How to Have Positive Impact on the Planet as a Pet Owner

It's Earth Day! We live so disconnected from nature in our modern world, that it can be easy to forget that we do have an impact on nature and wild spaces.

We can see this locally as the rapid expansion of our area means that huge warehouses and housing developments are springing up in areas that used to be scrub, or farmland.

We can make an impact on a small level as pet owners, and here's some ideas how.

Clean Up After Your Dogs

It's the biggest one, and it's easy! Pick up after your dogs when you take them out for walks, on the trails, or at the beach. Because our dogs are mostly eating processed food, their poop doesn't have the same benefit for tiny critters that a wild dog's might. There's also the risk of spreading illness and parasites to wild animals by not picking up after our dogs. This is easily combated by picking up after them every time.

Stay on the Paths

When you take your dog out on walking trails, try to keep on the trail as much as possible. The trails are carefully managed, and built for wear and tear in a way that the brush and plants surrounding the trail are not. Small animals like lizards, snakes and mice rely on the plant life near these trails to hide from predators and also as a food source. If these animals are impacted negatively, so are their predators, like herons, hawks and owls.

Keep Your Pets In Your Control

Florida scrub jay

This circles back a bit to staying on the trails. It also applies to pets other than dogs. If you're a cat owner too, the biggest impact you can make is by keeping your cats indoors as much as possible. Cats are known to hunt all sorts of local birds, lizards, mice and anything else they can get their paws on. Sometimes, this can be helpful if they're hunting down invasive species like the agamas that have taken over this part of Florida. But it can be harmful if they go after endangered species like the Florida scrub jay. We don't always think of our dogs as predators, but some dogs are incredibly accomplished hunters as well, and can be a danger to local wildlife.

Here in Florida, we also have to consider the dangers wildlife presents to our pets, and keeping them close to us can be to their benefit. Alligators, venomous snakes, and even ticks all present different dangers to our pets.

Enjoy Nature With Your Pet

It isn't all about being careful and steps we have to take to manage our impact. Getting out and enjoying the wonders of our state can have positive impact, too! High demand for walking trails and state parks means that they'll continue to have money allocated to them by the state. It can even mean more protected areas will be created for us to enjoy with our furry friends.

Happy Earth Day from The Bone & Breakfast!