Furry Feng Shui – Good life for your furry friends
Many of us feel the need to please and interact with our furry family members, and one way to do this is to consider our pets when organizing and decorating our homes. When designing a pet-friendly home, Feng Shui principles can create an environment that benefits you and your pet. Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese philosophy in which the basic concepts of energy, balance and connection are used to create an environment that supports your unique intentions.
Feng Shui (pronounced fung schway) is associated with five elements (fire, earth, metal, water and wood) and each element with its colors, smells and shapes can be used to create an environment according to our intentions. There are some basic feng shui concepts we can use to raise a new puppy or provide a comfortable and safe environment for our older friends. We must use space as a tool, while remaining aware that the colors we choose for bedding, the shapes we use for food containers, and even the flooring and fabric choices in our homes must be deliberately chosen to meet needs. of our pets while contributing to the warmth and loving environment of our homes. Introducing new and exciting elements in a way that will improve or correct unfavorable conditions in your living space is often simple and inexpensive.
A new puppy in the home brings renewed energy, love and excitement with all the possibilities that life has to offer. They are our “yang” energies, full of life, energy and playfulness. However, for a dog, being in a new environment can bring fear and uncertainty. Our puppies need stability, grounding and security. Adding a little “yin” to the environment will help balance their energies, especially before bed.
According to the principles of Feng Shui, the element Earth gives a person a sense of belonging, permanence and a sense of connectedness. When looking for bedding or blankets for a new puppy, rely on the Earth element by incorporating earth tone colors (brown, yellow, terra cotta, sand tones, gray) with a square pattern. Keep in mind how dogs see color when making any decisions. Humans see a full spectrum of colors, while studies show that a dog’s world consists of yellows, blues, and grays. Like a person with red-green color blindness, they cannot tell the difference between red and green. When a person perceives a red object, it appears yellow to the dog.
Crating your new family member is another way to give them a sense of security or a “cave” feeling. Whether you crate or not, place the bedding in a corner away from doors and with as little activity and drafts as possible. There are wonderful “dens” on the market that copy nature. These living environments provide a sense of warmth, security and privacy while integrating nature’s source of life.
Our older friends need the same consideration when it comes to home design and planning. There are wonderful products on the market that offer orthopedic beds for painful joints. Like a new puppy, our older friends can sometimes have “accidents” and choosing bedding with fabrics that prevent moisture, bacteria and stains from building up in the fibers allows for a more pleasant experience for both humans and pets. favorites. Crypton fabric washes like a dream and offers design freedom with little to worry about wear.
Deteriorating vision can be a problem with our senior dogs and the principles of “way finding” (used by hospitals and nursing homes) can be used. Our pets cannot read letters, but they understand the difference between a hard surface (wooden floor) and a soft surface (carpet). By adding simple elements, we can make it easier and less stressful for our pets to find their familiar way to food, beds, or a comfortable place on our laps or at our feet. Using paths or carpets that lead to food and elimination areas helps pets find their way with less stress and more accuracy. Be sure to use a non-slip mat under your carpets or walkways. This can reduce stress and anxiety for the animal by ensuring a steady footing (or pawing). Rearranging furniture should be considered very carefully with an older dog, as it can cause stress and confusion in an animal that knows exactly where things have been.
You can also take advantage of your dog’s most highly developed sense – the sense of smell – to make him more comfortable in your home. Dogs have about 25 times more olfactory (olfactory) receptors than humans. Knowing the characteristics of each smell and their properties allows us to consciously use them where they are most needed. As humans, we respond to the pleasant and soothing smell of lavender and know the energizing sensation of sniffing peppermint. This also applies to dogs. To help “wayfinding” in your home, use a scent that will call your dog to the action you want him to take. For example, using a scent where your dog’s food and water bowl is located, such as peppermint or peppermint, can point him in the right direction when it’s time to eat. You may want to use a different scent to lead them to their elimination zone or the door, such as an earthy or woody scent.
Part of creating a healthy, happy, balanced home for your pet is removing as many toxins from the environment as possible. Consider volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) in paints. When using paints in your remodeling, look for those with zero VOC. The paint gives off off-gases (that awful paint smell we’ve been experiencing) and continues to release toxins up to 18 months after application that affects breathing. Keep the environment healthy by being aware of these and other toxins in cleaning, hygiene and beauty products.
Another way to bring Feng Shui to dogs of all ages is to use the properties of the Water element. The water feng shui element, represented in blue and black, improves digestion, allowing more time for relaxation. This makes a perfect color combination for food bowls and dining rooms, for example. Providing your dog with a food bowl that is black or blue will allow your pet to slow down the eating process, especially helpful if your dog tends to swallow his food. Combine these colors with the square shape of the Earth element to further aid slower digestion. Avoid round food dishes (the Metal element) as this will make your pet eat more, as the circles will not allow our eyes to rest in one place, but your pet will constantly look around for food. Note that water and food bowls should be raised to facilitate feeding and drinking, especially for older animals. It is recommended that feeding and drinking bowls be placed about six inches below the height of the pet’s withers (the top of its front shoulder). For small dogs, subtract four inches. You can also find square and raised pet food and water bowls that are aesthetically pleasing so they complement your existing decor.
Dogs also use other cues such as texture, brightness and position to adapt to their environment. Experiment with different textures in your home and you may find more ways to make your furry friend comfortable.
By planning around your dog’s habits and personality and applying the appropriate feng shui elements, you can achieve balance in your pet’s life and for everyone who shares your space. Using the principles and elements of Feng Shui in your animal-friendly design can strengthen the spirit and environment not only for you, but also for your furry companion.
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