and ticks away and to soothe skin. You can also clean up dog accidents with vinegar and baking soda rather than chemical cocktails.

Being an eco-friendly pet owner really isn’t a chore, and it will make both you and your pet feel better in the long run.

Nancy Cope is the owner of four rescue dogs and Pampered Dog Gifts.