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How To Be an Eco-Friendly Pet Parent

Pet Care Tips 6 min read
How to Become a More Eco-Friendly Pet Parent

For some pet parents, the goal of becoming more eco-friendly is for the bigger picture, whether it is to ease climate change, reduce gas emissions, or lessen global warming. And for some, it is to protect your furmily and loved ones from toxic pollution. No matter where you belong, don’t forget to ask yourself these questions, why should you go green and how can I be an eco-friendly pet parent?

Becoming a more eco-friendly pet parent helps reduce pollution and increase the quality of life. With so many extreme weather changes, heatwaves, and large storms, it’s important to be mindful of the little things we do every day. Waste, plastic, transportation, electricity, and chemical fertilizers are common causes of air pollution. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), exposure to air pollution kills an estimated 4.2 million people per year.

Every single contribution to keep the Earth green counts. Below are some tips you can do to live a more green lifestyle with your little one.

Get Your DIY On With NHV Products!

Make a fun toy with the shipping box

You can create a puzzle or a comfy hide-out place for your fur kid with our shipping boxes. Giving your pet puzzle toys can help stimulate their brains, learn new skills, and keep them on their toes!

There are multiple ways to making a puzzle toy box, so let your creativity fly! A simple way to start is to use a utility or x-acto knife to start cutting out shapes in the cardboard! If you want the shapes to look more organized, mark them with a pencil or marker before cutting.

Pet’s paw shapes

Make sure you cut the shape big enough for your pet’s paw to get inside. Once you are done making the shapes, it’s time to put in some toys, treats, or a little catnip. Have fun watching them pouting and playing with the box!

Kitten in the box

Cat owners also know that their feline companions love to snuggle up in a box. A cozy box makes them feel comfy and protected.

Reuse the glass bottle

You can reuse the NHV bottle for many things after removing all the labels, washing the bottle, and drying them. You can use it as a small vase for flower buds or dainty blooms whether real or dried.

Perfume spray

You can also use the bottles as storage for things like spices, sprays, or even homemade perfume. Organize your space with a unique style and eco-friendliness!

Reduce Plastics

Be picky and buy less

Since you will need to frequently stock up on food and litter for your furkiddo, look for bulk packages instead of single and small bags whenever you go shopping. It helps reduce the use of wrapping and cut down the packaging waste. Smart shopping is one of the most effective ways to help the environment and save your budget. Some pet stores even have the option to buy food and supplies without packaging if you bring your own containers.

Switch to compostable waste bags

As the world is drowning in plastics, using a composable doggy poop bag over a biodegradable one can greatly support the environment because it will decompose faster. It also doesn’t leave behind microplastics, which are the small plastic bits broken down from biodegradable products.

Paw-hug certified organic food

BHA, BHT, sweeteners, artificial colors, and ethoxyquin may cause allergies and even be cancer in pets. Look for natural preservatives that contain plant extracts, vitamin E, or vitamin C. Artificial colors and flavors may make the food look and smell better. But organic food with nutritious ingredients is naturally flavorful and tasty! Be sure to check labels to find the best food for your sweetie.

Adopt New Furkiddos And Spay Or Neuter

With fewer strays, local shelters can be less overcrowded and have more resources to take care of animals. Adopting pets that need a home can help manage your environmental footprint and reduce overpopulation. You also save an innocent life by accepting them into your loving home and may help reduce the demand for mass breeding practices.

NHV puppy and kitten

To welcome a new pet home, we recommend our vet-formulated Puppy and Kitten Starter Kit to help with overall pet health, support their skin and coat, cut and scrapes, and aid digestion and nutritional voids.

Sniff Out Toxic Cleaning Products

Chemical cleaning products harm both you and your furkiddo’s health. Their curiosity makes them more likely to run into harmful substances. Watch out for ingredients that can harm your pet, such as alcohol, bleach, hydrogen, and any chemical compounds that contain “phenol.”

Try to keep your little one in another room when you are cleaning. Don’t leave cleaning products unattended and store them in a place that your pet cannot reach. When you are done cleaning, try to rinse with water to wash away residue and odors.

Toxic cleaning kit

Opt for alternatives if you can, such as white vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice. There are also increasing numbers of less-toxic products in the market. Check to see if products have any eco-friendly or natural certifications. Be mindful of the ingredients when you buy new cleaning products, doing so helps keep you and your furkiddo live a healthier and longer life!

Natural Kitty Litter

Traditional clay litter is not as composable as natural cat litter.

Traditional clay litter is not as composable as natural cat litter. With mass production and cheap cost, tons of clay litter go to the landfill every month. Composable cat litter made of recycled paper or wood can absorb liquids, is non-toxic, and is easily disposed of after use.

If you decide to switch to a new litter, make sure it is what you really want because it will take time for your pet to adjust. If your cat refuses the new litter, pick them up, put them into the litter box, and see their reaction. If they walk away, try again in a few hours or so. Slow and steady is key. Also, try to mix about 25% of the new cat litter with the old one and slowly increase the ratio until they are fully transitioned.

Make Treats At Home

Consider making a homemade treat for your furkiddo if you have pet-friendly groceries left in the fridge, so you don’t need to waste them. We have a simple recipe for bone broth and salmon sushi you can easily make at home. Check out our easy recipes for pets to learn more about different recipes for your little one!

Personalized nutrition pet plans

Depending on your pet’s health and background, different nutrients may be required to support their health and balance their metabolism. Our veterinarian Dr. Amanda offers personalized nutrition plans to help keep your pet healthy and happy.

Get Some Exercise

You can help reduce carbon emissions by walking instead of driving. It is even more fun to do it with your pet! Besides, it is a good way to maintain and improve mental and physical health for both of you.

Reduce Destructive Behavior

A calm cat and a relaxed dog are less likely to be aggressive. When pets are aggressive or stressed, they may be destructive and damage items that may end up being a waste. Proper training, stimulation, and support can help your pet cope with the underlying cause of their destructive behavior.

We suggest Matricalm for your cat and Lesstress for your dog. These two supplements are vet-approved to help with your pet’s anxiety and aggressive behavior. Matricalm can help calm aggression and can reduce agitation in cats. Lesstress can reduce separation anxiety and destructive behavior in dogs.


Pets are our loved ones, so we all want the best for them. Yet, we also need to consider what’s best for the environment to have a sustainable world for our sweeties and for us to live on. Hence, it’s important to consider how you and your furry companions can live a more green lifestyle.

Have you tried any of the steps above? Do you know other ways to be a more eco-friendly pet parent? Please share with us your idea in the comments below!

NHV Pet Experts

NHV Pet Experts

We have a dedicated group of pet expert professionals, including veterinarians, vet techs, and other pet professionals to guide you through any questions. We’re committed to your pet’s wellness and can offer additional tips, resources, nutritional advice, and more.

Published: June 30, 2021

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