Autumn Time Tips & Care for Your Cat or Dog

Animals are really in tune with energy, the change of seasons and the energy that each season brings. I’m sure that you notice a different energy from summer to winter. Animals feel this change even stronger and we can assist them in creating internal harmony, which will also benefit us!

I like to align myself and my animals with the rhythms of the natural world. We are energetic beings, just like our animals, although our animals tend to be able to tune into energy easier than we do. When we pay attention to and align with nature and the energy of each season, we tend to feel healthier, happier and our manifestations are more likely to occur.

During Fall aim at finding soothing stability. This time of year is a transitional time. In nature, trees are changing, temperatures are dropping, and the Earth is preparing for Winter.

Fall can bring creativity, high energy, and enthusiasm. Fall is also a time for reflection, celebration of abundance, and preparation for the winter season. It can also be a season for setting goals and making plans, although we may not take action on these plans until early Spring. Fall can also be erratic and rough, so it is important to focus on being grounded, nurturing, and stable.

In Ayurveda autumn is associated with the Vata dosha. Ayurveda is a holistic approach to health that focuses on balancing the body, mind, and spirit. Ayurveda, a natural system of medicine originating in India more than 3,000 years ago, is based on the idea that disease and imbalance is caused by lifestyle choices such as diet, exercise, and routine. Ayurveda looks at the balance between the body, mind, spirit, and environment.

As I mentioned, Fall is associated with the Vata dosha. There are three doshas in Ayurveda. The qualities of this dosha, Vata, are associated with the elements of Air and Space. These qualities are dry, cold, and mobile.

To remain balanced during Fall, we want to eat foods and do activities that assist ourselves and our animals in feeling grounded and safe.

It’s really easy to incorporate activities and foods that will really help our animals during different seasons. I’ve noticed that it helps our animals remain calm and have an overall higher quality of life when you are aware of how nature affects them. It also improves their health and their behavior when they are supported in a way that is natural to them.

Here are some activities and foods to incorporate into your schedule and diet for Fall.

To keep yourself and your pet balanced and healthy in Autumn:

eat warm foods and drink warm liquids such as herbal teas (ginger, licorice, cumin)
warm your pets meals before feeding
eat grounding and nourishing foods such as root vegetables and cooked fruit
feed dogs (as treats or adding to meals) squash, pumpkin, brussel sprouts, eggplants, sweet potato, apples
eat healthy fats
eat spices such as ginger, cinnamon, and black pepper and flavors such as sweet, sour, and salty.
keep a consistent schedule and a daily routine— feed meals, exercise/play, and sleep at the same time each day
do grounding work and exercises
spend time in nature and connecting to the Earth
give your animals lots of time outside, bring them near nature, take them on hikes and long walks
after waking up in the morning, be calm in silence and stillness.
give yourself and your animal regular massages
diffuse oils such as geranium and citrus
best time to exercise in early morning (6–10am) or evening (6–10pm)
balance activity/exercise with relaxation/sleep
meditate often with your animals
avoid excess movement, rushing, and business