Having pets and pests together in your home can mean danger for your pets especially if you are not aware of some eco-friendly products to use to eliminate pests.  Eco products are necessary not only for your pets but also for you and your family, and the environment, as well. Using eco–friendly alternatives in eliminating pests is an important aspect of raising green pets.

Here are five tips on safe alternative ways to control pests:

1.  Ants

They are absolutely small but they surely are disturbing. The moment we see ants, we are immediately drawn to eradicate them through the easiest and fastest way we know to do so. And that is, to spray toxic pest killers. Unfortunately, using chemical pest killers is not only deadly for these pests, but also for our pets and damaging to the environment.

So before you grab that killing machine, remember first that the first line of environment-friendly defense against ants is to remove the attractants.  Make sure counters are always clean.  Cover sugar jars and all food containers securely. For persistent ant invaders, sprinkle cinnamon on areas where they are mostly seen. Trace the ant column back to their entry point.  Sprinkle more cinnamon or you can also use cayenne pepper so ants won’t be able to cross that line again.

2.  Cockroaches

Cockroaches are one of the dirtiest pests you will ever see in your home.  They are carriers of bacteria including salmonella, staphylococcus and streptococcus.  Roaches thrive in warm and humid climates.  They also multiply easily; therefore, your prompt and decisive action to eliminate them in your household is foremost.  And again, the common notion is to grab a toxic pest killer spray, which most likely will not totally free your home from cockroaches.

To ensure that cockroaches won’t stay in your house, remember that the best defense is always a clean home, particularly your kitchen and bathroom.

• Empty the kitchen trash can regularly;
• Store food in sealed containers and don’t leave food out in your kitchen counters;
• Don’t leave your pets’ food out;
• Don’t stack magazines, cardboard boxes or newspapers inside the house; and
• Repair any holes in the walls immediately.

Vacuum well and wash the problem area with eco friendly soap and water.  Afterwards, you can use catnip to drive away cockroaches.

Catnip is a natural repellent to roaches.  The active ingredient which is nepetalactone is non toxic to humans and pets.  Simmer it in a small amount of water to make a catnip tea. This can be used as a spray to apply around the baseboards and behind counters to keep the roaches away.

3.   Fleas

These pests enter your household in a very subtle way. They usually gain entry through your pets or your visitor’s pets.  And you don’t usually see them immediately until they grow in number, or in stature because of the blood intake they got from your beloved pet. These pests are surely alarming, but before your reach for pesticides, try a safer and eco-friendly option:

Use citrus as a natural flea deterrent.  Put a slice of lemon into a cup of boiling water. Include the lemon skin, it releases more citrus oil. Let this soak overnight. Dip a sponge and scrub on your pet’s body to kill fleas instantly. Go green while keeping your dog

fleas-free.

Regular vacuuming, dusting off, mopping and wiping counters and floors will also ensure that your house is free from fleas and other pests. A clean home is a safe home for green pets.

Another important practice to do is to regularly shower your pet according to the acceptable times of pet bath. Don’t forget to brush his fur with flea comb to catch adult fleas and keep his fur clean and shiny.

4.  Mosquitoes

These pests do not only bite your pets, but you and the rest of the family as well.   Mosquitoes are capable of carrying deadly diseases like St. Louis encephalitis, malaria and dengue. Sealing the point of entry is your best defense. They are most active in the early morning and early evening so make sure that you close your doors and windows. Also ensure that no gaps and broken screens exist to fully block them from entering your home.

The most important measure is to remove standing water sources around your home. Change your pet’s drinking water regularly, at least twice a day.  To conserve water, save that water in a container or bucket for other uses such as watering your plants. Pour one or two drops of cooking oil into birdbaths. This will prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs.  Outside your house, burn citronella candles to keep the mosquitoes away.

5.  Flies

They can easily fly in and out of your home bringing with them diseases and germs. Aside from ensuring that you block their points of entry, you can also make your own fly paper.  Mix ¼ cup water with 1 tbsp granulated sugar and 1tbsp brown sugar in a small bowl into a syrup. Cut strips of brown Kraft paper.  Soak in the mixture and let it dry overnight.  Hang using a thread or string.

For your green pets, place a small open container of sweet basil and clover near your pet’s food so flies will stay away.

Getting rid of pests doesn’t require toxic products.  For a green pet and green home, try out these simple and natural green tips for pest control using eco–friendly products.  You’ll be amazed at how effective they are.  Most of all, they are safe for your precious pets, your family and the environment.

Marisa

Technorati Tags: eco products, Eco-friendly products, go green, Green Pets

Here are tips on how to pick out the best eco friendly dog food bowl:

• Stay away from plastic bowls.  Some dogs like to bite on their bowls and even scratch on them.  This leaves crevices or scratches where stuck food can become breeding grounds for bacteria and parasites.  Some dogs even develop allergies to certain types of plastic.

Plastic bowls have the risk of exposing your pet to Bisphenol-a (BPAs), a chemical used in polycarbonate plastic utilized in plastic food and beverage containers and in resin linings for cans.  BPAs can leach harmful chemicals.  You can recognize plastic with BPAs by the No. 7 recycle code.  Also, avoid plastics numbered 3 (polyvinyl chloride, PVC) and 6 (polystyrene), as they can leach harmful chemicals, too.

• Ceramic or glazed pottery bowls, though they are fancy, spill-proof and environment-friendly (provided they are painted with lead-free paint), may crack.  Like plastic, when scratched, stuck food can become a source of bacteria or parasites.  Ceramic bowls are a good choice for your dog as long as they are scratch and crack-free.

• Stainless steel dog bowls are doubtless to be THE best bowls for any dog.  Highly durable, they never break and will last a lifetime. They’re heavy enough to keep your dog from toppling them over, but light enough so it’s easy for you to pick it up and clean it.  They don’t easily scratch so you don’t have to worry about bacteria.  They are easy to clean, too.

• Glass bowls for your dog is another good option. It hardly breaks and it doesn’t leach. The problem is, there is still that probability of breaking if it hits another hard object or you drop the bowl. And once it breaks, it poses danger to your pets.

• Automatic dog bowls are fit for the busy pet parents.  With food reservoirs attached to the bowl, these dog bowls were designed to keep your dog’s bowl always full.  However, some automatic dog bowls do not have “scheduling systems” programmed into them, which leads to excessive free-feeding.  This will cause weight problems for your dog. However, if you are really intent in getting your dog an automatic dog bowls.  If they are made of plastic, they are not a pet-friendly or an eco-friendly choice. As stated earlier, plastics do leach harmful chemicals.

Other tips on how to make your dog’s feeding comfortable:

• Consider the size and age of your dog.  Rule of thumb: The bigger the dog, the bigger the dog food bowl.

• Consider the breed of your dog.  Some dogs have drooping ears.  You don’t want their ears getting into their food or water.  For these kinds of dogs, it’s best to use a narrow bowl, so their ears dangle outside the bowl when they eat and drink.

• If it is inevitable for you to leave your pet alone at home for long periods of time, make sure that his water bowl is large enough so that he does not run out of water while you’re out.

• If your dog likes to play with his food, get a heavy bowl that doesn’t skid.  This way your dog, no matter how hard he tries cannot turn his bowl over.

• If your dog has a short snout, pick a shallow bowl so that he doesn’t have to reach in too far to get his meal.

• If you’re dog is big or “tall”, get a stool or an elevated dog bowl stand so   he can eat comfortably.  This also helps prevent digestive problems brought about by hunching over his food to eat.

• Stay away from square or dog bowls with straight edges and non-round corners.  These are hard to clean and your dog might have difficulty in picking/eating his food.

Stainless steel, ceramic or glass are all good green options for food and water bowls.  Whatever dog bowl you choose, just make sure you wash it every day. Ensure that the bowl is dry before you start putting food in it; otherwise, food will clump and stick to the container and may become breeding grounds for bacteria and parasites.

Picking out the right dog food bowl for your dog means it is pet-friendly, eco-friendly, durable, health hazard-free and comfortable for your dog.

Marisa

Technorati Tags: dog food, dog food bowl, dog food bowls, Green Pets

EPA Admistrator Lisa P. Jackson once said, “Environmental protection is about human protection.  It’s about community protection and it’s about family protection.”  And for this year’s celebration EPA encourages everyone to join in protecting the environment by making an Earth Day commitment and affirm that commitment by participating in the “It’s my Environment Video Project.”

When I heard about this year’s Earth Day video project, an idea for all pet lovers and pet parents out there popped into my mind.  Actually, a series of ideas came through me.  It’s about you, as a pet parent, and your pets, holding up the “It’s my environment!” sign and then together with your pets you create a video on your commitment to help in the protection of Mother Earth.

The video clip should include environmentally friendly efforts like composting pet poop, using old newspapers for cat’s litter, preparing a homemade meal for your pups while they wait in excited anticipation, Fluffy playing with recycled toys while Furball is sleeping on her hemp bed… So many ideas run through my head, I can’t express all of them here!  And I’m excited to launch something like it on my site.

Having green pets benefits your precious pets, you, your community and the planet.  Earth Day is a purrfect day to celebrate the joys and contributions they make to our lives and society.  They too can become strong advocates of “environmental justice” through us by committing to continually giving them an eco-friendly, non-toxic lifestyle.  I’m sure you too have your own idea.  Get your video cam ready now to capture “It’s my environment!” starring Fluffy and Fufball.

Remember, everything you do makes a difference.  You decide the difference you want to make with your precious companion animals.

Marisa

Technorati Tags: Earth Day, Green Pets

There’s always a reason for everything.  If your cat is not using his litter box, it does not have to mean he’s trying to get back at you for making him wear that ridiculous rooster costume for Halloween.  In fact, if he’s not using his litter box, he’s trying to tell you something – his way of crying for help.  And if you don’t act soon, doing his business outside his litter box could develop into a habit that’s hard to get rid of.  Here are the top 10 possible reasons why your cat is not using his litter box:

# 1 – He has medical problems

This is probably the most serious reason why your cat isn’t using his litter box.  Make sure you see your veterinarian to rule out the possibility that your cat may have any of the following medical problems:

• Urinary tract infection (with or without bladder stones)
• Diabetes
• Cystitis (Urethral blockage)
• Arthritis.  This is common among older cats.  It might be too painful for them to travel to their litter box.
• Diarrhea.  Sometimes they just do not make it in time!

These are just some of the medical conditions associated with litter box problems.  It’s important that you rule any possible medical problems first before attempting to diagnose what’s causing your cat to avoid using his litter box.

Your cat’s diet could be behind some of these medical problems, especially if you’re feeding your cat dry food.  Instead, try feeding him canned food as the increased water and decreased carbohydrate content of these kinds of food may be healthier for your cat.  Either way, do not take any action without first consulting your veterinarian. Feeding your cat high quality food is foremost to avoid medical problems.

# 2 – He finds the cat litter box dirty

Cats are finicky creatures.  They don’t like it when their litter boxes are dirty and even the strong stench of their urine and poop averts them.  Make sure that you regularly clean his litter box.  Every few days sounds like a good idea.  In between cleanings, make sure you scoop out or remove soiled litter from his box at least twice daily. If you don’t like using a dirty toilet, neither does your cat!

Use warm soapy water when you clean out his litter box but don’t use strong smelling detergents.  Do not, under any circumstances, ever use bleach – cats hate the smell of bleach and it’s toxic.  Don’t use commercial deodorizers either.  Not only do they contain potentially harmful chemical substances, their strong scents may also deter your cat.  Go all-natural when keeping cat urine and poop odour at bay, and use baking soda or diluted vinegar instead.  After all, your eco friendly cat will certainly not like commercial products and neither will Mother Earth.

# 3 – He doesn’t like the cat litter you have chosen

If you’ve recently switched different brands or types, this could be the reason why your cat is avoiding his litter box.  Cats, like most pets, are creatures of routine.  Don’t surprise your cat with his new cat litter.  This will only cause him stress.  If you want to switch cat litters, do so gradually.  Mix a small amount of the new litter with his old litter.  Start with mixing a small amount of the new litter with his old litter.  Adjust the ratio between the new and old litter as time passes.  Gradually increase the amount of the new litter while reducing the amount of the old litter.  Do this until there is no more old litter in his litter box.

Another reason why your cat would hate the litter you have chosen for him is because he doesn’t like how it smells.  Avoid scented cat litter.  Cats do not like strong scents, especially synthetic ones.  Studies also show that scented cat litter does little to get rid of the stench of urine and poop.  So why bother using it?

Your cat may also not like the texture of the cat litter.  Large rough particles usually deter cats and may even hurt their paws.  Cats like litter with sand-like consistency.  Most eco-friendly cat litters have that kind of texture or consistency.  Cat litter made from recycled newspaper is one example.

Some cats may be over-sensitive to certain substances, even cat litter.  If you notice your cat licking the pads on his feet, take the time to check his paws for burns or sores.  Your cat might have been in pain while using his litter box and this could be the reason why he’s avoiding it.

# 4 – The litter box isn’t where he wants or needs it to be

Poor location of the litter box is another possible cause for your cat to stop using it.  Either he can’t find it or he just doesn’t like the location.  Put it in a quiet place that he can easily access.  Remember: cats are very private creatures.  They wouldn’t want to do their business while someone is watching them.  Here are some guidelines you can follow when finding a suitable location for your cat’s litter box:

• Do not place the litter box near his food or water bowl, or where he eats.  I’m pretty sure you don’t want to eat where you take your dump now do you?
• Move his litter box away from noisy objects or appliances like washing machines, dryers, TVs or even a noisy furnace.
• Avoid putting his litter box in the basement.  Cats, especially kittens, may be scared to enter big, dark rooms.
• Make sure your cat can easily access his litter box.  If you put it inside a room that’s occasionally locked, he won’t get to it when he needs to and may resort to taking a dump elsewhere.

# 5 – He is being “bullied” out of his own litter box

You can expect this to happen if you have more than one cat in your house.  Most feline conflicts are caused by competition for resources and “social status”.  Pet cats may fight over anything, from food to sleeping beds to litter boxes.

If your cat is avoiding his own litter box, try looking for signs of “bullying”.  Common signs involve the “bully” cat blocking him from using his bed or his food bowl, or hanging out near his litter box just staring at him (cats don’t like to be stared at).  If you see this happening, relocate your cat’s litter box to a more secluded but accessible place.  Another way of dealing with this would be to find out where your cat runs off to do his business away from the “bully”.  Relocate the litter box there.

# 6 – He is not comfortable using his litter box

For starters, make sure that the litter box can accommodate your cat’s size.  If he feels cramped, he will find a more comfortable place on his own.

Is your litter box covered?  This could be another reason why your cat is ditching his litter box.  Although a lot of pet owners prefer these kinds of litter boxes, most often, cats don’t.  Instead of allowing odours to dissipate, covered litter boxes tend to trap them in.

# 7 – He wants his own litter box

While some cats don’t mind sharing their litter boxes with others, there are those who hate it.  Cats are territorial by nature and they need to have their own space.  If you have more than one cat at home, this need may not be provided very often and stress arises.

Follow this rule of thumb when providing litter boxes for your cats:

Number of Litter Boxes = Number of Cats + 1

This helps cover the potential problem of dominant cats staking out some of the litter boxes.  This way the less dominant cat has a “way out” and can avoid the other more dominant cats.

# 8 – He has been de-clawed

Some countries still consider it legal to de-claw their cats.  If your cat has been de-clawed it may be painful for him to scratch or run his paws through the litter.

# 9 – He gets anxious about using his litter box

Your cat may be associating negative experiences and feelings, or activities he dislikes with his litter box, which is why he would avoid using it.  Avoid punishing or scolding your cat near his litter box (all the more avoid this while he’s USING his box).  Also, your cat may not like certain grooming activities such as bathing or filing.  Avoid doing these near his litter box.

If you have children in the house, do not let them pester the cat while he’s doing his business.  This will only give your cat more reasons to avoid his own litter box.

# 10 – Something is stressing him out

Like I said, cats are creatures of habit and do not adjust well to extreme or sudden changes.  If you’ve recently moved to a new house or apartment, or if you’ve just renovated your home, your cat could be having trouble adjusting to his “new” environment.  It’s important that you work with your cat on this.  In some cases, you may need to train your cat to use his box again.

Dealing with the problem

Never punish or scold your cat.  Punishing your cat will not solve the problem.  It will only make it worse as punishment leads to more stress on his part.  Reinforce positive behaviour.  If you see your cat urinating outside of his box, quickly but gently move him to his box.  If you catch your cat about to do it, distract him with loud noise but don’t shout at him.

Now we have to deal with stains.  I’m not going to talk about how to actually get the stain out.  The most important thing is to get the smell out, especially if your cat urinated on the location.  This is extremely important as once a cat has “marked” an area he will go back to it again to do his business.

Use eco friendly products or all-natural methods to get rid of the so-called “mark”.  My favourite so far is using diluted vinegar.  After scrubbing the area with warm soapy water (avoid using strong detergents of course), spray some diluted vinegar on the spot.  Leave it for a couple of minutes before wiping it dry.

Finding out why your cat is avoiding his litter box may put your detective skills to the test.  Just remember to be patient and kind to your cat to get to the bottom of things before urinating and pooping outside of the cat litter box evolves into a habit. Be a supportive pet parent and guide your cat every step of the way.  After all, raising green pets isn’t all just about building a safe eco-friendly environment for your pet it’s about building a healthy, safe and happy HOME for you and your precious pet.

Marisa

Technorati Tags: cat litter, eco friendly cat, Green Pets, litter box

There are over 93 million pet cats in the United States.  We spend over 200 million dollars for commercial cat litter.  Staggering statistics.  But have you thought about how this affects our dear planet?

Clumping Cat Litter

Clumping cat litter is made from sodium bentonate, more commonly known as natural clay.  Found near the surface of the earth’s soil, natural clay is strip mined using heavy machinery.  This has caused so much environmental damage that it has already endangered certain species of plants and animals, thereby destroying the balance of many ecosystems.  There have been reports of native land owners being driven from their very homes just so big mining companies can strip their land bare and obtain this type of clay.

This is all done to supply the demand for cheap clay litter.  However, the costs are high!

What Mother Nature Wants

What Mother Earth wants is for us to stop this atrocious act against the balance of nature.  You may not be able to close down those clumping clay litter factories in one night, but you can, nevertheless, make a difference, one household at a time, starting with your own.

Stay away from a cat litter product if the label contains any of the following fancy words: “bentonite”, “sodium bentonite”, “natural clay”, “crystalline silica”, “aluminum phyllosilicate”.  All the more if the label does not contain any information at all about its chemical make-up.

Does It Harm My Cat?

When sodium comes into contact with water or any liquid, it can swell up to 15 times its original volume.  There have been increasing claims that if this is ingested by pets, it swells up and solidifies inside them thereby causing digestive problems.  Cats potentially fall victim to this since they like to groom themselves by licking their paws and fur.

Getting into the intestines, the clay can draw fluid from the body due to its highly absorbent nature.  This can cause dehydration and potential urinary tract problems.   This same clay can also get into the large intestines where it will attract fecal matter, thereby increasing toxicity, promoting the growth of bacteria and sometimes interfering with excretion.  This will stress out the cat’s immune system making him susceptible to infection and diseases.

Silica dust from clay litter can cause similar problems when inhaled not just to cats but to you and your kids as well.

There are many types of litter we can use in place of this.  Eco-friendly cat litter comes in many forms:

• Recycled newspaper.  This is made using paper pulps which are unsuitable for reuse in paper recycling.
• Cat litter made from corn makes use of corn parts which are not edible for humans.  Corncobs, peelings and hair are ground and reused as cat litter.
• Red wheat straw gas.
• Pine sawdust.  This is a by-product of the lumber industry.
• Kenaf plant pellets.  This is a fast growing herb/hibiscus.

What A Kitty Wants

When picking out eco friendly cat litter, base the decision on what your cat prefers.  Cats seem to prefer litter with sand-like consistencies rather than those that contain pellets, shreds or chunks.  The finer the granules the better your cat likes them.

If you can, avoid using scented cat litter, even if it’s an eco-friendly one.  Take note that your cat has a finely attuned sense of smell and because of this, some artificial scents can irritate their noses.  When this happens, they tend to avoid using their cat litter.

To counter the stench of urine and cat poop without using scented cat litter, try using either diluted vinegar or baking soda.  After you clean out your cat’s litter box, pour vinegar into the container then tilt it around until the base is covered.  Leave it for about 15 minutes before washing it out with water.  Baking soda helps in getting rid of residual smell.  After scooping fresh cat litter into your box, sprinkle it with a small amount of baking soda then stir the litter around.  Your cat won’t even know what’s in the litter.

Also, it’s very important to clean the cat litter box daily, at least twice.  You wouldn’t want to use a dirty bathroom, neither does your cat.

It may take some time for you to figure out what your cat’s preference is when it comes to cat litter.  Just remember, when you switch out cat litters you need to do so gradually.  Mix in new cat litter with the old one then gradually increase its amount while reducing the old cat litters amount as you go.

Whatever type of cat litter you choose, just remember two things.  Find one that wasn’t made by slowly killing Mother Nature then pick one that poses no risks to your cat’s health and your cat will like and will enjoy digging in.  One household at a time, starting from your home, starting with your eco-friendly cat!

Marisa

Technorati Tags: clay litter, clumping clay litter, eco friendly cat, eco-friendly, Green Pets, pet care, pets going green

“I’m so excited to be able to introduce you to Marisa Herrera.  Marisa is a Green Pets Eco-Living Consultant that is dedicated to reaching out to the global community and teaching us how to make our homes and pets in harmony with Mother Nature.  She is also passionate about a raising the funds to open up an animal sanctuary in Mexico.”

Chris: Marisa, thank you for stopping by Waggy’s Pet Tips and Tales.  Please tell us how you started out on this wonderful journey in helping animals and families become more eco friendly.  What is your working background?

Marisa: Thank you, Chris, for having me.  It’s great to connect and talk with you!  My journey started a long time ago with my love of animals and my desire to help them in any way possible.  Since young, I’ve also had a deep connection with Nature and concern about the environment.  I grew up in Mexico City and remember wanting to help and rescue all the stray dogs I would see.  I saw so much apathy, cruelty and injustice that it forever touched me.   I have been an animal and environmental advocate for decades and, finally, I’ve reached a point in my life where I had to pursue my passion and purpose of dedicating my life to help as many animals as I can while helping Nature, too.  So, this is how Green Pets Eco Living was created in late 2009.  I integrated my passions, interests, background and knowledge to help pet parents “green” their companion animals and create toxic-free home environments so their pets can live as long and healthy as possible.  By incorporating eco-friendly practices, your pets, you and the planet all benefit from living green and having a green pet.

My working and academic background is diverse.   I’ve done environmental education, administrative work, public relations and field research.  My academic background covers tourism management, wildlife management, restoration of natural systems, ecological landscape design and sustainable gardening.  Over the years, I have developed my environmental conscience and have learned about ecology, sustainability, holistic living and holistic pet care.

Chris: I see you have loads of information and videos regarding living an eco friendly life.  Can you tell us what things we can learn from you?

Marisa: Indeed.  Living an eco friendly lifestyle starts with awareness and education.  Awareness that we live in a highly toxic world that affects us and our pets; that our planet needs help and that we have options to create non-toxic and more sustainable environments at home, our communities and the world.

This is my approach:  Bring awareness about the problems, conditions and risks associated with doing things the conventional way (from the foods we feed our pets and eat ourselves, to the cleaning supplies, cosmetic and personal care products we use and the vaccination regimes to which we expose our pets). Awareness about the toxic overload that is all around people and pets in their very own homes but are unaware of it.  Educate and present the options and benefits of implementing safer, holistic and eco-friendly practices for you and your pets.  Promote action by taking that first green step, by implementing the solutions for a healthier and greener lifestyle for you, your pets and the environment.  This whole process assists pet parents to reduce and eliminate the toxics that abound in most homes now and, in turn, help their pets live long, healthy lives.

For example, let’s take pet food.  What type of food do you feed your pet?  Is it the nutritionally-devoid commercial brands, or the vet prescribed diets?  Are you aware that many types of pet food use fillers made from corn and/or by-products (meat “meals”), artificial flavourings and colours, and ingredients that are grown with toxic pesticides or synthetic preservatives or contain ingredients that are deemed unfit for humans?  These pet foods are harmful to your pet’s health and to the environment.  So, what are the options?  There are high quality commercial pet foods that contain superior sources of protein; organic, whole, unprocessed vegetables and grains and other foods.  Another option is home-made organic food for your pets.  There are various online recipes and resources to help create wholesome, healthy and properly balanced meals and treats.

Being exposed to a toxic environment by what we eat, drink, breathe and absorb through our skins overloads the immune system leading to potential health risks and degenerative diseases.  We see this in people and animals.  However, because our pets have shorter life spans, faster metabolisms and are constantly on the ground, they are at higher risk with less exposure than people.

Roco & me!

Chris: I know that you are passionate about opening up an Animal Sanctuary in Mexico.  If you had all the funds you needed, and could afford to have the sanctuary of your dreams, what would that look like?  What kind of animals would you house?

Marisa: Yes, I am passionate about having my animal sanctuary in Mexico and help those most in need.  It has been a dream of mine for 10 years now, but finally I am taking action to make this a reality.  This is one of the reasons I created Green Pets eco living…to raise the funds to afford and maintain my animal sanctuary.  My intent is to open the sanctuary in 2010.

I will describe my sanctuary:  The Animal Sanctuary is located in the Colonial Region of Mexico; it’s an hacienda nearby natural habitat.  With my team of local staff and national and international volunteers, we rescue, rehabilitate, provide medical care, find foster homes, facilitate adoptions, and provide permanent refuge to as many animals in need as we can, including domestic, farm and exotics.  We deal with animals that have been abused, injured, abandoned and the numerous stray animals without any hope of a life worth living.  We also help people without the financial resources to pay for veterinary care by providing complimentary veterinary services for their companion animals.  Our free mobile clinic reaches remote communities.

Our ongoing humane education program facilitates resources and information about treating animals with compassion and respect and being better stewards of Mother Earth.  We have partnered with the local school Board to give complimentary Humane Education presentations throughout the school year.  It is our belief that we need to teach the young generations about treating animals with compassion and respect, and living more harmoniously on Earth.

We conduct low-cost and free sterilization programs for dogs and cats, both in-house and out in the local communities.  The local government agencies support our on-going sterilization campaigns as a public health effort.  The Sanctuary provides internships to Mexican veterinary students, who work along with our resident veterinarian in performing these surgeries and other veterinary care.

The Sanctuary is also a Nature Retreat where people come to connect with Nature and her creatures, a place to find simplicity and refuge from the hectic demands of urban living.  Our accommodations are simple and comfortable with the touch of Mexican culture.  The Nature Retreat is another fund-generator for the Sanctuary.  The people you find at the Retreat have all one thing in common, whether they are volunteers, staff or guests; they all love animals and have an appreciation of Nature.  This is what brings us together.

Here at the Sanctuary we have a mission:  To help animals (domestic, farm and exotics) most in need by providing rescue, rehabilitation, medical care, temporary and permanent residence, and humane education to foster animal compassion, respect and protection.

Chris: Please tell us about your consulting business.  Exactly what does it mean to have an eco friendly consultant?

Marisa: Actually, just this month I launched my online consulting services as a Green Pets Eco-Living Consultant.  I am very excited about this!   It will allow me to assist a global community of pet parents in creating toxic-free, healthy home environments for their pets and themselves.   As an Eco-Living or Eco-Friendly Consultant, I also show you how to incorporate eco-friendly practices that are good for the planet.  Our pets rely on us to provide for them; they are not aware of the toxic overload that may surround them in their homes and communities.

There is a lot of information online about green living, which can be overwhelming.  I simplify the process for pet parents who don’t know where to start, don’t have the knowledge, patience or time to do all the research to start living green with their pets.  Through my services, pet parents become aware of the options and the solutions they have available.  I help them discover new ways to immediately implement easy steps to green their pets, themselves and transform their homes to healthy living spaces so their pets can live long, healthy lives.

For instance, my One-On-One Personalized Phone Consultation covers a thorough assessment of what your pets are exposed to, your home environment and the potential risks to your pets and you.  I provide you with recommendations and solutions to improve the health and safety of your pets and to create a toxic-free home.

Chris: If someone wanted to start living green with their pets, but didn’t know what to do, what would you suggest?

Marisa: That’s an excellent question, Chris, because I believe many people face that situation.  They hear about “going green” or having a “green pet”, but they may feel overwhelmed by all the information out there, which, in turn leads to a standstill.  I would suggest starting with small steps, actually one step at a time so that taking action is doable and satisfying.  Once pet parents see the benefits, I believe they will be motivated to move on to their second green step and so forth.

A good way to start living green with your pets is by starting to think toxic-free and learning to identify harmful, toxic substances you don’t want for your precious pets, yourself or your home.  This gives you a foundation to start eliminating toxic products.  It’s important to read labels.  The words “caution,” “warning” and “danger” point to the toxic ingredients in a product.  You need to avoid them!  Buy products that are free of synthetic ingredients like colorants, fragrances and preservatives, and are cruelty-free; that is, not tested on animals.

An example on how to apply this information to start living green with your pets is with flea and tick products.  Read the labels of whatever product you intend to buy.  The conventional flea and tick products on the market are highly toxic; they are pesticides, basically!  Pesticides are poisons and we know that they are dangerous and harmful to the environment, but what effect is it having on our precious pets?!

If you are currently using these toxic treatments on your pet, first, get rid of those collars, spot-on treatments, etc.  Detoxify your house by washing bedding, clothing, and other things with which your pet has come in contact.  This leads you to your second green step; that is, the use of a natural, biodegradable, phosphate, formaldehyde and chemical-free laundry detergent.   It’s also important to bathe your pet regularly using a natural, bio-degradable, chemical, phosphate and cruelty-free pet shampoo.  And by doing this you easily move on to your third step of grooming your pet with non-toxic products.  As you can see, one step leads you to another and as you move on, you will have the awareness and information to select toxic-free and eco-friendly products for your pets and yourself.

Chris: It’s been wonderful to talk to you today.  Please tell everyone how they can reach you on the web and on Social Media.

Marisa, I wish you all the luck in the world on your Animal Sanctuary and thank goodness there are people like you that care deeply for the animals that have no voice.

Marisa: Thank you very much, Chris!  I’ve enjoyed our talk, as well.  I appreciate your good wishes and the work you do to help animals, as well.  Every step, every action counts!

I can be reached via my website:  www.GreenPetsEcoLiving.com, Twitter, Facebook and my YouTube Channel.

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7 Easy Tips For An Eco Friendly Pet:

1. Rescue an animal. This act alone will save the life of a dog, cat, bunny, rodent, horse or whatever animal(s) you choose to bring home from an animal shelter or rescue group.  In the United States alone, each year 4 to 6 million dogs and cats end up in animal shelters. Of these animals, 2-3 million are put to death because not enough homes are available.

2. Buy quality food. Many types of pet food use fillers made from corn and/or by-products (meat “meals”), artificial flavourings and colours, and ingredients that are grown with toxic pesticides or synthetic preservatives or contain ingredients that are deemed unfit for humans.  Avoid these!  These pet foods are harmful to your pet’s health and to the environment.   Look for natural organic pet food; the more natural, wholesome and fresh the food can be the better.  Another option is home-made food for your pets. There are multiple recipes that can be found online.  Buying bulk, if possible, also cuts down on the packaging waste and saves you the extra trips and gas needed to go back to the pet store.

3.  Avoid household chemical products. Pets can’t read labels and their curiosity or boredom can make them chew or ingest toxic chemicals such as toiletries and cleaning products, etc.  Furthermore, the fumes these products emit create a polluted indoor air environment.  Best approach is to not have any of these products at home.  Toss the air fresheners, dryer sheets and any synthetic fragrances.  These household chemicals may include carcinogens, such as formaldehyde in air fresheners, irritate the skin and cause respiratory problems.

4. Green the Poop. Instead of using a plastic bag and having your dog’s doo-doo live on forever in the bottom of a landfill, use a biodegradable bag and compost it!  As long as you don’t use your compost for your veggie garden you can toss your bio-bag into the compost instead of the trash can. For your feline avoid clay/clumping clay litter and go for eco-friendly cat litters.  The clay sediment contains silica dust, a carcinogenic that can coat the lungs of your cat. . Through chronic ingestion of the sodium bentonite added to clay litters as a clumping agent, your cat could be poisoned just by the act of grooming herself/himself.  Clay litters don’t biodegrade or break down.  Green clay litters are made from natural products such as wheat, corn, wood pellets (compressed sawdust), newspaper or pine. They all biodegrade and can be composted.

5. Keep your cats indoors.  Outdoor cats can have a negative impact on the ecosystem.  Domestic and feral cats kill hundreds of millions of songbirds and other birds per year.  They also compete with local wildlife that prey on birds and small mammals.  In addition, outdoor cats are at risk of being injured or killed by cars, other animals or disease, or being poisoned by antifreeze or other toxic substances.

6.  Use non-plastic. Stainless steel, ceramic or glass are all good green options for food and water bowls.  Chemicals in plastic pose a health risk to your pets and you.  Plastic bowls have the risk of exposing your pet to bisphenol-a (BPAs), a chemical used in polycarbonate plastic utilized in plastic food and beverage containers and in resin linings for cans.  BPAs can leach harmful chemicals.  You can recognize plastic with BPAs by the No. 7 recycling label.  Also, avoid plastics numbered 3 (polyvinyl chloride, PVC) and 6 (polystyrene), as they can leach harmful chemicals, too.  Avoid brightly coloured toys made from PVC or other toxic materials.  Buy fewer but healthier toys; those made from organic cotton, hemp, recycled fleece and rubber.  Look for toys that are non-toxic, recyclable and durable.  Avoid brightly coloured toys made from PVC or other toxic materials.

7.  Spay and neuter your pets.  This prevents the stray cat population, and the untold unwanted pets that end up in shelters.  There are also health benefits associated with paying and neutering your pet:  it can prolong their life span by reducing the risk of some cancers and eliminating others.

Caring for your pet in an eco friendly way ensures your precious companion animal(s) will be healthier and safer and will also be of benefit to you and the environment.

Marisa

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Marisa

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