NOTE: Some alternatives are safe for dogs, BUT UNSAFE , even DEADLY for FOR CATS AND BIRDS (see comment section) PLEASE do your OWN research BEFORE USING ANY of the things I personally choose to use around my dog!!!
Non polluting, natural laundry detergent w/o petro chemicals, phosphates, formaldehyde, or alcohol-based scent (personally, I like Trader Joe's liquid laundry detergent which is plant-based and scented w/lavender oil)
I also use Trader Joe's lavender filled dryer bags instead of chemical laden dryer sheets
- Here is some great info on alternatives to monthly flea products. There are many effective options- please do your own research and experimentation to see what works best for you and your pets.
- cedar chips in pet bedding and outdoors
- diatomaceous earth on baseboards (available online)
- nematodes for the yard (available online)
combo of powdered Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Fennel, Yellow Dock, Wormwood and Rue (all available individually online or at most independent co-ops or health food stores) put in a shaker can and rubbed into pet's fur (NOTE-some herbs toxic and deadly to cats)- combo of Citronella, Eucalyptus, Cedar, and citrus oils rubbed on hands and then rubbed on dog's ears, belly, etc. (NOTE-some oils toxic and deadly to cats)
- A simple google search of "organic non toxic lawn fertilizer" will give you many safe, affordable alternatives. Remember- your pet absorbs everything it's walking on through its paws.
- Glass or stainless steel bowls for food and water are in my opinion, much safer than ceramic or plastic bowls which can leach chemicals into their contents. Be careful not to place a glass bowl anywhere in sunlight where it could possibly start a fire!
Air fresheners- this should be a no-brainer. Read the labels- why inhale all those chemicals?!?!? Instead, boil some lemons on the stove- (you can then use the cooled liquid to kill fleas on your pet!) or some oranges, cloves and cinnamon- makes your house smell wonderful. Or get some 100% pure essential oils and make your own scented potpourri w/cloth bags and "oiled" cotton balls. Or buy some naturally-scented, non lead wick candles at Whole Foods, or purchase an aromatherapy diffuser (they even make plug-in models!) which will also enhance the mood of everyone in your home instead of exposing them to potentially harmful chemicals. DO your research, however: SOME essential oils CAN be harmful or toxic to some animals including birds and cats!
And finally, replacing negatively-focused, dramatically inclined people :) Well, the best remedy I have found/experienced for that can be found by clicking right here!
COMMENT QUESTION: Have you replaced anything in your home with something natural that's not included on this list?
8 comments:
One note on essential oils as air fresheners, as you noted, some essential oils are toxic when applied directly to cats, but in the air they're also INSTANT killers of birds.
If you have a parrot, you should NOT use essential oils in any form (including candles) to freshen the air in your home. Those Glade Plug-ins and overheated Teflon will kill them too.
That is all. :)
THANK YOU, Brew City Tails- you bring home the point that it is essential (pun intended :) that responsible pet parents do their own research!!!!
Hi Nadine, love your info. This is Baarney, the bedlington terrior, from Read My Paws and Doggyspace. We have started a blog too so we bookmarked you and feature you as one of our favorite sites. Your info is just invaluable and what you do is amazing. We love you. Here's our blog: http://readmypaws.blogspot.com/
I was glad to see your repeated warning that essential oils can be toxic and even deadly to cats. Too many people think that just because it's "natural", it's safe. Some manufacturers of essential oils will try to tell you that their oils are "pure" and therefore safe for cats - I'd be very skeptical about such statements.
A wonderful website for information on cats, essential oils and aromatherapy is http://thelavendercat.com/ - I thought your readers might find it helpful.
Thank you, Ingrid. Although presently much of that site is under construction, what's up and posted there looks like good information!
As always, great information, Nadine! This is a wonderfully informative blog. Thanks for all you do.
Harmony,
Janet
We've replaced all cleaners, try not to use teflon pans very often (haven't replaced them all-- the good ones are expensive!!!), and go natural with flea treatment.
We also feed NO foods or treats with chemicals- artificial preservatives, colorings, etc. Little steak-shaped treats are designed to appeal to people buying them, not to dogs' and cats' health.
Also-- non-toxic toys. There are companies out there that make toys from recycled items and they've been certified non-toxic. Good for people, the planet, and pets.
Oh, and plenty of exercise! Guaranteed to make a pet smile. And keep 'em healthy!
Thanks, Nadine! You rock!
Amy- that is music to my ears! Here's a GREAT place for non toxic toys: http://www.leashwecando.com/The%20Leash%20We%20Can%20Do!.html
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