Your Guide To Green

As we move into the 21st Century, society is embracing the idea of using natural and organic products for our bodies and in our homes. Living a more holistic lifestyle is taking center stage in many people's lives across the nation -- including caring for pets!

It stands to reason that if using botanically based and natural products has been shown to increase our vitality and our quality of life, our furry family members will enjoy the same benefits, which can translate into fewer visits to the Vet! Since they fill our lives with unconditional love it's important to make the best choices about our pets' health and environment. There are numerous human-grade, holistic and organic pet products available today. It is just a matter of searching them out.

Changing foods is a good place to start your pet off to a healthier lifestyle. A few of the better-known brands are Wellness, Nature's Variety and Natural Balance. The range of human-grade and holistic pet foods has increased in the last few years. You can even buy 100 percent organic food now. If you want to go natural gradually, I recommend starting with the quality of pet food that you purchase.

Unfortunately, where there is food there is poop. But never fear Scoopies makes biodegradable poop mitts to help you clean up your yard or to take along on a walk. It is the environmentally responsible way to pick up after your pet. Kind of like “magic� these mitt-shaped bags will harmlessly degrade into CO2 and H2O after 18 months!

Cleaning up applies to our pets too. Today there are several fantastic organic grooming products on the market such as Pal Dog's lavender and aloe shampoo and conditioner. These products contain organic Aloe Vera, sunflower seed, calendula, lavender and white tea to leave your pet sweet and clean. And if bugs crop up, Ark Naturals will help make these pests disappear with its Neem shampoo and spray products made with environmentally friendly natural botanicals. These amazing products are DEET free and can protect your pets from biting insects such as mosquitoes, flies, fleas and ticks. AND you can use it too! If your kitty would rather groom itself, you might want to buy Hairball Gel from Vetbasis. A lick-able hairball relief, this chicken flavored gel is petroleum, sugar and sodium free which makes it safe for diabetic kitties too!

Speaking of fleas and pests, Azmira, a holistic Tucson-based pet company, makes garlic gel caps to keep your pet's immune system in top shape and better able to ward off the bugs too. Azmira also makes Yucca Intensive a natural steroid supplement that cleanses the liver and kidneys to promote blood flow and tissue repair. This tincture is wonderful for flare-ups of irritating allergies, arthritis, bone and joint problems, colic and soft tissue swelling. It can reduce pain without the gastric side effects. If you are looking for a good every day supplement, Prozyme produces an all-natural enzyme food supplement that increases the absorption of vital nutrients in your pet's diet. It can help with a myriad of problems from hairballs to digestive disorders to skin problems and even smelly gas release. Ark Naturals Royal Coat Express is made with all-natural, human-quality ingredients. These pure fish and borage oils will work miracles on pets that experience excessive shedding, scratching, hotspots, or have wounds that are slow to heal.

Since every dog has his day, why not reward him or her with a toy by Simply Fido. These saliva-resistant and durable dog toys are made with organic fabrics and natural dyes that make these non-toxic toys unique. There are adorable bears, monkeys, rabbits, even sock monkeys for your doggie to carry around the house. When it is time for your pet to take a rest consider a West Paw Eco Nap Mat. These incredibly soft and plush mats are made from recycled soda bottles! They are durable and machine washable too. This Montana Company makes lots of great products that minimally impact the environment. If you are interested in a bigger pet bed take a look at Big Shrimpy. Their pet beds are made entirely with eco-friendly fabrics and materials. Your pet can be earth friendly even as it sleeps!

Whether you are looking for nutrition supplements or just a new toy, there are lots of wonderful green products out there for your pet. You can find them at many independent pet product retailers, at a few big box retailers or even on the Internet.