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Does Owning a Dog Help the Environment?

Pet, dog, puppy, climate change, environment

Does Owning a Dog Help the Environment?

⏱ Read time: 1.5 minutes

I got a puppy a few months ago. He weighs only a few pounds and looks extremely innocent. However, behind that innocent face is the potential for a lot of emissions. I decided to examine the environmental impact of owning a pet dog and if it's worth getting one. 

Poop

Like all animals, dogs need to do their business. If not picked up, animal waste can cause diseases and contamination. Dog poop can take a long time to decompose, so it's essential that it's cleaned after. When removing dog poop from the ground, make sure to use biodegradable bags! 

Food

Dogs require a diet rich in proteins, and it's not a good idea to have them go vegan. As EarthPlex has discussed repeatedly, eating meat negatively impacts the environment because farming animals requires a lot of land, and animal digestion is a substantial source of emissions.

Exercise

It's no secret that dogs need walks; usually a few per day. While exercise doesn't necessarily affect the environment, there's an important point to note.

Exersise can lead to a healthier life, and people who walk their dogs could potentially feel more confident walking elsewhere. That means that if there's a convenience store near your home, you might be more inclined to walk there rather than drive. Walking instead of driving effectively reduces personal carbon emissions. 

 

Should you get a dog?

If you want a dog, and you know that you can provide it with a comfortable life, then by all means, get one. However, it's important to understand the environmental effects of owning a dog. If you plan to get one, I wish you luck on your journey with your furry friend.

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Comments

  1. I'm grateful for the information you've provided in this blog. You've provided some very unique and useful knowledge. Thank you so much for sharing it. Keep up the good work. Monte animals

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