Green Pets: Eco-Friendly Choices For Cats And Dogs

11310682715_baseball002.jpgFamily pets bring so much joy to the mother and father and especially the children! Dogs and cats are very precious members of the family and bring lots of joy and laughter to family life. Pet owners can do their part to help conserve the environment by making intelligent, informed and environmentally friendly decisions regarding their pet care.

For pet owners desiring to make their fun-loving dog or calming cat more green, read the following suggestions.

(1) If you and your family do not already own a pet, strongly consider adopting a sweet dog or cat from an animal shelter or humane society. You will be saving the animal’s life and they will be eternally grateful for it. There are thousands of homeless dogs and cats in your country who desperately need caring and loving people to rescue them. These adorable dogs and cats are usually free to a good home.

If you and your family have your heart set on finding a purebred dog or cat from a breeder, research any potential pet breeder very carefully. Find out how the breeders raise their puppies or kittens. Find out how much space they receive to live, play and exercise, how much exercise they receive, what food they eat and what veterinary care and vaccines they have received.

(2) Neuter or spay your cat or dog.
There is a troubling problem where animals are not being spayed or neutered and thousands of homeless dogs and cats are left to fend for themselves. When you neuter or spay your dog or cat, your animal will live a healthier and longer life and have a reduced risk of developing ovarian and uterine cancer in females and testicular cancer and prostate disease in males.

(3) Purchase good quality organic food for your dog or cat.
Many typical brands of pet foods contain alarming ingredients, including animal by-products, animal wastes, and ingredients that come from diseased or dying animals. Make sure that the pet food that you buy your cat or dog contains meat that is FDA-certified and good quality.

Support your cat or dog’s proper nutrition by purchasing quality food. Think about buying pet food that is organic and natural. Certified organic pet food must meet high quality standards and must not contain any pesticides, antibiotics, hormones, artificial ingredients or genetically modified ingredients.

(4) Utilize natural pet care products and cleaning products.

Avoid using any pet shampoo or grooming product that contains toxic chemicals. Use natural pet care products instead, that are environmentally-friendly and chemical free.

Avoid using pet cleaning products and overall household cleaning products that contain toxic ingredients. Green pet supply companies are now manufacturing cleaning products to use when your pet has an accident that are healthy for the environment.

(5) Purchase environmentally-friendly, organic pet toys and gifts.

a) Choose toys made from organic cotton or hemp, which are chemical-free.

b) Buy your cat or dog a new, natural hemp collar, which is biodegradable.

c) Purchase a comfortable doggie or kitty bed that is designed with organic materials and is free of toxic chemicals. Find one that has an easy-to-wash cover.

How Owning A Pet Teaches Your Children Responsibility And Builds Confidence

21310682717_028.jpgSome people say that every boy should own a dog. It certainly agrees with the classic American family: Dad, Mom, Son, Daughter, and their dog. Though not all families are able to own a pet, children benefit in many ways because of this canine familial addition.

To begin, owning a dog benefits the physical health of children. How? Scientific studies have shown that when a person pats a dog or strokes a cat, their blood pressure lowers. This helps relax the child and relieves stress after a long day at school. Some studies have also shown that children who own a pet, particularly a dog, have more highly developed immune systems than children who do not own a pet. This is most likely because children are not afraid to hug their dog and smother their face in the not-always-clean coat of their dog; by doing this, children are able to slowly build and strengthen their disease and sickness fighting abilities.

Next, children whose families own pets have been shown to display higher levels of empathy and kindness in comparison to children who do not have a pet. Children with pets also display higher confidence levels; this may be because dogs are confident, non-judgmental creatures, and children unconsciously copy their dog’s finest traits. Also, studies have shown that children who own pets possess an affinity for understanding and communicating non-verbally. This is most likely because children talk to their dogs, and Rover in turn communicates through his body language, which kids learn to understand.

Here is a positive benefit to owning a pet that may interest parents: owning a cat or dog teaches children responsibility. When owning a dog, a child realizes that dogs have needs that must be met. Mom and Dad can help by teaching the children to put dog food in Rover’s bowl, let the him out into the fenced backyard to do his business, and taking him on walks for exercise. Kids realize that responsibly includes taking care of others, not simply brushing their teeth at night, doing their homework, and cleaning their room. Eventually, children will have families of their own to take care of; start them early by helping them take care of the family dog. Also, children are able to understand that if they do not take proper care of their pet, they will lose their best friend. The responsibility of caring for a pet fosters lifelong benefits for growing children.

Finally, many parents believe that owning a pet simply increases the quality of life for their children. Children who have pets often grow up with them because the dog acts as a member of the family. A pet provides an at-home friend, someone to greet them when they get home from school, someone to play catch with, watch TV with, and someone who is there for them when they are sad or hurt. Dogs certainly are a comfort and a joy for children. The benefits of owning pets for a child’s sake are endless. Who doesn’t want their child to experience the best life has to offer?

Pet Friendly Beaches in Texas

01310682714_momsphonepics009-1.jpgMany family pets become much more than just an animal that hangs around the house.  Some of these pets become part of the family.   Some pets play the role of children within the family structure.  With the economy rebounding, family vacations will become a larger priority for many families in the coming years.
Traveling with pets has become a much easier task recently.  This is great news for pet owners around the country.
South Texas offers some of the most accessible beaches in the United States and many of them are pet friendly.  Combine this with the fact that many lodging companies are opening their doors to pets these days and you have the recipe for a sun filled beach get-away with your favorite animal(s).  Now we will go over some of the best pet friendly beach options that south Texas has to offer.
Cole Park is a great destination for families with both children and pets.  Located in Corpus Cristi, this beach features play areas for children, a fishing pier, and more sand than your dog can wag his tail at.
Padre Island National Seashore is one of the most popular beaches in the country with over 800,000 visitors annually.  You will find many dogs enjoying the sun and sand here.  Leashes are only required in a few areas.
Stewart Beach is in Galveston and allows leashed dogs.  This is a popular beach among families.  You can join in the sand castle competition while you are here.
South Padre Island offers another pet friendly beach with the Isla Blanc Park.  This is a very large beach and there are strict rules for cleaning up after your pet, making this a very clean beach.  Using this beach is free and there are nightclubs, restaurants, and shopping areas nearby.  Pooper scoopers can be found at the park office.