One Step at a Time
In this month’s column, Sharon Melville of Heartful Animal Healing, explores different ways to incorporate holistic health into your pet’s daily routine.
New Year New Start
Holistic pet care is gaining recognition and popularity among pet owners, who seek a more natural and comprehensive approach to their pet’s health. It is an integrative approach that considers the whole animal—body, mind, and spirit. It goes beyond traditional veterinary medicine by focusing on preventive care and natural remedies rather than treating symptoms with medication.
With the amount of information available nowadays, if you are interested in starting a holistic journey with your pet, it can become significantly more daunting when faced with informational overload.
I always recommend to just take it one step at a time. Remember this is a lifelong process — and you don’t have to get everything perfect right away. Just do your best and make small changes to the way you care for your pets, and you’ll help extend their lives by YEARS.
Here are a few easy healthy swaps to get you started.
Optimal Hydration
Choose spring water for your pet to ensure a supply of natural nutrients and minerals, promoting a cleansing effect on their digestive system by eliminating toxins.
Promote Daily Play and Activity
Regular play and movement are vital for your pets’ well-being. Lack of exercise and outdoor time can lead to a gradual decline in their health over time. Physical activity enhances blood flow, coordination, and muscle strength, preventing issues like muscle loss, obesity, and metabolic diseases, ultimately extending their life expectancy.
Don’t forget about your feline friends – ensure they have opportunities to climb, chase toys, and flex their muscles. Introducing a cat wand can be an excellent way to engage your kitty in movement and play.
A Daily Dose of Sunshine
Being outdoors is crucial for pets as it allows them to soak up essential sunlight, producing vitamin D for healthy bones. Fresh air promotes respiratory well-being, reducing the risk of illnesses. Outdoor activities additionally bolster the immune system.
Deepen your bond
Establishing and nurturing connections with our loved ones is what keeps them by our side. This holds true even in animal-human relationships, where fostering a bond is crucial to creating a sense of family.
My ‘Paws For Reflection’ pet meditation classes are the ideal way to dip your toes into holistic health. Join me online and immerse yourself in the synergy of mindfulness, pet companionship, and healing. In these gatherings we practice gratitude, heart meditation, breath-work, pet message and music therapy. These activities will not only bring joy and well-being to you, but your pet as well. Together, we’ll explore tools to enhance your pet’s happiness and strengthen your bond.
Minimise Chemical Exposure
It is important to be mindful of the amount of toxins our pets are exposed to on a regular basis. As they are closer to the ground, they have a higher chance of inhaling toxic residues from common household cleaning products. Dogs are especially susceptible as they tend to sniff around, picking up harmful chemicals. Additionally, cats lie on surfaces that have been cleaned with chemical products which stick to their fur and can be ingested during grooming.
Fortunately, there are several cheap non toxic alternatives. White vinegar, essential oils, lemon juice, and eco-safe products are just a few examples of swaps that can be used instead of traditional chemical products.
Emotional Transference
Our pets are very perceptive to certain emotions that we display such as fear, anxiety, nervousness and stress. This can cause them to exhibit unwanted behaviours, as they absorb and react to our energy. They try to identify the source of these emotions, and often perceive it as a threat. Just like how being around someone who is anxious or depressed can affect our own emotional state, our pets are affected as well. Therefore, it is important to prioritise our own mental and physical health to better care for our pets, especially when they are ill.
As a pet owner, balancing our own wellbeing with that of our pets can be challenging. However, it is essential to take care of ourselves first, so we can be better equipped to help our furry friends. I understand that caring for a sick pet can be emotionally overwhelming, which is why I offer energy healing and spiritual counselling to pet owners. With over 30 years of experience, my practice supports the body’s natural healing abilities, improves energy flow, promotes relaxation, relieves stress and anxiety, minimises grief, mitigates pain and reduces other chronic illness symptoms.
Looking after our own physical and emotional needs is equally important to providing the best care for our pets. If you’re struggling with your emotions due to your pet’s health or need support in your own mental health journey, I’m here to help.
By embracing holistic pet care, you can give your furry family members the best chance for a long, healthy and happy life. Additionally, as you enhance your pet’s well-being, you may discover improvements in your own health. Remember, it’s never too late to begin.
Book your ‘PAWS FOR REFLECTION,’ place, an online guided meditation for pets and their owners. Thursday 25th January 2024 7pm
Paws for Reflection - €12. | Class Bundle of 4 - €40
Heartful Animal Healing
In person, online & distant healing sessions for animals.
+44 7958 922101
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About the author:
With over 30 years’ experience as an energy healer and animal communicator, Sharon practices a holistic approach, influencing the health and well-being of animals through energy balancing, emotional release work, chakra balancing, and positive intentions. All the aforementioned are designed to reduce stress, pain and allow your pet to feel healthier.