The Environmentally Conscious Pet: Unleash the Inner Green in Your Four-Legged Friend

Post by Guest Blogger Tara de Nicolas, email tara.denicolas@gmail.com 

Gone are the days when Dior and Dolce were the signs of a discerning pet styled with sophistication, now DC’s most savvy pet owners are going green for all things animal related. From organic foods and shampoos, to accessories and toys, don’t be caught dead on the streets of Georgetown or Dupont Circle without your biodegradable pick-up bags in hand!

The options today for an eco-friendly Fido and Felix are endless; allowing the perfect opportunity for you to reduce the impact of your pet’s carbon pawprint!  You may be surprised to hear what is out there for you and your four-legged companion, how easily obtainable it all is, and what little effort it requires. 

If you would like for your dog or cat to be groomed in a quintessential green fashion, start by dropping him/or her off at Doggie Style Bakery & Spa on 18th Street, to indulge in Doggie Style’s all natural pet spa. Services include a Thera-bath with Earthbath products, a sudsy massage using an oatmeal/aloe shampoo, and a luxurious Crème rinse that will leave any dog or cat’s coat soft and shiny.

For the partisan canine drop by GreenPets on 14th Street or the Posh Pooch in Bethesda to pick up organic political themed dog biscuits by Organic Doggy Kitchen, flavored with peanut butter and honey, and in the shapes of an elephant or donkey. One dollar from every purchase is donated to the Washington Humane Society.

If it is toys your pet desires, be sure to stop in and visit the new luxury pet boutique, The Dog Shop, located on Wisconsin Avenue in the heart of Georgetown. The Dog Shop’s walls are lined with eco-friendly toy options that include natural fabrics and organic dyes, such as AKC’s Green Planet Collection™, that use recycled components in each product. Recycled materials used include 100% recycled polyester stuffing and 80% recycled packaging.

When it comes time to celebrate your pet’s birthday, go green with an organic birthday cake by Barkley Square Dog Bakery & Boutique of Old Town Alexandria. Typical ingredients include organic oat flour, organic rolled oats, honey, tapioca Starch, natural unsalted peanut butter and natural pumpkin.

There are also a number of options for eco-friendly felines that can be found at the Big Bad Woof in Takoma Park, including cat litter made out of plant-based material such as corn, wheat, recycled newspapers or wood chips, as well as the Imperial Cat Scratcher. The Imperial Cat Scratcher integrates organic catnip with a paw pleasing texture of recycled corrugated cardboard, and is 100% recyclable, keeping your kitty entertained day and night.

Whatever your preference and taste may be, I can assure you going green with your pet is the new black!