Paws to Be Greener: Keep Warm, Look Cool

Guest Post by Yuki Seymour Yuki is Kristen Seymour’s oldest dog and will be writing a few posts for us on how to be a greener pet owner. She and her little sister, Rudi, are both black Lab mix rescues and are big fans of the outdoors. While Rudi is mostly interested in chasing lizards and examining poop, Yuki is a little more refined, enjoying the feel of the breeze through her fur, the sun on her face, and — wait! Did someone say squirrel? SQUIRREL!

All across the nation, temperatures are dropping. I know, I know, in some areas, it's been cold for a while, but this past week it's even been cold here in Florida. For me, that's okay — I love playing outside when it's cool out. Some pooches are a little more delicate than I am, though, and need some protection from the elements.

Tiny little dogs, whose bellies are close to the ground, often need a jacket or sweater to keep them warm and dry when out for a walk. Reknitz Eco-Friendly Sweaters for Small Dogs are a great option — they're made in the United States from reclaimed cotton fibers, which means that they save water and require no fertilizers, dyes, insecticides or land.

Looking for something a little more simple and solid? This Earth Friendly Chic Cabled Dog Sweater might be just the thing for your little furry one. I'm pretty sure my mom has a sweater like this in her closet, so maybe you and your pet could match!

Dogs large and small will stay warm and cozy with a K-9 Overcoat Cold Weather Protective Outerwear, which has a recycled fleece liner for insulation with a durable, recycled polyester shell. About 95 percent of this coat is made from recycled materials, and it's available in sizes from XXS to XL.

It's not only our bellies that get cold — what about our poor little paws? I've had a little trouble finding an eco-friendly option for dog boots (I blame my lack of opposable thumbs), but I have to say, in certain circumstances they are necessary. Walking on ice and through snow can get pretty painful, and protective boots like these Skyliner Lightweight Paw Protector Dog Boots (make sure to look at the picture of the bulldog on this site — I think I'm in looove) provide warmth and protection.

Also, now that it's getting dark earlier, be sure to walk in safety. A flashing light attached to your dog's leash or collar will make him more visible to others. And, just like when you were a kid, it's a good idea to wear clothes with some reflective material so you're visible, too.

Other posts in this series: Eco-friendly Pets, Food for Thought, A Happy Howl-o-ween, Play Until You Crash, Tips for Pet Travel

Over the past couple of months, we've featured pets belonging to our Tonic writers. But, it's not only our writers who have fabulous furry friends — we know our readers have them, too! And so, we're inviting you to send in a photo of your pet, along with a short bio, to kristen@tonic.com!

Tonic Pets of the Week: Persia and Orion

Persia and Orion are sibling kitties who live with their mom, Jenna, and dad, Eddie, in Virginia Beach. Jenna is an educator at  the Virginia Beach Aquarium and Marine Science Center and her husband Eddie is in the Army.

They adopted Persia and Orion as kittens about two years ago, before Eddie was sent off to Iraq for 15 months. They did a good job keeping Jenna company, and they like Eddie OK, too. Persia (the gray one) is a little lazy and slightly overweight, and couldn't care less about it. She loves attention from just about everyone and manages to leave a trail of fur wherever she goes. Orion is always trying to get her to play — he's much more active and constantly trying to get out the front door.  He is a little bit of a loner and sick of the diet that Persia is on, because he's not overweight and it's not fair. He loves attention from people, but only on his own terms.  Orion can usually be found in a box — he loves them, even if they are a little too small.