Five Green Truths About Pet Adoption

What to Know Before Adopting a Cat or Dog

Thinking about pet adoption?  Adopting a dog, cat, or other pet is a great way to live a green life.  Many pets need a new home with loving owners, and adopting an animal is a fantastic, and green, alternative to buying a pet from a pet store.

Pet adoption is a big undertaking, and it is important to understand all involved before beginning the adoption process.  It would be a sad day for both owner and pet if the adopted dog or cat is returned to the shelter.  That being said, before pet adoption, be sure to consider the following GreenLiving truths:

1) What type of pet is best for you?  Before adopting a pet, it is necessary to first determine what pet to adopt.  Cats and dogs can have different personalities and can fit into different lifestyles.  Dogs need to be walked and groomed more frequently than cats.  Cats can be more self sufficient, as they groom themselves and can use a litter box. 

2) Are there already other pets at home?  Another element to think about before pet adoption is if the pet will be brought into a home with other animals.  Some pets get along great with other animals.  Others prefer to be the only animal in the home.  It is necessary to determine the personality of all animals involved before pet adoption.

Three Environmentally Friendly Ways to Reduce Insect Bites

During the remaining weeks of summer, many people are planning trips and excursions while the weather is still warm.  After spending time outdoors, remember to check for lingering insects and insect bites.  It is important to be precautions of bites because while some insects, such as ticks, can spread disease. 

Insect repellent is a proven method to reduce the amount of bug and insect bites.  In addition to repellent, the following three methods are eco-friendly ways to limit painful and harmful insect bites:

1) Remember clothing options: When spending time outside in the woods for a camping trip, it is important to pack and wear long pants and shirts.  Though it is summertime, it is hard to receive ticks and other insect bites when wearing layers of clothes that protect the skin.  After these trips, it is important to wash any clothes worn because insects may be hiding on the fabric.

2) Consider the path: Walking through tall grass and overgrown shrubbery is an easy way to receive insect bites.  Stick to established trails and pathways when hiking or walking outside.

3) Inspect four-legged friends: Pets also can receive insect bites when outside with their human parents!  It is necessary to check dogs after camping trips to ensure animals are not bringing ticks and other insects inside the home.

After camping trips, remember to check the skin for any insect bites because not all bites may hurt.  Bites that are severe require medical attention and should be inspected by a medical professional.

These tips were found on the page "Stop Ticks to Avoid Lyme and Other Tickborne Diseases" on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov.  Read the original page here.

Grady's GreenLiving Tips was created in 2014 by Grady Management, Inc.  Grady Management was founded in 1965 and continues to provide a full service residential, commercial, and consulting real estate firm in the greater Washington and Baltimore metropolitan area.  Learn more from our website or Facebook page.