6 Simple Sustainability Tips for Dog Parents

Being a dog parent comes with many daily responsibilities, from incorporating daily walks and playtime to looking out for our pup’s overall well-being. We want to give our canine companions the best possible life and do it in a way that's kind to our planet. Here are six simple eco-friendly dog care tips to help minimize your carbon pawprint! 

Tip #1: Buy in Bulk  

Purchasing your dog’s essentials in bulk is a more environmentally friendly solution! It reduces the amount of carbon generated from additional shipping or travel. If you're welcoming a new pup into your home, write a puppy checklist of which items you’ll need to stock up on in advance. This will help keep you organized and avoid any last-minute runs to the store. 

Tip #2: Choose Environmentally Responsible Dog Products 

While you might not fully transition to sustainable dog toys and treats, adding more eco-friendly pet products in your everyday life is an easy first step! 

♻️ Look for products with eco callouts like minimal packaging, upcycled material, and sustainable manufacturing processes. Even some essential disposable products can be Earth-friendly, like Wee-Wee® Eco Pads, which feature a liner made of 50% recycled material. 

🌱 Choose packaging without plastic or unnecessary paper. Our Healthy Edibles® chew treat value packs come in reduced packaging, which saves 37,000 pounds of paper each year! 

🌎️ Search for brands accredited by the Pet Sustainability Coalition. PSC recognizes the companies in the pet industry that are committed to social and environmental responsibility across all areas of their business. 

Tip #3: Walk in Your Own Neighborhood 

Another simple step to lower your carbon footprint is to explore locally! Whether you’re taking a quick stroll or going on a run with your dog, consider sticking to a neighborhood path rather than driving to a farther spot. Plus, it's often easier to walk a pup in a place they are familiar with! 

🐶 Related: Walking a Puppy in 3 Simple Stages 

Tip #4: Support Local Shelters  

See if your local animal shelter or rescue organization accepts donations. Many shelters will often take gently used blankets, grooming tools, leashes, and even toys (just wash them first!). Not only will you be giving these products a second life, but you’ll be helping out the furry friends waiting for their forever homes.  

Also consider shopping in second-hand stores for supplies that you don't plan to use often, like certain clothing items or a dog Halloween costume, rather than buying new. 

Tip #5: Recycle Used Products  

From shampoo bottles to chew toys, there are many pet products that come in recyclable containers or have pieces that are accepted at recycling service centers. Although you might need to take apart the item, typically materials like wood, fabric, and certain types of plastic are okay to recycle. As more companies transition into eco-friendly packaging, be sure to check for a “recyclable” callout or symbol before tossing any boxes! 

Tip #6: Clean Up After Your Pup 

Did you know that scooping dog poop can have a positive effect on our planet? Improperly disposed dog waste washes into our waterways, leading to contaminated drinking water and a threat to aquatic ecosystems. While picking up after your pup can be a tedious responsibility, know that it’s helping keep the environment healthy! 

Make a Pawsitive Impact! 

By incorporating a few of these sustainable practices and eco-friendly pet products into your routine, you'll be making a difference for your dog, your community, and the planet. With one small eco-conscious step, we can help create a healthier, happier world for our furry friends and generations to come! 

Part of our mission at Nylabone is to produce top-quality products that furry friends love in a greener way. In addition to ensuring energy-efficient practices at all our facilities, we transitioned to more eco-friendly chew toy and chew treat packaging. Learn more about our commitment toward sustainability!