Even though they’re messy, time-consuming and often a pain, we love our pets through it all. As especially health- and eco-conscious consumers, we know that our pets deserve a safe and healthy home—just like us. Maybe you’ve already started with small things, like feeding your pet organic treats? With just a few more changes you can make your home even healthier for your furry friend. Here are five easy ways.

Does your dog have a sore or wound that she won't leave alone? You can deter that chewing behavior with lavender essential oil.

Have you ever had a scab that you couldn't leave alone? You know it will heal faster if you stop messing with it, but you just...can't. Our dogs are the same, but you can't explain to your pup that if she'd just stop chewing at that sore on her paw, it would heal and stop bothering her. Lavender oil to the rescue!

California recently banned unregistered pesticides in pet supplies like shampoos and flea and tick repellent. But in spite of major fines, PetSmart kept the products on its shelves. With suppliers ignoring bans in some states and operating without such restrictions in others, how can pet owners keep from purchasing pet supplies containing potentially harmful pesticides?

Pet owners know that summertime brings around an influx of fleas, ticks and other such pests. Although popular products like Frontline are effective at pest control and claim to be safe for your animal, many consumers aren’t so sure and would rather choose a more natural alternative. Cheaper versions of these “spot on” flea control products have been associated with adverse reactions in pets, and are currently being evaluated by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Our best friends deserve a healthy and nutritious diet, and traditional dog food is anything but. Which is why many dog owners are turning to a raw food diet for their pets, which focuses on raw fruits, vegetables, meats and whole bones. A raw diet more closely mimics what our canine friends have eaten throughout their existence on this planet, and is much healthier than packaged dog food, which mostly consists of grains and animal by-products.

But is a raw food diet safe for dogs? Experts disagree.

For years my primary mantra has been: SLOW DOWN. I am one of those people who speeds through life like a whirling dervish, driven by an internal motor set to full tilt 99% of the time. However, no matter how many times I repeated this mantra to myself in attempt to force a slower self into reality, nothing has EVER slowed me down like teaming up with a life partner whose legs are two inches long.

Feeling anxious about crafting the perfect holiday meal? Are you worried about that looming Christmas shopping deadline? You might not be the only one in the family feeling a little freaked out this time of year. Our four-legged friends can sense our emotions. So, chances are if you’re stressed out, your pets are feeling the blues too. Poor Fido or Smokey.

Don’t let your furry friends suffer this season. These three stress relievers are sure to turn your pets back into their regular wagging, slobbering, mewing happy go-lucky selves in no time.

You eat the freshest organic produce, drink only hormone-free milk and insist upon pesticide-free meats to feed your family. Shouldn’t your furry, four-legged friends get to eat the same healthy fare?

Pet food has come a long way from the horsemeat and filler fluff of the past, and today several companies manufacture natural and organic kibble that is as delicious as it is nutritious. Demand for organic pet food has increased dramatically in the past several years, and multiple companies have stepped up to offer chow for your pet that is free from unwanted ingredients.

The term "pet parent" has got a lot of use over the last few years. With pet food scares in the latter 00s to murky pet food labels, pet owners have become very hyper-vigilant about pet supplies and food. Animal lovers everywhere can start to rejoice, though. Many pet food, supply, toy, bedding and care companies use organic material, non-toxic dyes and natural ingredients.

Heeeeere kitty-kitty. You know that clay cat litter we’ve poured in your box for what seems like forever and a day? We’re finally giving it the heave-ho once and for all. Oh, sure you know why. All those chemicals. All that tracking throughout the house. All those airborne particulates. You want another reason? Let’s just put it this way – your cat box filler has a carbon footprint the size of Antarctica! It’s time for us to walk the feline walk, so here are a few of the more sustainable ideas that we’re considering in order to ensure that our smoogley-woogley kitty bear can hold his chin up high.