Earth Day is April 22. It is the perfect time to appreciate all the beauty the world has to share and to enjoy our good health. Our four-legged family members are your ties to nature and life's simple pleasures.

Here are five fun and healthy ways for celebrating Earth Day with your canine companion:

1. Off to the Park 

Springtime is calling you and Fido outdoors. Many Earth Day celebrations take place in parks, where you are close to nature. But before you head out, check to make sure the event is dog friendly. As with any fun day in the park, bring plenty of water, healthy treats, and biodegradable pick-up bags.

2
. Prepare a Healthy Meal

Dogs are a lot like people when it comes to nutrition. We are omnivores, meaning we can live healthy lives while eating a variety of food. But it's better for us and the environment to introduce a diet that includes plenty of vegetables. Avoid food with low-grade animal by-products and preservatives. For a better understanding of dog food labels and other dog food questions, check out Dog Food Scoop.

3. Groom Green

Create an at home spa for your dog. Grooming provides an opportunity to spend quality time pampering and bonding. Choose earth friendly pet shampoos, conditioners, and other grooming products that do not contain phosphates, sulfates, and other chemicals that can be harmful to us and to the planet.

4. Green Style

Earth Day is a wonderful opportunity for dogs to make a fashion statement. There's a wide range of accessories and canine clothing on the market that features environmental messages like "Recycle" and "Green is the New Black."

5. Winning Titles

Entering a contest is a fun way to spend time with your dog and a sure way of gaining exposure and possibly a modeling career. Contest prizes typically consist of a magazine cover, fashion spread, designer fashions, fine jewelry, money, and much more. Most importantly is the time that you spend together to earn it!