5 Simple Changes You Can Make Today to Improve Your Pet’s Health

Easy Natural Swaps to Improve Your Pet’s Health and Create a Safer, Toxin-Free Home

Jul 05, 2025

By Melissa | Animal Intuitive, Energy Healer & Holistic Pet Health Coach

Sometimes the best changes we can make for our animals are the smallest ones, little shifts that ripple outward into long-term benefits for everyone in the home. These are five changes you can start making today that support your pet’s health, reduce their toxic load, and make your home a safer sanctuary for the entire family. Two and four-legged!

1. Swap Out Toxic Cleaners

Why it matters:
Years ago, I was using all the typical mainstream surface sprays and disinfectants, they smelled “fresh,” so they must be clean, right? But as I dug deeper, I discovered that many of the ingredients in common household products were anything but safe, especially for our animals.

Most conventional cleaners contain chemicals like ammonia, bleach, phthalates, and quaternary ammonium compounds (quats) — all of which have been linked to endocrine disruption, respiratory irritation, and even carcinogenic effects. Our animals, like human babies, are especially vulnerable because they’re closer to the ground, often licking their paws after walking on freshly cleaned surfaces or curling up in places we’ve just sprayed.

One resource that completely shifted my awareness was EWG.org — the Environmental Working Group. You can search your cleaning (and personal care) products by name and see a safety rating, along with suggested alternatives. It’s incredibly eye-opening, and empowering.

My go-to DIY pet-safe cleaner:

1 cup distilled white vinegar
1 cup water
1 tablespoon castile soap (like Dr. Bronner’s unscented baby soap)
Optional: 3 drops lavender essential oil (Make sure you are getting a quality essential oil from a place like here)

Shake in a glass spray bottle. Use on counters, floors, and hard surfaces. Avoid on granite or marble.

2. Ditch Synthetic Fragrance (And How I Learned This the Hard Way)

Back in 2002, my cat Gracie developed watery eyes, a runny nose, and a red, inflamed lesion on her lip called eosinophilic granuloma (EG). The vet told me it was likely feline herpes virus and gave her antibiotics, but nothing cleared up. She was miserable and I was heartbroken.

Gracie, 2002 — and yes, for everyone wondering, she *was* an orange female. A rare gem!

We saw a veterinary dermatologist, and the first thing he asked me wasn’t about her food, he asked:

“Do you burn candles or use plug-in air fresheners?”

Of course I did! I was a college student who loved scented everything. But what I didn’t realize was that many candles (before 2003) contained lead wicks, and plug-in air fresheners often release formaldehyde and other VOCs into the air…toxic to pets and people alike.

The dermatologist gave her antihistamines, scheduled skin allergy testing… I went home, I threw out every candle and air freshener and opened all the windows.

Within days, Gracie improved. The swelling shrank. Her eyes cleared. My own allergies got better too.

I was relieved and riddled with guilt. But that experience showed me how incredibly sensitive animals are to environmental toxins… and how powerful it is when we simply remove the triggers.

Here we are, 23 years later, and these products are still on store shelves. But now you know and you can make a safer choice.

3. Fresh Food to Their Bowl

This one is simple and powerful.

You don’t have to go fully raw or home-cooked to make an impact. Studies show that adding just 10% fresh food to your dog’s (or cat’s) diet brings meaningful health benefits like improved digestion, better nutrient absorption, and stronger immunity.

Research from Purdue University found that adding just 20% fresh food to their diet can lead to a 70-90% reduction in cancer cell growth. Fresh food can extend your pet’s lifespan and improve vitality.

What does that look like in real life?

A scrambled or boiled egg
A spoonful of cooked salmon or sardines (in water)
Steamed zucchini, kale, or green beans (these are safe for cats, but they don’t need, likely won’t be interested)
Homemade bone broth (no onions)
Leftover plain chicken or turkey (no seasoning)
Pumpkin puree

Let me know if you'd like help with simple meal toppers or pet-safe recipes!

4. Filter Their Water (Yes, Really)

Think about it: If you wouldn’t drink your own tap water, why would you give it to your animal?

Tap water can contain chlorine, fluoride, heavy metals, and pesticide residues and while it might technically be “safe” by human standards, it can still burden your pet’s system.

My home has a reverse osmosis system because I have well water, and it’s… not ideal. But reverse osmosis removes everything so it is safe to drink, however, it also removes essential minerals. I noticed I was constantly thirsty and started getting frequent headaches. A few hours down a rabbit hole later, I figured out the issue.

Now I always add minerals back in. I love BEAM Minerals because they are good quality and flavorless. They have products for both humans and pets, plus electrolytes, which are especially important when you live in a hot climate like Florida.

Clean, mineral-rich water = healthier cells and better hydration. It’s a simple change with a big impact.

5. Ditch the Plastic

This one’s a wake-up call. According to the WWF and University of Newcastle, the average person consumes about a credit card’s worth of plastic every week through food, water, and air.
Read more here.

Now imagine how much plastic your pet is exposed to:

Drinking from plastic bowls
Eating food stored in plastic containers
Chewing plastic toys
Walking on plastic-laden surfaces

Start with the most important switch: Replace their food and water bowls.

Better choices:

Stainless steel
Ceramic (lead-free)
Food-grade silicone
Glass for storage
Natural rubber or rope toys

Also consider replacing plastic cutting boards, food prep tools, and even your own storage containers because what benefits you benefits your animals too.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to overhaul everything overnight. Just choose one place to start. Maybe it’s switching your surface spray, tossing a plug-in, or swapping out a bowl.

Small shifts add up to big healing. Your home is a sanctuary and your pets feel the difference.

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Disclaimer: The information shared in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. I am not a veterinarian, and my services are intended as a complementary practice to support your pet’s overall well-being. They are not a substitute for professional veterinary care, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your veterinarian regarding any medical concerns, conditions, or treatments your pet may require.

Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. This helps support my work in creating content for this site. I only recommend products or services that I personally use and believe will add value to my readers.

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