7 ways you can reduce your pet's eco-pawprint
For many of us, life with a pet means snuggles on the sofa, muddy walks and a daily dose of the outdoors. Our pets help us feel connected to animals and nature.
But some aspects of our pet's lives can have unintended impacts on the world around us - from what we feed them to the products we use. That鈥檚 why we鈥檝e put together seven simple ways you can reduce your pet鈥檚 eco pawprint 鈥� without compromising on their care or the joy they bring.
1. Think about what you feed your pet
What's in your pet's food bowl can have a big impact on the planet. that dog food accounts for around 1% of the UK鈥檚 greenhouse gas emissions. But there are easy ways to reduce the environmental footprint of your pet鈥檚 diet.
Choose dry food (kibble) over wet food. Wet cat and dog foods can result in than dry foods. They require more water, heavier packaging and energy-intensive transportation - and the high moisture content means pets need to eat more. In comparison, dry food is dense, dehydrated and requires less packaging. With a high-calorie content and low moisture level, pets also don鈥檛 need to eat as much of it. If you feed your pet wet food, try to buy tins rather than pouches, as these tend to be easier to recycle.
Also consider the ingredient list. Foods with a higher percentage of plant protein have a significantly lower carbon footprint - and can still provide the right nutrients. You could also consider supplementing your - a growing number of options are on the market.
If you feed your pet meat, choose chicken or fish instead of beef, and avoid prime or raw cuts of meat. Also consider the welfare standards of the food that you鈥檙e feeding your pets 鈥� aim for (MSC) certified fish and free-range high-welfare farmed chicken where possible.
Finally, take note of portion size. and are overweight or obese so be careful not to overfeed your pet - however pawsuasive they may be! Maintaining a healthy weight is important for your pet's wellbeing. It saves you money on food in the short-term, and in the long-term can reduce the need to visit the vet for .
2. Treat parasites carefully and chat to your vet
The risk of fleas and ticks is typically lower in winter and spring than it is in summer and autumn, but spot-on flea and tick treatments are often marketed as being something that you should use every month as a preventative measure. Because these chemicals are contaminating the environment, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) and other veterinary experts recommend that blanket, year-round treatments for all pets are avoided. Instead, they recommend a targeted, risk-based approach. Only treat your pet preventatively if it is at high risk. If it isn鈥檛, monitor for parasites by regularly using a flea and tick comb to groom them. Consult your vet should you have any parasite concerns and they will be able to recommend the most appropriate course of action.
If your dog swims or is washed often, then a spot-on product might not be the best option 鈥� chemicals in spot-on treatments persist and continue to wash off your pet and into the water for a month after they are applied. In this case, oral tablets may be the better option where you do need to address an infestation.
When you do use medication, wear gloves for spot-on treatments and return unused products to the vet. Never flush it down the toilet or sink as the chemicals will end up in our rivers.
Moving away from monthly applications of these chemicals won鈥檛 just help the environment, it can save you money too!
3. Dispose of pet waste responsibly
Pick-up, bag and bin your dog鈥檚 poo when out for a walk. Not only could someone stand in it, it can contain medication residues that are toxic to wildlife.
When at home, put any poo from the litter tray in the bin, not down the toilet 鈥� medication residues in pet waste can find their way into our rivers if they are flushed down the loo.
Also think about the type of cat litter you use. Clay and silica-based litter have a heavy toll on the environment as they need to be mined 鈥� a hugely destructive process 鈥� and are not biodegradable. Bio-based litter 鈥� made from wood, corn or wheat pellets 鈥� is an eco-friendly alternative that is absorbent, bio-degradable and effective at neutralising odours.
4. Reduce your pet鈥檚 impact on wildlife
Many cat owners receive well-intentioned but unwelcome presents of dead birds, voles and mice - the RSPB estimates that domestic cats kill around 27 million birds in spring and summer alone. Protect local wildlife by making sure your cat has a bell on its collar.
Keep your dog under control when walking near deer or farm animals to avoid any ! Also be aware of ground-nesting birds from March to August 鈥� stay on paths and keep your dog on a lead.
5. Pamper your pet the green way
Many of us love to pamper our pooch or moggie and it鈥檚 possible to do so in an eco-friendly way. Use natural grooming products and shampoos, think about how many toys your pet actually needs and consider using second hand or reused toys.
6. Choose the right pet
Before you bring a new companion into your life, consider the space you have. Choose a pet that will fit comfortably in your home. A smaller animal will often have a smaller eco-pawprint - and cost less to feed. If you鈥檙e not sure what will work for you and your family, explore pet-sitting options.
When you do find the one for you, have a chat with the vet about neutering, to make sure you don鈥檛 end up with any unexpected arrivals!
7. Share your experiences with other pet owners
Whether you鈥檝e started seeing robins in the garden since you gifted your cat a new jingly collar, or you now target flea and tick treatments in the warmer months of the year, share your experiences. Talking about the changes you鈥檝e made 鈥� what鈥檚 gone well, and what hasn鈥檛 鈥� will help other pet owners find their own way to reduce their pet鈥檚 eco-pawprint.
Small changes can make a big difference. For your pet, for wildlife, and for the planet.
, and spread the word.
Graphics and animations created by .
Produced by members of the Grantham Institute Policy & Communications team (Neil Jennings, Lottie Morgan, Linsey Wynton, Jamie Taylor), with expert advice from Dr Rose Perkins, Dr Andrew Prentis, Dr Tilly Collins, Prof Guy Woodward and Prof Leon Barron.
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