As we become more conscious of the impact our choices have on the world around us, it’s only natural to think about making the same commitment for our furry friends. From embracing a plastic-free philosophy to just being more aware of our pooches’ pampering routine, it only takes a few simple steps to help our puppers live a more eco-friendly lifestyle, and it doesn’t mean sacrificing style in the process!

Replace plastics with eco-friendly alternatives

Plastic pet products are one of the biggest culprits when it comes to increasing our pups’ carbon pawprint. However, a growing number of thoughtful brands are making moves to create a more sustainable fur-friendly future, replacing once plastic-filled playtimes with eco-friendly (and equally stylish) alternatives. We’re absolutely in love with these adorable animal-themed rope toys from Australian brand, Veggie Paws, which breathe new life into old materials through their recycled cotton and polyester blend fabrics.

Get kitchen conscious!

If there’s one thing our pooches love more than playtime, it’s dinner time, but it might surprise you to find out just how much an impact the ‘wrong’ diet can have on your pup’s paw-print, especially when it comes to resource-heavy foods such as human-grade meat products. Don’t worry though, there are plenty of ways to spoil your pup without sacrificing sustainability - from incorporating more plant-based products to using independent producers who hand-bake treats with sustainability already in mind.

Go green when grooming

Grooming is an essential part of any pet lover’s routine, but keeping your pup pampered can also come at a cost without the right knowledge of the products you’re using. While many shop-bought grooming products will contain additional chemicals and artificial fragrances, opting for eco-friendly alternatives like natural dog shampoos will not only help to reduce the damaging impact on the environment, they can also be a lot kinder to pups with sensitive skin. Our product of choice? We love this hand cut natural pet shampoo from Melbourne-based brand, The Australian Natural Soap Company, which is certified vegan and cruelty-free (psst they have plenty of amazing products for humans too!)

Support local

Supporting local businesses has long been a cause close to our hearts, but there’s also a lot to be said about it from an ecological perspective. Choosing to support local, independent brands over mass-produced products can help to reduce waste, support the local economy and minimise those long-distance fossil fuels that come with overseas shipping. Not to mention you’re showing some love to local talents who pour their time and passion into perfecting products for our furry friends!

Find brands that share your ecological priorities

As well as reapproaching what goes into pooch-friendly products, a growing number of brands are getting more eco-conscious in the way they source, ship and supply their fur-friendly inventory. From biodegradable shipping mailers to locally-sourced fabrics and cruelty-free testing, finding brands that share your ecological priorities is a great way to do your bit for the environment while promoting a better future for your beloved pupper. Check out some of our favourite eco-chic businesses in our recent article on eco-friendly pet products.

About Pooky & Boo

Pooky & Boo is an Australian-based dog accessories brand focused on creating stylish, sustainable and ethical products for our furry friends. Inspired by a passion for design and a love of all things four-legged, our dog beds and jumpers are lovingly handcrafted from fabrics that have been milled, sourced and custom-designed in Australia, keeping our ecological priorities at heart.

To view our latest range of dog beds and jumpers, visit our online pet boutique.

Five ways to be a more eco-friendly pet owner

Replace plastics with eco-friendly alternatives﻿