When it comes to caring for our pets, we’re also guardians of the planet and we want what's best for both our animals and Mother Earth. But it’s not like we can teach our four-legged friends to recycle … or can we? Some online videos beg to differ and we can see that’s it’s possible to train a dog to put our reusables into the correct receptacle to be recycled and given another life.

But can we do a little bit more when it comes to being green and keeping our planet safe from future harm? What about some simple ways we can reduce our carbon footprint while walking and living alongside our favourite canines here on earth?

Here are seven ways we can treat our pooches to the life they deserve and provide extra protection for the planet at the same time:

#1 - Water

Given some of today’s modern technology, it’s now possible to automatically feed and water our animals without even being at home. But when we are in the house, we can make sure we’re not wasting water and keeping our pets hydrated at the same time.

For example, if part of your daily routine is gathering half-full glasses and bottles of water lying around the house, instead of dumping them down the sink, empty them into your dog’s water dish. If other family members perform this same task, be sure to educate them on this simple way of not wasting water.

#2 - Do (Doo) and Reuse

If you walk your dog outdoors and are responsible for picking up after them, instead of buying new products for this disposal, think about everyday items you could be throwing away instead of reusing them for this task. Depending on the size of your canine, plastic or paper bags, wrappers, even aluminium foil and other commonly thrown away items might do the trick.

#3 - Pile and Post

If you have a garden, it is actually possible to use dog waste as fertilizer, but it needs to be composted first. You can’t just pick it up and toss it on your plants, there is some advice and steps to take before using this as a fertilizer, but it can be done.

#4 - Repurposing For Pets

Part of living a greener lifestyle is finding new uses for old items that we commonly discard. Clothes that they have worn or outgrown can be used as bedding, kid’s outfits can become clothing for little dogs, old socks can be knotted up as chew toys, children’s forgotten stuffed animals make great companions and chew toys. As an added bonus, these carry our scent and will have greater “scent-imental” value for our dogs.

#5 - Housing Alternatives

If you’re thinking about building your dog a new house, think of some affordable and reusable alternatives. Instead of purchasing new wood, see if there are reclaimed or recycled products available for this construction. Instead of buying a new domicile for your dog, check with family, friends, neighbours and other sources to see if they’re parting with a gently used canine enclosure, crate or other items that could be used as a home for your pet.

#6 - Diet and Exercise

Pet obesity is a growing epidemic and is becoming more commonplace, even right here in our own backyards. Overfeeding and failing to exercise our animals are two of the most common reasons why pets become overweight. These practices also lead to more animal waste, health problems and a variety of other problems that impact both the planet and our purses.

#7 - Size Matters

If you’re thinking about getting a new pet, do some simple math, a smaller dog will have less impact on the planet compared to a larger pet. Similar to our previous tip, they eat less, produce less waste, breathe less and do almost everything else on a much smaller scale.

These all may seem like small tasks or simple solutions, but they quickly add up to a lesser ecological impact on the planet and the well-being of our pets.