Dogs and Plastic 

Mark your calendars for April 22nd, because Earth Day is just around the corner! This year, we’re focusing on tackling the issue of plastic usage. Earthday.org has set a goal to decrease the overall use of plastics by 60 percent. A local Las Vegas, NV veterinarian discusses pets and plastics, and offers tips on how to celebrate Earth Day with your furry friend in this informative article.

Are Plastic Products Dangerous For Pets?

Yes and no. Plastics pose no immediate danger and are generally not included in our list of precautions for pet owners. Actually, a lot of dog products and toys are made of or contain plastic. That includes items such as toys, dishes, leash casings, and crates.

However, plastics do have their drawbacks as well. Some softer plastics can be a choking hazard, along with items such as plastic bags and ties. There has been an increasing awareness and concern regarding microplastics lately. These tiny pieces of plastic are exactly what their name implies. They can now be found in a wide range of things, including water and even seafood. It’s interesting to note that a recent report has found microplastics in shrimp and lobster. Further research is required, but studies have found connections between them and certain medical conditions, including cancer and digestive problems.

You don’t have to get rid of your dog’s beloved plaything or Kong toy. Just shop with awareness.

How Can I Make My Dog’s Care Regimen More Environmentally Conscious?

There’s no need to make drastic changes to Fido’s care routine in order to make his pawprint kinder to the environment. Small details can make a big difference in this particular area! 

Be sure to clean up after your dog. Dog feces can actually contribute significantly to water contamination. Remember to grab a few biodegradable waste baggies and keep them handy at all times. If you’re in need of a new leash, consider getting one with a convenient baggie slot.

Purchase in large quantities: By purchasing your furry friend’s food in bulk, you can minimize the amount of packaging waste generated. That being said, there is a sweet spot here. It’s important to avoid getting too much, as it might spoil before your furry friend can enjoy it.

If you purchase big bags of dog food, it might be a good idea to reconsider how you store them. A lot of people like to use small plastic waste baskets or totes to store their kibble. Consider choosing a stainless steel container instead. 

Fix Fido: If your beloved dog hasn’t been spayed or neutered, we highly recommend taking care of this matter promptly. There are already countless stray and homeless pets out there who are in dire need of loving homes. It’s important to consider the well-being of animals and the conservation of resources when making responsible choices.

Clean Green: Dogs are amazing pets and companions, although they can be a bit messy as roommates. Use cleaning products that are derived from sustainable resources. For example, if your pet enjoys creating nose print art on your windows, you can use a vinegar cleaner to remove Fido’s masterpieces. You can also purchase biodegradable waste bags.

Stay On Top Of Preventative Care: You might not realize how beneficial it is for the environment to consistently administer your furry friend’s flea medication. Fortunately, keeping your pet safe from parasites and diseases is both cost-effective and hassle-free. It’s important to address preventable medical issues to avoid unnecessary difficulties for Fido. It also means that we will need more resources. Additionally, it comes with a higher price tag. 

If Fido hasn’t seen his Las Vegas, NV vet for a while, make an appointment today! 

Opt For Environmentally Conscious Toys: A lot of dog toys are made with plastics and rubber. When getting Fido a new toy, make sure to check the label and consider the country of origin. Some of these products have been discovered to contain harmful substances, including BPAs and even lead. Choose products made from sustainable materials.

Upgrade Your Pet’s Dinnerware: Do you happen to carry any plastic bowls and dishes for your furry friend? If that’s the case, you might want to consider swapping them out for ceramic, bamboo, or stainless steel options. And this also applies to Fido’s treat jar!

Ditch The Bottles: Do you buy bottled water? Get a filtered pitcher and/or a filter for your tap instead. You’ll also save money! 

What Do You Do If Your Dog Ingests Plastic?

It’s impossible to write a blog about dogs and plastic without mentioning this particular topic. Our furry friends can sometimes be extremely enthusiastic chewers, happily gnawing on anything they can get their paws on, even plastic objects. Fido has a habit of devouring the squeakers in chew toys.

If ingested, pieces of plastic can pose significant risks and may even be potentially life-threatening. If you believe that your canine companion has ingested plastic, call your Las Vegas, NV veterinarian immediately. 

 Is There Anything I Can Do With My Dog’s Fur?

Do you find that when you brush your furry friend, you end up with an abundance of dog fur? Hang a pair of cut pantyhose filled with Fido’s fur from your garden beds to keep rabbits and other critters away from your property. Or, send it to a company that specializes in using this product to effectively clean oil spills. Matter of Trust is an excellent choice. 

Another option is to just let it go. Many birds use it for building their nests.

Honoring Earth Day

If the weather is good, now would be a perfect opportunity to bring your furry friend to a park or trail. Getting some sunlight, fresh air, and exercise will be beneficial for both of you!

You can also take on some fast and straightforward home projects. Consider planting native plants that will attract pollinators to your garden. Choose environmentally conscious products and methods. For example, if you’re dealing with hornets, you can try hanging a paper grocery bag on your porch. Others will perceive it as a nest belonging to a competitor and will simply move along!

Alternatively, you could consider adding a small herb garden. Your adorable companion will be more than delighted to keep an eye on things.

Be aware of the potential dangers that lawn and garden chemicals can pose to your furry friend. Pet poisonings often lead to emergency visits! It’s especially important to note the potential hazards of slug baits, as they can be extremely harmful to dogs. Ask your vet for more information. 

How Do I Help This Cause?

Sharing the information can make a difference. Now would be the perfect opportunity to showcase some adorable photos of your beloved pet. Feel free to share this blog on your favorite social media platforms! Don’t forget to include the right hashtags for Earth Day: #Earthday and #EarthDay. Also, consider using #GoGreen, #SaveThePlanet, and #EcoFriendly to spread the message.

Set Up An Appointment At  Your Las Vegas, NV Pet Clinic

Need any help or advice regarding your furry friend’s well-being or maintenance? Does Fido need a check-up? Feel free to reach out to us at your nearby Las Vegas NV pet hospital at any time!