Feng shui is an ancient Chinese practice going back over 3,500 years. It encompasses the environment and forces of nature to find balance. While it’s not scientific, it embraces pleasing concepts and common sense that many find appealing. It has a place in décor and landscaping, so it makes sense that pet owners who like it would find it appropriate for their dogs.
Many of these tips draw on things that we know about canines and their instincts. This can make them helpful for your pet, especially if they can reduce stress and make your pup more comfortable. After all, most people consider their pets to be family members. Feng shui gives you a way to consider your dog in your decorating decisions.
The 11 Tips on Feng Shui for Dogs
1. Proper Bed Placement
One principle of this practice dictates you should place your dog’s bed against a wall, preferably in sight of your home’s entrance. This setup replicates peering out of a cave or another protected space. You may find that your pet retreats to similar places to feel safe when they are most vulnerable while they sleep.
2. Clutter Removal
When we speak of clutter, we’re referring specifically to your dog’s stuff, such as toys. Checking them occasionally for wear is a wise plan outside of its place in feng shui. You can toss out the items that are showing excessing signs of wear. Those are things waiting to become a gastrointestinal obstruction if your dog swallows the small bits. This aspect of feng shui makes good sense for any pet owner.
3. Pet Photos in Living Spaces
Many believe that plants and pictures make a house a home. The latter recalls pleasant memories and can bring family members together. It only makes sense to add ones featuring your pet. You undoubtedly have pics that celebrate your close relationship with your canine bestie. The pictures work best if you put them in communal areas of your homes instead of the bedroom.
4. Non-toxic Plants
Plants bring the Earth into your home, providing a potent connection to nature. It can elevate your mood. Science has documented the positive effects; it can relieve stress, which your dog can detect.1 After all, canines can read your emotions.2 If you feel better, your pup will reflect your state of mind. However, ensure that any plants are non-toxic to any pets in your home.
5. Uncluttered Rooms
The same concept of getting rid of the clutter applies to the rooms and hallways in your home. Research has shown it can affect your productivity.3 Your space should make it easy to navigate without bumping into anything. Your pup will appreciate the unobstructed area the next time they get the zoomies and tear around your home.
6. Separate Feeding Area
We suggest having a separate area for feeding and sleeping. Keep your dog’s food and water bowls in their designated space. After all, canines aren’t always the neatest eaters. It makes sense to put them somewhere it’s easier to clean.
7. Family Colors for Bonding
Colors can affect people’s moods and perceptions. It only makes sense to bring these concepts into the home. Canines can only see in yellows and blues. These hues tap into the earth and water elements, which you can use to add pleasing colors that embody feng shui and please your pet. Blue represents the family (zhen), making it a celebration of your home.
8. Health Colors for Wellness
Yellow represents health (tai qi), which can bring a positive vibe to your household. Its brightness evokes sunlight and happiness. In color psychology, it brings cheer and warmth to your home. It can help elevate your family’s mood during the cold, dreary days of winter. You should incorporate lots of yellow in your home if you want to feng shui the place for your pet.
9. Bring in Elements of the Earth
Incorporating earth elements like wooden objects or stone pottery can help you feel grounded. You can take it to the canine level with a wooden bed or elevated food bowl tray. You can also represent it with color with tan or brown cushions or blankets. After all, dogs are creatures of the Earth. It’s only fitting to make these elements a part of your space.
10. Have an Open Outdoor Space
You don’t have to limit feng shui to the space inside of your home. You can also apply them outdoors, with an open yard for your dog to have the maximum amount of room to roam. Yellow and blue flowers can complete the pleasing look and reinforce the elements of family and health you have inside your home.
11. Clean Windows and Open Doors
Feng shui emphasizes openness without clutter to impede its flow. Dirty windows can act as a barrier, keeping you and your pet from enjoying the outdoors, even if it’s from within your home. If possible, keep your front door open so your dog can enjoy a view from their vantage point. Make sure any windows are clean for an easy view of the great outdoors.
In Conclusion
Feng shui is a decorating style that can bring openness and a sense of calm to your home. Your choice of colors can create a pleasing and calm atmosphere that every family can enjoy, even your dog. Everyone will surely appreciate the uncluttered space that will make it easier to work and relax. It makes sense to make the most of your home in ways that promote calm and balance.
Featured Image Credit: Andres Ayrton, Pexels
The 11 Tips on Feng Shui for Dogs
