 Pets, like us, have to get clean, too. It sometimes can get messy and waste lots of water. Fortunately, EnviroCitizen.org has some tips to help get your pets freshened up while following maintain good habits for the Earth.
First of all, try to conserve water. It may seem easier to run them under the sink or hose them down, but this uses thousands of gallons of water unnecessarily. Instead, clean them with a fixed amount of water in a bath or sink, or even just with a bucket and soap. It usually is a better experience for the animal as well since most animals do not like the feeling of running water on their skin. Also, you may not have to bathe the pet as often as you think. Most animals have skin more sensitive than ours. Bathing too frequently strips that skin of oils that naturally protect it. This can cause irritation later, so take care to watch your pet for any constant scratching after a bath. Check with a veterinary care professional to see what the correct bathing schedule is for your pet.
Be mindful of what kinds of products you are using to clean your pet. Don't use human shampoos since the pH balance is more suited to human skin, which is acidic compared to other animals. Aim for specialized pet shampoos that are nontoxic and biodegradable. As with any product, however, read the fine print. It is one thing to label something as natural, but that does not prove anything about what is inside. Look for products that are free of coloring like green, preservatives or fragrance and that have non-toxic, organic or biodegradable ingredients. These products usually are endorsed with something that certifies that the product meets standards of a certain protocol such as organic standards.
There are a few brands that are easier to find and are supposed to be very eco-friendly. To name a few, you may want to consider Aubrey Organimals and Earthbath. Try to look for something with an oil base and as little detergent as an ingredient as possible. Keeping detergents to a minimum will help keep your pet's skin from getting flaky and dry, which can often happen with soaps.
Keeping an eco-footprint light, even with pets, is a project that is easily manageable. All it takes is a little planning and careful reading. EnviroCitizen.org knows that your pets can enjoy the benefits of a green lifestyle, too.
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