In honor of May being National Pet Month, I’ve found some cool eco friendly products to make your life, and the lives of your beloved pets that much better. But first, let’s play a little trivia to see how much you really know about your furry friends.

1) True or False? Dogs are nocturnal animals

True! Dogs are naturally nocturnal, although pet dogs have adapted to human behavior and now sleep more at night.

2) Why are rabbit’s ears long?

To keep them cool. The ears catch the breeze and cool the body through tiny blood vessels.

3) What is the largest breed of domesticated cats?

Maine Coon. The Maine Coon can weigh as much as 45 lbs!

4) Which animal can get sunburn?

A pig.

5) Which animal can go longer than a camel without water?

A rat because a rat cannot vomit.

Pretty cool, right? It’s amazing how little we know about the creatures around us.  But what we do see, I think it’s pretty safe to say we fall in love with, and that’s precisely why we’re celebrating their loyalty and affection by dedicating an entire month to pets. Hooray!

Dirty & Hairy Repel Natural Pet Conditioner with Citronella

So does your dog like to root through debris, frolic in ditches and run through the mud? If so, have I found the product for you!  Dirty & Hairy Repel Natural Pet Conditioner with Citronella is a fresh-smelling conditioner that leaves the coat shiny and soft while repelling bugs, ticks and fleas without the use of nasty pyrethrin-based pesticides. Without the harsh detergents or artificial colors, your dogs will repel bugs and fleas naturally. As an added bonus, the natural, human-grade ingredients are safe for people, puppies and other pets. So go for it! Let Fido root through debris, frolic in ditches and run through the mud… but at least this time you’ll know he’s being protected.

Earth Bath Hypo-Allergenic Grooming Wipes

So now that I just advised you to let your dog get a little crazy, I would be lying if I said it wouldn’t get messy.  But not to worry! Earth Bath Hypo-Allergenic Grooming Wipes are just the thing for touch-up, or as a bath alternative when time is of the essence. For an instant freshness between grooming sessions or even just to wipe off paws or footpads after a walk, these handy wipes will do the trick. They can safely be used daily on all animals over 6 weeks old. Also, every product Earth Bath makes is 100% biodegradable, free of phosphates and enzymes and are 100% animal cruelty-free. So rather than carry an extra stainless steel bottle with water for your pooch, go green! And give them the better alternative.

Oxbow BeneTerra Organic Rabbit Food

But don’t forget about your outdoor pets/animals.  For your furry little friend the rabbit, I’ve found the Oxbow BeneTerra Organic Rabbit Food. Oxbow rabbit food is specially formulated to mirror the nutrition a rabbit would find in its natural environment. Fortified with essential vitamins and chelated minerals, it contains a wholesome combination of organic ingredients, including high-fiber grass hay and essential nutrients to nourish your rabbit just the way nature intended.

Sojos Certified Organic Catnip

As for our little feline companion, Sojos Certified Organic Catnip has the critiques raving. This 100 percent certified organic catnip is grown in the Cascade Mountains of Washington State. Inducing a harmless euphoric state in cats, the cap nip lasts 5 to 15 minutes and is a fantastic treat for cats of all ages.  Use the product up to twice a week by simply sprinkling a small pinch for your cat to play with and smell.  For such a special occasion, your cat is worth it!

Our pets won’t be around forever so take the time this May to show them how much you really care.

Thank you Graur Razvan Ionut for the photo.

Believe it or not, owning a pet can do wonders for the body and soul. Not only are they proven to lower blood pressure and boost immunity, they can even fight off depression, according to WebMD.  They could even improve your social life and lead to an overall more satisfying life.

My family rescued our little beagle- chiwawa almost eight years ago when she was abandoned in a trailer park and left for days with nothing to eat or drink.  We had never owned a dog before, and having her as an addition to the family was something completely new. I never realized how big of an impact such a little four-legged animal could have on our family, but over the years she has given back in ways we never expected.

One summer, we trucked our little pup across the country when we drove out to Oklahoma for my cousins’ wedding. On the way, she made us countless friends, alleviated pressure between my family members and was a constant bright-eyed, tail wagging little bundle of fur ready to give all of her love.

For nearly 25 years, research has shown that living with pets provides certain health benefits.  Forget the old way of thinking that living with a pet would make your children more likely to become allergic to that pet, because that just isn’t the case. In fact, a growing number of studies have suggested that kids growing up in a home with pets will have less risk of allergies and asthma. Dogs are dirty animals. Babies who have greater exposure to dirt and allergens have a stronger immune system.

Not only do dogs provide benefits for babies, they help young and old alike. Studies have shown that Alzheimer’s patients have fewer anxious outbursts if there is an animal in the home. Their caregivers also feel less burdened when a pet is around. Also, walking a dog or just caring for a pet for elderly people who are able can provide companionship and exercise.

So how are pets good for our mind and soul? Pet owners with AIDS are far less likely to suffer from depression than those without pets. One study supports that stockbrokers with high blood pressure who adopted a cat or dog had lower blood pressure in stressful situations than did people without pets.

Playing with a dog can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine, nerve transmitters that are known to have pleasurable and calming properties.  Some people take drugs to raise serotonin and dopamine but the healthy way to do this is to pet your dog, go for a walk or even play outside with your furry friend.

Forget Internet matchmaking, dogs are the ones great for making love connections.  While outside on your walk, a dog is a natural conversation starter. It’s amazing whom you might meet or what kind of interesting opportunities you will come across with a little help from your pet.

A pet is certainly a great friend, but did you ever think all of these benefits could come from them? So, make sure to take the time to show them your love and appreciation in return.

Thank you federico stevanin for the photo.

It’s that time of year again for everyone to come together to help Mother Nature; that’s right, it’s Earth Day! This day was designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth’s environment. I’m not sure what first comes to your mind when you think about Earth Day, but from my past experiences I tend to focus on planting trees and picking up garbage in my local community. Although this is exactly what should be done on this occasion, we need to expand our thinking to include the little creatures near and dear to us.  Going green isn’t just for people. Pets as well as pet owners can help protect the environment we all share.

It is estimated that every cat causes half a ton, and each dog causes 1.75 tons of greenhouse emissions every year. When I was researching simple ways for you to help resolve this issue, I came across a cool article called “Ask the Vet: Your pets can go green, too” by Dr. Ray Cahill that highlights nine simple ways for you to reduce your pet’s carbon pawprint.

1. Try to purchase pet foods that come in easily recycled containers.

2. If you purchase pet foods that are manufactured closer to where you live, you will be selecting products that required less fossil fuel for transport.

3. When possible, choose pet foods that use organic ingredients since such ingredients are produced without drugs, hormones or pesticides.

4. Do not use plastic bags to scoop up after your pet. Use more environmentally friendly options like a paper bag or a biodegradable container.

5. Consider purchasing pet toys and accessories that are made from non-plastic natural materials or recycled products.

6. Use eco-friendly cat litter and pan liners.

7. When cleaning up after your pet, avoid harsh chemicals and use natural, biodegradable cleaners.

8. Consider composting your pet’s waste. You can create your own system or use an already existing pet waste compost unit.

9. Finally, when you’re looking for a new pet, consider adopting from a shelter or a breed-specific rescue organization.

Let Earth Day be your excuse to start following some of these easy rules, but really try to make these changes a habit. I think you’ll find it’s amazing how a few simple adjustments to minimize your pet’s impact on the environment can really add to the greater good. And if you are looking to fill your shopping cart with some cool green pet gear, hop on over to Izzit’s Pets section.

Thank you Salvatore Vuono for the Earth Photo.

For one week, kill your television! Okay, well maybe not literally, but isn’t it time that we got off of the couch and engaged in activities that we actually enjoy doing?

If you’re not convinced yet, here are some interesting facts (according to turnoffyourtv.com) that might help to sway your decision:

• Number of 30-second commercials seen in a year by an average child: 20,000

• Number of minutes per week that parents spend in meaningful conversation with their children: 38.5

• Number of minutes per week that the average child watches television: 1,680

• Percentage of children ages 6-17 who have TV’s in their bedrooms: 50

• Percentage of day care centers that use TV during a typical day: 70

• Hours per year the average American youth spends in school: 900

• Hours per year the average American youth watches television: 1500

• Percentage of Americans that regularly watch television while eating dinner: 66

Don’t get me wrong, I love to watch television, but it’s not only our families and our social lives that are suffering … it’s our pets. They patiently wait at home all day for us to get out of work and to show them attention, but where do we too often find ourselves after a long day in the office? Yup, you got it, right in front of the TV. So now we’re getting a little smarter and National TV turn off week was created in 1994. It’s very important so mark your calendars that no TV is to be watched April 19 – 25!

Instead, I’ve found four exciting eco-friendly outfits for your dog that might be the perfect approach to making this week as active as possible.

The Cloudburst Dog Rain Jacket by West Paw Design is made with 100% recycled polyester fabric to give your furry friend years of comfort and protection. With this handy rain jacket, the adventures that you and your dog would be able to go on are endless. Reflective flares on the back of the jacket provide additional safety on dark evening walks. Easy cleaning, machine washable cold/cold and hang dry. Your beloved companion will love it!

Next we have the Fido Float Extreme Dog Life Jacket. Keeping your dog safe on and off shore is extremely important. Conditions that cause a dog to fall into any water might also impair his swimming ability. With the Fido Float, the added buoyancy for swim support may save the life of your pet that you cannot imagine living without.  The jacket also has many important features:  adjustable straps for a snug fit, strategically placed assistance handles to help lift dogs out of the water, bright color panels and reflective strips for increased visibility and also neoprene construction for added buoyancy and durability.

Moving on… although this isn’t a full outfit for your pooch, the Scrappy Pets Eco Friendly Recycled Leather Step-in dog harness is an excellent way to show your dog how much you care about him. The Swiveling Safety Snap conforms to your dogs every move for maximum comfort and durability. Also, they are made from beautiful premium scrap leather that otherwise would just end up in our landfills. So help save our planet today and give your dog the very best.

Finally, I have one added treat for your small canine friends. The eco-friendly Dog Dress Linen Zack & Zoey is a paw planet checked sundress with all natural cotton/linen blend. This pleated skirt will have you outside showing off your little pooch in no time. Now that’s what we call remarkable fashion from renewable resources.

My heart sank when I read about the Chinese ship that ran aground in the Great Barrier Reef late last Saturday. According to, “Australia rushes to contain Barrier Reef oil spill,” by Rob Griffith, the vessel has already spilled over 2 tons of oil from the 1,000 tons on board. Although this might not seem like a significant amount, this ship is endangering a very delicate part of one of the most precious marine environments on earth.

The Great Barrier Reef that rises off northeastern Australia is actually composed of more than 2,800 individual coral reefs. Thriving in clear, shallow, coastal waters of tropical seas, Coral Reefs support a wide diversity of life. According to WWF Australia, the reef has 1,500 species of fish, 359 types of hard coral, one third of the world’s soft corals, 175 bird species, six of the world’s seven species of threatened marine turtle, more than 30 species of marine mammals, 5,000 to 8,000 molluscs and thousands of different sponges, worms, crustaceans, 800 species of echinoderms and 215 bird species.

With so much at stake, the damage the ship’s presence could inflict on this rich environment could take weeks to clean up. Like rainforests, reefs have declined drastically due to human actions. There are numerous ways humans have added harmful pollutants into our oceans that can cause serious damage to the fragile ecosystems of the coral reefs.

But what is the real importance of coral reefs? Coral Reefs are important for many different reasons; to start they protect coastlines from the damaging effects of wave action and tropical storms. They also provide habitats and shelter for many marine organisms while also supplying the source of nitrogen and other essential nutrients for these food chains to survive. The study of coral reefs is especially important for providing a clear, scientifically testable record of climate events over the past million years or so.

About one year ago, I applied for the opportunity of a lifetime, the opportunity to study abroad in Australia. I spent four months in a beautiful city called Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast. I know, I know, you’re thinking to yourself is she serious? Surfers Paradise? Believe me, it’s a place as pristine as the name leads you to believe.

Adventurous in nature, I found myself exploring and experiencing Australia in almost every way that I could, but one of the most memorable experiences had to be diving the Great Barrier Reef. I wish I could even begin to share with you what it feels like to be surrounded by such magnificence, completely in awe, completely surrounded by an unknown world. Appreciating the beauty is one thing, but protecting it is another. It is important that we try to protect such wonders of nature by being respectful and aware of our actions.

Wait, isn’t coconut oil a saturated fat, and isn’t saturated fat bad for you? Yes, coconut oil is a saturated fat, but not all saturated fat is bad for you. Coconut oil is one of the world’s few saturated-fat vegetable oils.  The medium-chain fats in coconut oil are similar to fats in mother’s milk and have similar nutriceutical effects. In dogs, these medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil balance the thyroid, helping overweight dogs lose weight and helping sedentary dogs feel energetic. In addition, coconut oil improves any dog’s skin and coat, improves digestion, and reduces allergic reactions.

CocoTherapy

CocoTherapy is a company whose founders originated from the Philippines, which is the largest coconut oil producer in the world. After enjoying the tremendous health benefits of coconuts for many years, they decided to share the advantages with other pet lovers and their pampered pets. CocoTherapy’s Organic Virgin Coconut Oil and Coconut Chips are made from the purest, fresh organically grown coconuts. Feed the coconut oil to your favorite pet for a treat they will love and use the rest on yourself for soft, silky skin! A delicious treat for your dog or cat, the coconut chips are a perfect all natural alternative to over processed pet treats that are made with artificial ingredients, plus they’re totally delicious. You can even share this treat with all our pets, including birds and hamsters too!

Salmon Paws: Nutritious, Delicious and Full of Energy!

Salmon gives dogs energy, helps their heart and improves their coat. Now why wouldn’t you want to give all of this to your favorite pooch? 100% pure Alaskan Salmon is a great tasting, nutritional and all natural treat your dog can enjoy every day. We’re sure your dog has long been awaiting the arrival of spring almost as much as you have. Anxious to feel the breeze running through the park, playing catch, or just lounging around the yard, your dog knows this time of the year is fast approaching. And now you think to yourself, isn’t this the perfect opportunity to lose a few pounds you managed to put on this winter, and isn’t this the perfect opportunity to get back in shape?

Good, now that that has been decided, your dog is going to need a quality snack once you both start getting back into the groove of an active lifestyle. Salmon Paws contains only human-grade Wild Salmon caught in the pristine waters of Alaska. Unlike many other salmon treat products out on the market today, Salmon Paws product is 100% pure salmon meat with NO bones, fillers, yeast or any other ingredients! It’s easy to see how much they really love dogs so go ahead and enjoy! Your dog surely will.

Plus, as an added bonus, a portion of online purchases is donated to the Lange Foundation, a no-kill shelter that runs purely on donations.

Go green this St. Patrick’s Day! But why? The original color associated with St. Patrick was blue not green. Over the years though, the color green and its association with the holiday grew because the shamrock, a three-leaved plant, was used by St. Patrick to explain the Holy Trinity to Irish people. From the 17^th century on, the wearing and display of shamrocks have become a symbol for the day.  Interesting, right?

Well now that your history lesson is over for the day, it’s time to get down to business and find the perfect gear for your pets big appearance in this year’s St. Patty’s Day Parade. We wouldn’t want to leave any member of the family out now would we?

Always eager to jump out the door, let your dog celebrate in style with the Hemp Canvas Dog Collar Collection from The Good Dog Company. These fashionable adjustable collars and leashes are made of durable hemp canvas that will be sure to withstand whatever your playful pooch has in store for a day of shenanigans. If you’re still not convinced, these dog products are sustainable, biodegradable, naturally hypo-allergenic, anti-bacterial and odor absorbent! The eco-friendly Hemp Canvas Dog Collars won’t break your wallet either at $20 from sizes ranging from extra-large to small collar fits. Check out all of The Good Dog Company’s eco-friendly products on their site – earthdoggy.com