Tricks

Boogey, by West Paw Design, is 12 inches long and contains two squeakers. The soft, fuzzy fabric will appeal to chewers, while the design makes Boogey appropriate for tugging and multiple-dog play. According to the company, the durable toy is designed for active dog play. Made in the USA from eco-friendly materials, Boogey is the perfect little monster for your little monsters.

Simply Fido’s Ollie Hemp Owl is a strong and sturdy toy made from sustainable hemp. Though the durable toy is cuter than it is spooky, the size and squeaker will keep your pup happy and busy during the stressful holiday.

The Halloween Cat Toy Donut from Brumbys Yarns is hand made and stuffed with 100% organic catnip. The orange and black design is festive for the holidays, but the interesting shape – with sewn-on sprinkles – will keep your cat busy year round.

West Paw Design offers the adorable Kitty Bat. Stuffed with 100% premium USDA certified organic catnip, you can be assured that the toy is healthy while your cat is pouncing and playing.

Treats

Every dog will love this set of six Gourmet Spooky Skull Peanut Butter Cup Dog Treats from Muddy Puppys. The all-natural treat contains layers of peanut butter and yogurt with a peanut butter and carob skull on top.

B. W. Barkery offers salmon cat treats made from wild-caught Alaskan salmon and organic ingredients like oat flower and flaxseed meal. Packaged in a darling Halloween-themed box, these are the perfect holiday treat for your cat.

Image credit: badmonkey0001

Stylish

Whether your pet’s bed sits in the middle of the living room or the corner of your bedroom, you can find a style that fits in with your existing decor. For fall/winter 2011, West Paw Design added two new patterns, Links and Cobblestone, and a solid slate color to its Bumper Bed collection.  With interchangeable inner pillows and outer bolsters, you now have 77 mix-and-match options to create the perfect design for your home and for your pet.

To keep the bed looking nice in your home, the pillow and bolster both have zippered, removable covers. Plus, the entire bed is machine washable.

Comfortable

The cotton beds, which are handcrafted in the US, are both durable and comfortable. Dogs and cats, just like us, have specific sleeping preferences. Some positions are simply more comfortable than others, especially as pets age. The bolster beds give dogs and cats a cozy place to rest either stretched out across the pillow, curled up against the bolster, or using the bolster as a supportive headrest.

West Paw Design offers the bumper beds in sizes from XS, for dogs under 10 pounds, up to XL, for dogs over 66 pounds.

Eco-Friendly

Bumper Beds are filled with recycled IntelliLoft® — a material created from reclaimed plastic soda bottles that have been turned into a soft and durable fill. Each Bumper Bed uses up to 108 plastic bottles, and to date West Paw Design has helped to divert more than 5.4 million bottles from landfills by using IntelliLoft in its pet beds and plush dog toys.

OK, let’s be honest here, common phrases such as “it’s like getting teeth pulled” didn’t come from anybody’s “fun” experience in the dentist chair.  Matter of fact, nothing’s quite as unsettling as being tilted back with a stranger’s hands in your mouth, sharp instruments coming at you, and that annoying little sucking tool hooked to the side of your mouth.  But it’s a fact of life, because after all, total body health really does start in the mouth.  And oral hygiene is critical in maintaining a healthy heart, and staying on top of your game.

While we haven’t seen innovation in the oral care space in some time, a company in Oregon has emerged as a real leader in organic and sustainable oral care products.  Since 2003, Tooth Soap® has grown to become the best natural, non-toxic alternative to toothpaste. Tooth Soap®, made with organic whole foods, natural and wildcrafted sustainable ingredients, flawlessly cleans teeth and gums by scrubbing fissures and pits in teeth (the most common place for cavities) to remove oils, residues and other contaminants. Tooth Soap® leaves teeth absolutely clean allowing re-mineralization of teeth to occur naturally.  They offer a complete line of oral and beauty care products, and even have products for pets.  But certified kosher toothpaste?  Who knew!

The United States Patent and Trademark Office has deemed their products to be novel, and will be issuing the patent in the coming months.  Now that’s great news, and quite an accomplishment.  At IzzitGreen, we love innovation, we marvel at thinking outside the box, and we absolutely support and admire the little guys taking it to the big guys.  And we’re here to help.  It’s not only the American Way, it’s the GREEN way!

So check out our friends at Tooth Soap® to purchase their entire line of oral and beauty care products, and ask for them at your local health, beauty, and grocery store.  They stand behind their all natural products 100% and offer a 90-day no-hassle, no-questions-asked guarantee.

Chalk It Up

Jot down to-dos for the whole family on the Dusty Girl Chalkboard by See Jane Work. Chalk up each day’s pet-care responsibilities, and have each family member cross off their tasks. The board is made from non-formaldehyde, 100% recycled wood MDF core, and the darling dog-shaped eraser is cut from scrap felt. Or, for Scotty lovers, check out the breed chalkboard with bone-shaped eraser.

Take Notes

EcoJot offers mini notebooks with dog- and cat-themed designs. Write each family member a note with their responsibilities for the week, and post them on the fridge or somewhere visible so that everyone stays on top of their chores. In addition to the minis, the brand also sells bound journals featuring dogs and cats. Check out my personal favorite, the Dog Sweaters perfect bound notebook.

Details, Details

If you have a pet with an illness or chronic condition, tracking medicine doses and feeding times becomes even more important. A larger notebook like this recycled paper Kitty Cat Spiral Notebook gives you plenty of room to track all the pertinent information for you, your family, and your pet sitters. Hint: With careful, consistent note taking about your pet’s care, you’ll have a comprehensive resource to review with your vet if your animal’s condition changes.

Simplify

The Sit ME notepad by lobotoME provides a ready-made checklist for all pet-sitting instructions. With all the details in one convenient, streamlined place, everyone has simple access to your pet’s most important information. The 5.5 x 8.5 notepad contains 50 sheets and is printed on white recycled paper with a chip board backing.

Image credit: Aurelijus Valeisa

Pure Pooch Really Clean

Pure Pooch sent Emmett a bottle to try, and I hesitated because the packaging boasted a pure grapefruit scent. I tend to keep scented products away from my dogs because their noses are so sensitive, scents are unnecessary irritants. However, the pros outweighed the single con. The natural formula is soap-free and contains conditioners, both of which help keep his skin from over-drying. Plus, the product is paraben-free, biodegradable, and isn’t tested on animals.

All Terrain Pet Wonder Shampoo

This fragrance-free formula is a mild, biodegradable cleanser. All Terrain sent Emmett a bottle to try since we already use its insect-repellents. While this isn’t a soap-free product, the ingredient list includes olive oil to help hydrate your dog’s skin. And instead of preservatives, the shampoo uses sea salt instead. Purchasing these products funds eco-conscious causes: All Terrain is an environmentally progressive company that supports outdoor activity, conservation, and environmental organizations.

AvoDerm Natural Skin and Coat Shampoo

AvoDerm, manufactured by Breeder’s Choice, is formulated specifically for dry skin. It’s made from real avocado oil, which helps maintain the oils on your dog’s skin. This shampoo lathers more than the other two, which means a lot more rinsing time. However, the extra time is worth it; this shampoo keeps Emmett’s coat smooth and shiny, which attracts a lot of attention when he’s doing his therapy dog work.

Image: faul

It happens to all of us. So when dealing with a pet stain, reach for an eco-friendly alternative. Each of these four choices is an environmentally-responsible and pet-safe way to remove stains and odors.

Clean + Green

These natural stain and odor removers are tailored first to the type of pet you have – dogs, cats, birds, or small animals – then the type of surface you need to clean. The formulations include all-natural ingredients that are free from perfumes and dyes, which can irritate our pets’ skin. Cleaning tip: Pick up a bottle of the brand’s DeSkunk Coat Cleaner. This is one you definitely want to have on hand in case of an emergency!

Earth Friendly Products

Earth Friendly Products offers a range of pet-safe and non-toxic cleaners. Its products are free from toxins, petrochemicals, bleach, ammonia, phosphates or other harmful ingredients. The company’s Pet Stain & Odor Remover works on all types of pet “accidents,” including blood, and if you have an accident-prone pup like my Lucas, a multi-purpose cleaner is huge. They also sell a bird- and eco-safe cage sanitizer that cleans your aviary without harming your bird’s sensitive respiratory system.

PureAyre

When dealing with urine or feces, one of the most important steps in the cleaning process is to remove any odor to deter your pet from using that same spot again. With these stains, you need an enzymatic cleaner like PureAyre’s Odor Eliminator for All Pets or Odor Eliminator for All Dogs. PureAyre’s ingredients are natural, non-toxic and food-grade safe, so you can use them knowing that they’ll be gentle in your pets’ space and gentle to the environment.

Easy DIY

In case your pet has an accident before you’ve picked up a cleaner, you can whip up an eco-friendly three-step stain remover right in your own kitchen. First, mix equal parts warm water with white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray and blot to neutralize the odor. Next, add ¼ cup of baking soda to the water/vinegar solution. Spray and blot. (If it’s a really stubborn stain, you can repeat this step a couple times.) Last, once the spot dries, sprinkle it with baking soda and let it sit overnight. Vacuum up the baking soda in the morning to reveal a stain- and odor-free carpet.

Images: winestem, Clean + Green, Earth Friendly Products, PureAyre

The best alternative? An irresistible scratching post.

These three options are eco-friendly, aesthetically-pleasing and feline-approved.

Handcrafted Incline Cat Scratcher with Post

This handmade scratcher is crafted from natural sisal rope and is sealed with a pet-safe and environmentally-friendly coating. Its low profile means that the scratcher will fit almost anywhere in your home. Plus, for added eco-friendliness, the wood is harvested from downed trees or timber cutting rather than deforestation.

Baobab Modern Cat Tree

For cats into the modern look, the Baobab scratcher in white is both hip and environmental. Made in the United States with 100% recycled wood fiber, the white laminate blends with modern home decor. The carpet – which takes the brunt of a cat’s scratches – can be replaced easily, prolonging the life of the tree. Since cats love to jump and climb, this tree satisfies both instincts.

PETCO Eco-Scratcher Scratching Post for Cats

This post, made and sold by PETCO, saved four plastic bottles from the landfill. The carpet is made from 100% recycled materials, and the natural feather on the top will entice even the most reticent cats. Even better than its cat-appeal and eco-friendliness is how easy it is to keep this scratcher clean. Take it outside to shake it out or simply run the vacuum over it.

Whichever post you choose, don’t expect your cat to leave the sofa alone and go straight for his new toy right away. Be patient, and remember that it might take a little cajoling to get your fancy feline interested. A couple training tips to try: Pretend to have a blast scratching the post yourself, and your cat will wander over to investigate. Or, if that doesn’t work, rub organic catnip on the post to encourage your cat to give it a scratch.

Image: Ryan Snyder

Many commercial dog and cat treats contain processed or chemical ingredient, much like the cookies and chips we buy as treats for ourselves. So instead of picking up a box of over-processed dog treats with an indecipherable list of ingredients, I bake organic treats for my dogs Emmett, Lucas and Cooper. And I’m not a good cook! But the five cookbooks here provide tons of simple, easy-to-make recipes with healthy ingredients. Your pets will appreciate your effort.

Score bonus points with your pets: Allow them to lick the bowl, as Lucas and Emmett are doing in the photo above, while you’re baking them treats! (That is, of course, if the bowl doesn’t contain raw meat or eggs.)

Best Overall Cookbook

Dr. Pitcairn’s Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Catsis the must-have for dog and cat companions. This is more than a cookbook; the text provides nutritional information, care and feeding instructions, and advice on natural healthcare.

In the first section, though, the recipes provided are invaluable to pet lovers. They’re full of healthy, natural ingredients that will keep your pets in great shape. One caveat: Many of the ingredients will require trips to a specialty health store or, in some cases, an online order.

Best for Dog Treats

The Organic Dog Biscuit Cookbook is a classic that every dog lover should have. Chock full of healthy recipes and helpful cooking hints, the cookbook offers all-natural options from full meals to simple snacks to frozen delights.

You Bake ‘em Dog Biscuits Cookbook offers 50 recipes and tips and tricks for rewarding your dog. Many of the recipes have been designed to provide health benefits for your pooch, too.

The best part about this book? No extra trips to specialty stores required! All the ingredients are readily available at your local supermarket.

Best for Cat Treats

While there are fewer cookbooks available for natural cat treats, you can find dozens of options in The Natural Pet Food Cookbook: Healthful Recipes for Dogs and Cats. This comprehensive guide provides recipes for full meals and treats, all of which have been vet-approved.

The cookbook provides detailed nutritional information, too, so you can ensure you’re providing the best snacks to meet your pet’s dietary requirements.

Cat Treat Recipes includes 100 recipes made from all-natural, organic ingredients. With simple, easy-to-follow instructions, even a novice chef can whip up tasty snacks for his or her cat. Since there are so many recipes that touch on a variety of ingredients, even the finickiest cats will love something from this treat book.

Image credits: Amazon.com.

As a “dog mom” of three, I can vouch: It’s nice to be recognized for all the love and devotion we pour into our fur balls. But a bouquet of flowers isn’t the best gift for a pet mom. Instead, consider these must-haves for any dog or cat mama.

Chocolate, Of Course!

Pamper your favorite pet mom with a sweet treat that also gives back. Not only is Rescue Chocolate 100 percent vegan, the company also donates 100 percent of their net profits to animal rescues around the country. My personal favorite? Peanut Butter Pit Bull!

Organic Animal-Themed Apparel for a Cause

For a unique gift that will make her feel good, too, give a hand-painted T-shirt that gives back to animal welfare organizations and is made ethically and organically. JACA T-shirts are made from super soft 100 percent organic cotton and low-impact dyes. Each supports an animal-related organization.

Biodegradable Pet Waste Bags

No, it’s not the most heartwarming gift, but all dog moms go through a lot of pet waste bags. Get her a cute dispenser stuffed with biodegradable poop bags to brighten up the pick up. Try the Poochie Pick Up Biodegradable Bags or, for someone with large or multiple dogs, a box of 880 purple, biodegradable bags would be much appreciated.

Especially for Cat Moms

Cat moms love to spoil their pets, and there’s no better way than with organic catnip. Fat Cat Kitty Hoots Zoom Around the Room Organic Catnip is a healthy alternative to non-organic, which often contains fillers. For a more interactive catnip toy, KONG Naturals Natural Mice Cat Toy is made from renewable resources and will keep cats busy hunting and pouncing.

Picture This: Recycled, Eco-Friendly Picture Frame

We dog and cat moms love pictures of our pets! Pick up a recycled or eco-friendly picture frame like this Umbra Simple Wood frame, made from plantation grown, eco-friendly rubberwood. Include a picture of the pet mama snuggling with her animals for the perfect Mother’s Day gift.

Image credits: jlantzy, Rescue Chocolate, Jus Animalium, ShopWithEase.com, Amazon, Amazon

A common misconception is that ticks live only deep in the woods. The truth is that ticks live everywhere, including in your neighborhood park. Ticks are particularly worrisome to dog lovers because they can carry several harmful diseases. For example, deer ticks carry Lyme disease, which is a very common, very harmful bacterium, and Lyme disease exists in all 50 states.

Numerous topical pesticides are available, but these products are chemicals that can harm your dog and the environment. A year-long study conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found a significant increase – 53 percent – in deaths related to topical flea and tick medications between 2007 and 2008. Ultimately, the EPA study deemed these products safe, though all the products evaluated had side effects ranging from dry, itchy skin to death.

But topical chemicals aren’t the only option! To protect your dog from tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease, diligence is the name of the game. Consider these safe, effective, and eco-friendly products.

Go Old Fashioned

This is a low-tech and as safe as you can get. Check your dog from nose to tail after outdoor play. Use a tick comb and work slowly through the dog’s coat. Don’t miss those sneaky spots like under floppy ears and armpits. Even though there are disposable versions for as little as two dollars, choose a long-lasting comb like the Safari Flea Comb.

Spray-On Protection

If you’re heading out for a hike or a trip around your neighborhood park, spritz your pup with All Terrain Pet Herbal Armor Insect Repellent Spray. The company sent a sample to my picky pooches to try. Made from 100 percent DEET-free ingredients and five essential oils, the scent was light enough not to bother their sensitive snouts. It kept them bug-free on a neighborhood stroll.

Fight Ticks from the Inside Out

There is some evidence that shows brewer’s yeast and garlic are natural insect repellents. When given as a supplement, like with Only Natural Pet Brewer’s Yeast and Garlic Tablets, you’ll be protecting your dog from the inside out.

Regardless of which product you choose, always check your dog over after walks and hikes. If you discover a tick latched onto your dog, call your veterinarian. A vet will allow you to come in – usually right away – so that they can professionally remove the tick. Many of the old tricks, like holding a match to the tick or smothering it in petroleum jelly, are actually ineffective and sometimes harmful. Plus, some vets test the ticks they collect for diseases like Lyme disease to assess the prevalence in their area.

If you suspect your dog might have a tick-borne illness, contact your veterinarian. However, don’t let the possibility of picking up ticks keep you and your dog from enjoying the beautiful springtime weather.

Image credits: Plong, Amazon, All Terrain, Only Natural Pet Store.