Written by: Giulia Simolo
You’re not the only one who deserves a bit of TLC this festive season. It’s a great time of year to show some love to your loyal furry friends! But just make sure gifts for your pets are eco-friendly. After all, would you give your children something harmful? Definitely not! So then make sure your pets are treated with the same love and are given gifts that will make them happier and healthier.
In with the old
Your cat might snub the cute fluffy blanket you bought for her, but don’t let that cause you to toss the offender into the bin. Try to transform any old items your pets use into better things they will enjoy. For instance, that old blanket could be transformed into a pillow covering or a cute jersey for nippy nights. Remember to recycle any items your pet doesn’t want for good. Think of donating them to kitty or puppy havens, or a hospice that will find good use for them.
Reuse household items
You could even inject new life into old household items by giving them to your pets. Old towels and blankets can be used for bedding, while socks or pieces of rope can become toys cats and dogs will love to play with. Just make sure they’re not going to be harmful to them! Avoid using plastic or painted items. For birds, place an old compact mirror in their cage or find some wood and cut blocks from it. These are commonly loved toys your birds will enjoy.
When buying toys
There are many cute toys available for pets – but not all of them are safe. Many plastic toys that your dog loves to chew on are made from soft PVC which contains harmful chemicals. Those toys might look good but they’re definitely not good for your pets – over time the chemicals can enter your pet’s body and cause harmful effects, such as organ damage. So when buying new toys, find ones that are made from organically grown fibres, are pesticide and chemical free, as well as biodegradable.
Give them a healthier home
One of the best ways you can treat your pets is to ensure that your home is environmentally friendly so that it promotes their health. Try to see the world from your pet’s eyes to confirm if the environment is clean, secure and cosy. Always ensure that you store pesticides, medicines and cleaning aids out of reach of pets as these are very dangerous. When cleaning your home environment, make it a priority to switch to eco-friendly detergents, not just when you clean your home and clothing, but your pet’s bed, linen and toys, too!
Make pet-friendly food treats
Strive to buy pet food that’s made from natural ingredients. But you can also make your pets delicious treats yourself. Not only will they be healthy because you know exactly what ingredients you’re using, but they’ll be a treat that can make your pets’ day. There is a wealth of recipes for your dogs or cats online, but here are two great ones worth trying:
For dogs – Bacon Bits
6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
4 eggs, well beaten
1/8 cup bacon fat
1 cup water
1/2 cup non-fat dry milk powder
2 cup whole-wheat flour
2 cup wheat germ (available at health shops)
1/2 cup cornmeal
Mix all the ingredients. Drop heaping tablespoonfuls of it onto a greased baking sheet. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 15 minutes. Turn off the oven and leave cookies on baking sheet in the oven overnight to dry.
Source: http://dogs.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/01/homemade_dog_treats.php
For cats – Kitty treats
1 1/2 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup of vegetable oil
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup tuna oil or chicken broth
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Mix the ingredients into a dough. Make small, 1 /2 inch thick, round biscuits. Place them on a greased cookie sheet. Bake them for 30 minutes or until they turn brown. Let them cool for 30 minutes before serving.
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Cat-Treat-Recipes&id=83120The liveeco team
