Do Our Pets Benefit From Good Feng Shui?
The very basis of Feng Shui is to create environments that feel safe and secure for those living in them and YES, that includes our pets! These days, pets are often treated like members of the family. They go to the doctor, get regular exercise, go on vacation, get special treats and some are even dressed to impress. But do you realize that there are very simple Feng Shui principles and practices that can help your pet feel even more loved and safe in the space you provide for them?
Just like their human family members, pets require a feeling of safety, security and belonging in order for them to live their absolute best lives. And when our pets are happy and well behaved, our relationship with our pets becomes easy and oh so fulfilling! Skittish dogs and cats become more social. Aggressive pets relax and show more love and the cat that never comes out of her hiding spot will begin to make more regular appearances.
Creating a sleeping space that is designed especially for your pet is perhaps the most impactful Feng Shui cure you can install. Just like humans, dogs and cats need to feel safe in order to get restful sleep. Let's begin with their bed. Pets love to have their own space to stretch out in. And if you don't create a bed especially for them, you may find that your bed becomes their bed. Why? Because being close to the leader of the pack (YOU) is where they feel safe!
Bedding should be large enough for them to stretch out but not so big that they feel exposed. If your dog has hip or knee issues like mine, raising the bed off the floor 6-8 inches will help them get in and out of their bed with ease, help reduce pain and encourage movement. Do not place your pet's bed near a door. Just like us, they need to be in a command position while sleeping. If possible, place their bed across the room from the door where they can see and process who is entering before reacting. Give them a firm backing by placing their bed against a wall or at the foot of your bed if you have a footboard. Don't put your pet's bed under heavy objects like cabinets or shelving in case they become unstable and topple over. Try not to put their bed under a window. Windows create Yang energy which is not good for sleeping. In my case, my dog's bed is near a window but we remedy that with heavy curtains that are drawn closed each night. If possible, keep your pet's bed away from water elements such as bathrooms. Some water elements can create an uneasy feeling and deter sleep.
Other helpful Feng Shui tips for pets include:
Minimize the use of mirrors near your pet's bed. They may be frightened by their own reflection thinking it's another animal entering their space.
Keep their toys together in a basket or bin. They'll know exactly where to go when they're bored and want to entertain themselves.
Keep your cat's litter box CLEAN. Scoop it at their breakfast and dinner feeding. This is not only sanitary but it also keeps that yucky litter box odor at bay.
Try to match your pet's bedding with the colors of your home. This will create a visual harmony and create a feeling of belonging. Your pets won't notice this but you will!
Happy and well adjusted pets are considered good Feng Shui because they raise the energy in a home. They bring in energies that are centered in playfulness and unconditional love. They encourage us to slow down and enjoy a nuzzle or get outside and enjoy nature with a long walk. Pets teach us about ourselves and the world around us! Why not utilize the ancient wisdom of Feng Shui to reinforce their natural energies and create a space that nurtures your pet? If you try any of the above mentioned cures, please let me know if you notice any changes in your pet's behavior and the energy in your home!
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A little about me- My mission is to help others reconnect with their inner guidance so that they can create environments that nurture their dreams, goals, and desires. I'm a certified BTB Feng Shui practitioner and currently immersed in the study of Pyramid Feng Shui.
If you have questions and would like a personal feng shui consultation, please reach out to me at 614-581-3274 or michelemcteague@gmail.com.
I am also happy to speak to your group in a workshop setting as well!