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Grantham Institute - Climate Change and the Environment
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1. Think about what you feed your pet
Dog food accounts for about 1% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions. Choose dry food when you can: wet food produces eight times more carbon emissions.
Up to 65% of the UK’s pet dogs and over a 1/3 of cats are overweight or obese, so take note of portion size!
Grantham Institute - Climate Change and the Environment
7 Ways You Can Reduce Your Pet’s Eco Pawprint
Our pets help us feel connected to animals and nature. However, sometimes our pets can have unintended impacts on the world around us – from what we feed them to the products we use.
Here are seven simple ways you can reduce your pet’s eco pawprint 🧵
4. Reduce your pet’s impact on wildlife
The @rspb.bsky.social 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.
6. Choose the right pet
Before you bring a new companion into your life, consider 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’re not sure what will work for you and your family, explore pet-sitting options.
2. Treat parasites carefully and chat to your vet
Powerful chemicals from flea and tick treatments are in the UK's waterways at levels toxic to aquatic wildlife due to overuse by pet owners.
Use these medications in a targeted manner and consult your vet if you have concerns.
7. Share your experiences with other pet owners
Whether you’ve gifted your cat a new jingly collar, or you now target flea and tick treatments, share your experiences.
Talk about the changes you’ve made – help other pet owners find their own way to reduce their pet’s eco-pawprint.
5. Pamper your pet the green way
Many of us love to pamper our pooch or moggie and it’s 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.
3. Dispose of pet waste responsibly
Bin your dog’s poo when out for a walk. Not only could someone stand in it, it can contain medication residues toxic to wildlife.
Put poo from the litter tray in the bin, not down the toilet – medication residues in pet waste can end up in our rivers.
Learn more about your pet's eco pawprint: buff.ly/ML9klWt & share with pet owners.
Credit: Fat Panda, @neiljennings.bsky.social, Lottie Morgan, Linsey Wynton, Jamie Taylor, Rose Perkins, Andrew Prentis, @polytilly.bsky.social @ic-cep.bsky.social, Guy Woodward @imperialsci.bsky.social & Leon Barron.
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Grantham Institute - Climate Change and the Environment
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Grantham Institute - Climate Change and the Environment
Grantham Institute - Climate Change and the Environment
Grantham Institute - Climate Change and the Environment
Grantham Institute - Climate Change and the Environment
Grantham Institute - Climate Change and the Environment
Grantham Institute - Climate Change and the Environment
Grantham Institute - Climate Change and the Environment
