CBD Oil for Anxiety: Can it Calm your Anxious Dog?

CBD or Cannabidiol is the main component of the cannabis plant.

Cannabinoids interact with receptors in the central nervous system, ease anxiety, and promote sleep. CBD oil has the advantage of not being psychoactive (so it does not have addiction liability). It has a wide range of benefits in the veterinary field, including beneficial effects in the canines suffering from CNS disorders like anxiety, depression, and panic disorders. It can act as an analgesic for dogs suffering from painful disorders and has been used to calm many an anxious dog. Dr. Klein said, “We are likely to see continued interest in CBD and an increase in research about its uses and efficacy in the coming years.”

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Symptoms of Anxiety in Dogs

Anxiety in dogs includes a wide range of symptoms. If some of these symptoms are present in your dog, it may suggest that your dog is suffering from anxiety.

• Whining or barking
• Cowering
• Clingy behavior
• Increase in awareness
• Panting
• Yawning
• Unexpected defecation or urination
• Trying to break objects like toys, furniture, etc.
• Hiding under furniture or wherever possible
• Lip licking
• Flattening ears and shrinking away
• Compulsive behavior (sometimes to the point of self-harm)
• Shaking or Trembling
• Pacing back and forth
• Drooling
• Vomiting
• Trying to run away
• Aggressive behavior

“Those subtle body language signs can signal more mild signs of anxiety,” Dr. Mornement says. He also added, “They are important because they are precursors to deeper anxiety and if you pick up on them and act, it’s less likely to escalate.”

 Causes of Anxiety:

Anxiety in dogs has different causes, similar to humans. Some of the common causes of anxiety in dogs are divided into the following categories:

Behavioral:

The most common behavioral cause is separation anxiety, which includes destructive and disruptive behavior of dogs in the absence of their guardians. This behavior is an indication of separation anxiety. The intensity of anxiety increases when dogs are separated from the people they are attached to. Extreme separation anxiety may result in household or self-injury. They may try to escape from exit points like doors and windows, harming themselves. Typically, after you leave your canine friend, it will start displaying distress behaviors like barking moments after you have left your dog alone. Your dog may also try to stop you from leaving the house.

“Dogs [often] associate everything they value in their life such as company, play, food, going for walks — with when people are around,” Dr. Mornement says

Situational:

Situational causes of anxiety include fireworks and thunderstorms. Pets are at risk of getting freaky, anxious, and terrified by thunderstorms or fireworks. Dogs are vulnerable to high pitched sounds and flashing lights. According to data by American pet society’s annual survey report, about 65 percent of domesticated pet species get scared due to fireworks. Fireworks contain potassium nitrate; continuous exposure results in stress, anxiety, and mental disturbance. Thunderstorms and firecrackers trigger flight or fight response due to flashing lights and sounds, which gives rise to restlessness.

“Dogs are naturally fearful of those events because they are loud and scary, so they learn to associate the [lower level] noise of wind or rain with those events,” Dr. Mornement says.

CBD Oil for Anxiety and Anxiety-related Disorders:

Stress due to any cause can impact the life quality of canines. CBD has shown a lot of benefits in dogs suffering from anxiety and fear. Like humans, animals have an endocannabinoid system that controls all body systems, particularly the nervous system and immune system. As ThePets resource notes CBD binds to the endocannabinoid receptors present in the nervous system, promoting various physiological processes, such as appetite, metabolism, sleep, pain, and mood.

Expert veterinarian Amatucci said:

“We have found that many pet owners that use CBD for their cats and dogs really love it and say it works for tackling problem behavior or just giving their pet a better sense of overall calm,”

1.      Calm Nervous System

By acting on the endocannabinoid system, CBD can promote calming effects on the nervous system of dogs. This guide shows that the effects of CBD can be enhanced when used in combination with other sedative therapies. When the stress or anxious feelings are suppressed, dogs would feel healthier both mentally and physically.

2.      Reduces effects of inflammation

In many dogs, anxiety may be caused by trauma or a defective immune system due to several conditions such as neuropathic pain, inflammation, arthritis, and skin irritation. CBD can lower the effects of inflammation and eases the pain that works as anti-anxiety in dogs.

3.      Reduces the metabolic breakdown

CBD reduces the metabolic breakdown of endocannabinoids that are naturally produced by the dog’s body. Endocannabinoids are responsible for regulating the pain pathway. CBD slows down their breakdown, causing an increase in endocannabinoids in canines at CB receptors resulting in decreased neuropathic pain.

4.      Effective in the treatment of arthritis

If your dog is suffering from chronic pain caused by arthritis, you must have heard of CBD as a treatment from someone. CBD, along with THC and other chemicals, is present in cannabis. But CBD is not addictive like other cannabis compounds. Arthritis affects the joints of senior dogs, which usually causes severe pain and stiffness.

Dogs suffering from arthritis require treatment that acts as an anti-inflammatory to decrease stiffness and analgesic to treat arthritis pain. CBD, in combination with other anti-inflammatory or analgesics, is useful in the treatment of arthritis. CBD acts to reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines, stop leukocytes proliferation, and prevent immune cells’ adhesion and migration.

Duration of Action of CBD:

CBD oil has a wide range of duration of action. How much time it will take to show a significant effect on your dog depends on your dog’s condition and the dosage and brand of CBD product according to sources. For chronic pain or inflammatory disorders, it may take a few weeks to show significant results. However, for anxiety or depressive symptoms, you may start to notice changes in your dog’s behavior within an hour.

Precautions Regarding CBD Oil:

Dosage:

 

Experts and vets encourage taking proper cautions and measures while giving CBD to your dogs because of the lack of studies and trials on its usage and safety. Many vets prescribe CBD as the best treatment for dogs with anxiety, PTSD, and many other nervous disorders. The following measures should be taken while giving CBD to dogs:

• Consult with the vet before starting any treatment for your dog.
• Use high-quality CBD products that do not contain hazardous compounds or toxins.
• Start with the minimum dose (about 0.25 mg per day), and then gradually increase the amount, if necessary. Monitor the response of your dog to any given medication.
• Assess any underlying illness, especially kidney or liver disease, which may affect the dog’s body’s metabolism or reaction to CBD.
• Determine your dog’s size, weight, and physical activity that can give you information about how your dog will metabolize CBD or other drugs.
• Check out the required potency for your dog and buy accordingly. CBD oils are available in different CBD potencies. The optimum power of CBD oil for large dogs is 300 mg and above. However, for small dogs, it is 75mg.

 Possible Side Effects Related to Overdose of CBD in Dogs:

If you give an optimum dose of CBD to your dog, it typically shows no side effects. However, in case of overdose following effects may be seen:

• Dry mouth
• Lethargy
• Vomiting
• Increased sensitivity to the senses
• Urinary incontinence
• Lowered blood pressure
• Impaired balance or coordination
• Drowsiness

Photo credits jcomp – www.feepik.com

Did you enjoy this article? Dog lovers might find these interesting, as well:

Dog Games: 10 Fun Ways to Learn & Bond for Puppy and Child

Do You Know How to Identify Dog Seizure Symptoms?

The Extraordinary Soul Connection I Call The Human Animal BodyMind Connection

The post CBD Oil for Anxiety: Can it Calm your Anxious Dog? appeared first on Val Heart.

source https://valheart.com/cbd-oil-for-anxiety-can-it-calm-your-anxious-dog/

A Dog’s Prayer (talk about goosepimples!)

Imagine my dismay when I came home after running errands to interrupt burglars attempting to break into my house!?!

My first hint something was wrong was the mess they left in the garage.  I felt compelled to clean that up, because there were broken bits of glass everywhere. I didn’t want Einstein to cut his feet!  At that point I thought someone had tried to break into the garage through the window but they couldn’t get in because I have it rigged.

Next, I entered the house through the garage and immediately noticed something odd about my security alarm.  It wasn’t working properly.  No siren, no signal – odd.  And Einstein was very upset.

Then, I saw the real damage.  One of my patio doors was busted bad but still hanging on by a thread. Amazingly enough, the deadbolt was still intact.  Wow!

My other 2 doors also were damaged and my phones were out.  After calling 911, talking to the phone company, finding an emergency handyman to repair the damage, talking to my neighbor who heard noises, and of course, discussing it with Einstein, it dawned on me with a sense of awe that a major miracle had just occurred.

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In fact, many blessings and miracles!  Let me explain.

• I came home before they got into the house so nothing was stolen and Einstein was unharmed.
• As I was compelled to clean up the garage, they had time to escape through the yard so there was no dreaded bad encounter.
• My neighbor kept getting distracted and neither she or her dogs come over to get caught in the middle of what could have been a very dangerous situation.
• The damage was easily and inexpensively repaired, and the upside is my home is even more secure than before.
• Turns out the phone company disconnected my security service over a year ago due to inept technicians, but I didn’t know that.  Now that’s fixed and we’re back online.
• The phone company’s got some ‘splaining to do, and I may even get some free stuff out of it.

Want to know the biggest miracle of all? I was saved by a dog’s prayer.

Einstein has been sad, worried and moping around for weeks.  His appetite was off, and nothing I did was helping.  He didn’t seem to need a vet, but I’d about decided to take him in anyway because it was such a puzzle…

He’d come check on me frequently, gazing at me with those soulful, mournful big brown eyes.  When I’d ask him what was wrong, he told me he was worried about me.  I’d been sick with the flu, respiratory and the stomach bug that’s been going around. I thought that he was worried about my health, so I would tell him thanks for your concern but I’m feeling better now.

But he was still sad, worried and depressed.  So the morning of the attempted B&E, I asked him again, Einstein, what are you so worried about?

He replied, “What will happen if something bad happens to you?”

It took me aback.  I thought for a moment, and replied that if anything bad happened to me, then he would go live with his Aunt Lesley (who he loves) and her dog Milo, and that I would love him always.  And if I could recover, then he could come live with me again.

He said okay but wasn’t much relieved, was still tense and worried and I had to go.

Well, when I again spoke with him AFTER the incident, his spirits were elevated for the first time in weeks.

So I asked him to tell me what happened.

He said he’d been having nightmares about something very bad happening to me at home from very bad people, and me getting hurt or worse, even killed.  He said he’d been praying for help – a dog’s prayer – and dreading the day.

He’d foreseen that I would be home sleeping, and bad people would break in and hurt me.  In fact, that could very easily have been the case because while I was out running errands, all I wanted to do was go home and take a nap!  But I kept being guided to do just one more errand, and then just one more, and then the traffic was slow, and then, oh yes, just one more errand… the message was clearly “don’t go home yet”.

If I’d been here, I’d been napping when they came and the side door would have probably been open.

Einstein’s prayer was heard, and the Universe redirected my path out of harm’s way.  And I’m awed and truly grateful for the power of a dog’s prayer.

Remember that your animal’s are wiser than you know, they care about you too, they are connected with Spirit, and some conversations with them will blow your mind.

Much love to you and your furry, hairy, scaly and feathered friends,

Val

Did you enjoy this article? Here are some more to help with your fluffy companions:

Buddy’s Story: Our Experience Fostering A Puppy Mill Dog
Everything You Need To Know About Kidney and Liver Failure in Dogs
Dog Games: 10 Fun Ways to Learn & Bond for Puppy and Child

“Believe it or not, if it weren’t for your so-called issues, problems, and challenges, there’d be no other way you could become even happier, cooler, and more enlightened than you have ever been before.”  Tallyho, The Universe  www.tut.com

The post A Dog’s Prayer (talk about goosepimples!) appeared first on Val Heart.

source https://valheart.com/einsteins-prayer-miracles-and-burglaries-talk-about-goosepimples/

Affordable and Healthy, Homemade Organic Pet Food Recipe

We all want to feed our pets the healthiest food possible

So sometimes that means coming up with a homemade pet food recipe instead relying on whatever pet food is available on the store shelves. Although the government keeps telling the citizens that the economy is picking up and going in the right direction, few of us have actually seen this resurgence in our paychecks and day to day lives.

Let’s face it! Everybody has been hit hard with this so-called “not a depression”.

Obviously, the government thinks that they can pee on our legs and tell us it’s raining.

They give us misleading information all of the time, and they expect us to believe it without question.

After the information that I’ve found out about traditional and organic pet food, it’s hard to believe anything that is supposed to be regulated by the government.

Checking the food labels

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Most of us have looked at the labels on our pets’ food and checked to ensure that it says the food is a nutritionally complete and balanced diet. Those of us that have gone organic make sure that the food states that it is organic or all natural.

Those labels are as misleading as the “non-depression”. Many pet parents have always believed that the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) had some sort of authority in regulating what we are feeding our pets, as well as how the pet food is manufactured or the ingredients used.

However, on AAFCO’s official website it states “AAFCO has no statutory authority to regulate pet products”.

What?!  Seriously?  Well then who is guarding our backs on this whole safe food thing?  

This shouldn’t make any pet parent comfortable in purchasing commercial pet foods.

Regarding organic pet foods, the website clearly states that “Organic” refers to the processing of a product, not the quality of the product.

For these reasons, more pet parents are opting to make homemade, organic pet foods at home. This is a quick, easy and affordable pet food recipe that both dogs and cats will love, plus it’s healthy too!

 

Pet Food Recipe: Lip Smacking Mackerel Meal in a Pouch

You’ll need:

• Non-stick foil
• 1 mackerel fillet (or other clean protein like chicken)
• 1 cup of diced sweet potatoes
• ½ cup of chopped spinach
• 1 cup of diced carrots
• ½ cup of chopped broccoli

Step by step directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Tear off a large piece of non-stick foil (or parchment paper) and place in on a clean workspace.
3. Put the sweet potatoes and carrots on the foil.
4. Place the mackerel fillet on top.
5. Cover the fish with the spinach and broccoli.
6. Completely seal the meal inside of the foil. Leave an inch or two around it for air movement, however the pouch must be airtight.
7. Bake for thirty minutes.
8. Carefully open the packet while wearing an oven mitt. The steam is capable of causing serious burns so please be cautious.
9. Turn the meal out onto a flat plate and allow it to completely cool.
10. Once it is at room temperature, cut the food up into proper sizes for your dog or cat.
11. Put the food into the pets’ dishes and watch them chow down!

TIP:  Did you know? 

This is a great “good eats” meal for you too so double up the recipe and Bon Appetit!  Just sprinkle a bit of sea salt and pepper on it and you’re good to go.  Yum. 

Once dinner is finished, bring your dog outdoors to use the bathroom which is a great habit to establish. 

I typically say “Pee and potty time, Puppy Dog!”  And they’re good to go. 

Of course, be safe so unless you’re inside your own fenced yard be sure to keep them on a leash (unless you have traditional pet fencing or they are completely reliable and always come when you call, or if they have received proper invisible fence training and you can trust them to do their business and come back.

Here’s an idea!  After your pet has used the bathroom, bring them in and offer a strawberry for dessert.  You can have one too, of course.  Yum. 

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Did you know both dogs and cats find strawberries delicious? 

And they are good for them too.  Just be sure you’re both chowing down on ORGANIC strawberries because commercial, pesticide laden, nasty GMO strawberries are a terrible idea for anyone to eat, least of all your pet. 

 

Enjoyed this article? Here are three more to help you:

Cooking for Your Dog with Gayle Pruitt on The Real Dr. Doolittle Show

First-Time Dog Owner Guide: Health and Nutrition

All about Pet Food

The post Affordable and Healthy, Homemade Organic Pet Food Recipe appeared first on Val Heart.

source https://valheart.com/affordable-but-healthy-homemade-organic-pet-food-recipes/

Myths About Nutritional Food For Pets

Providing your pet with a well balanced nutritious meal is a great responsibility.

It also plays a significant role in the overall animal-human bond. Keeping your pet healthy with a controlled amount of high quality, nutritional food can increase your pet’s life considerably; something all of us pet lovers want.

Unfortunately, when it comes to referring to a diet guide, there are various misconceptions that can confuse many pet owners and make them wonder what really is the ideal pet food for nutrition and health.

Most pet parents either follow their instincts as to which looks best from a marketing standpoint, buys whatever they can afford, or seeks advice from their peers.

If they blindly follow the advice of their vet who typically gets their nutrition information from the commercial pet food industry and has an incentive to sell you their food so they get a commission on the sale, that’s not good either.

Vets are simply not up to speed on proper nutrition for pets, unless they’ve done thorough research on their own.  Why?  Because the sad fact is that in vet school they only get maybe a one hour class on it during their training.  That’s not nearly enough to teach them the nuances of what’s good and what’s not good for all species.

This half baked knowledge can be misleading in ways that may end up being harmful to your furrbabies.

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Every animal has different needs.

Breed, size, life stage, activities are some of the important factors to take into consideration while drafting out a diet plan.

One has to be cautious of their pet’s allergies and intolerance towards certain grains or millets. In fact, a variety of food elements, whether they are dry food, raw food or even byproducts, all have a different way of reacting in different animals.

If you want to ensure a happy healthy life for your pet, their food should be nutritious, easily digestible, and most importantly, safe.

There are some myths about pet nutrition that, unless you take the time to educate yourself, you might find yourself believing.  Rather than making dubious assumptions, it is always better to consult a specialist holistic vet who is highly trained in nutrition, or a professional animal communicator who can tell you if the food you’re feeding them is an underlying problem or not, and how to fix or improve it.

The following infographic uncovers some of the myths about pet nutrition

 

 

Ultimately, if your pet isn’t thriving on their diet, then something is wrong.

Don’t ignore the problem hoping it will go away on its own, because it won’t.  Take action now to restore your pet to health.

 

Enjoyed this article? Here are three more to help you:

Cooking for Your Dog with Gayle Pruitt on The Real Dr. Doolittle Show

Want to Choose the Best Feeding Method For Your Dog?

All about Pet Food

The post Myths About Nutritional Food For Pets appeared first on Val Heart.

source https://valheart.com/myths-nutritional-food-pets/

Cooking for Your Dog with Gayle Pruitt on The Real Dr. Doolittle Show™

Is there a Real Dr. Doolittle? Yes, there is. Welcome to our Show on Talking to the Animals

May I teach you what I know so you can learn how to talk to your animals?  It’s important to hear and understand your animals viewpoints. Reconnecting with animals helps us be better humans, and is an exciting journey into Self, the nature and reality of our world.  This is a spiritual journey taking a behind-the-scenes deep dive into the complex interactions between all beings. Today I’m talking to Gayle Pruitt about canine nutrition.

Canine nutrition expert Gayle Pruitt has been a nutritionist and chef since 1996.

She earned her Certified Nutritionist degree from the American Health Science University’s National Institute of Nutritional Education/NINE in 1996. Gayle conducts nutritional research where at present she focuses on human and canine nutrition with a specialty in digestive issues and disorders and also acts as a guest lecturer. Gayle was Executive Chef for MacNut Oil, a gourmet cooking oil company. She has worked as a Personal Chef, and owned and operated Fine Food Delivered, preparing and delivering unique meals for those with special dietary needs.

Gayle also co-hosted a nationally syndicated radio talk show, Menu for Life Radio Show, with Dr. Ross Stewart, a behavioral psychologist and recognized expert on the link between nutrition and brain chemistry.

Gayle’s recipes have appeared in national magazines and in best-selling cookbooks such as Hampton’s Diet Cookbook and 7-Color Cuisine: A Cookbook and Nutrition Guide.

She was the food writer for a Dallas based magazine Lifestyle Solutions. In addition, she has conducted cooking demonstrations in many cities across the country for national food shows involving gourmet products. And she’s been asked to film a pilot for a new show on cooking for dogs too that may easily wind up on one of the Food Networks (can’t say which one yet).

Gayle is also the author of The Dog-Gone Good Cookbook published by St Martin’s Press, which is what we’re most interested in, right?

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In our interview, Gayle answered these intriguing questions and more:

• What inspired your idea to write the Dog-Gone Good Cookbook?
• Is there any research on canines eating vegetables?
• Why did you include cooked, raw and even vegetarian food in your cookbook for dogs?
• Why is it important to canine nutrition for dogs to have organic fruits & vegetables and grass-fed meats in their diet?
• Do you have an easy, simple way for the people that think they don’t have time to prepare homemade food for their dogs to get started?

To learn more about the good work Gayle is doing go to https://doggonegoodblog.wordpress.com/.

 

SHARING IS GOOD! My mission and passion is to improve the lives of animals the world over by helping humans learn how to speak their language, understand their viewpoints and heal. After all, our love of animals helps us learn how to be better humans. The more balanced and healthy we are, the more balanced and healthy they can be too. Would you help me reach more animal lovers by passing my Podcasts, Tips, and Newsletter on to your animal loving friends?

Every animal lover can learn how to talk with animals if they’re willing to learn. You can too!  Start with my Beginning Core Foundations Course and soon you too will be able to communicate with animals!

If you enjoyed this, you may also like these articles:

Want to Choose the Best Feeding Method For Your Dog? Here is How

Affordable but Healthy, Homemade Organic Pet Food Recipes

Myths About Nutritional Food For Pets

 

The post Cooking for Your Dog with Gayle Pruitt on The Real Dr. Doolittle Show™ appeared first on Val Heart.

source https://valheart.com/canine-nutrition/

The Benefits of Leather Dog Collars

Let’s Talk About the Benefits of Leather Dog Collars

Your dog’s collar is much more than a fashion statement.

Selecting the best option is one of the most important decisions you’ll make, in fact.

There’s an endless range of materials, styles, sizes, and colors to choose from, but we believe that leather dog collars are the best possible option.

We’ll tell you why, but first, let’s explore the many purposes and benefits of putting a great collar on your dog.

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Dogs need to wear a collar for their health and safety

Dog collars fulfil many roles. They’re a relatively safe way to restrain your dog when out walking, or when you need to tether them in an unfenced area so they don’t get into trouble.

They’re also important for carrying your dog’s identification. It says, “I have a home where I belong and where I am loved.”

When someone sees a stray dog roaming around, if it has a collar they know it belongs to someone even if it’s running loose at the moment. 

But if your dog gets lost, then it could mean the difference between animal control being called and your dog dying because they can’t find their owner, or not.  

If your poor pup gets lost they’ll be returned to you more quickly if you have a contact number on their tag. And, since you’ll probably have their name on it, the person who found your furry friend will be able to comfort them using the one word they know best. This will help reduce the dog’s anxiety…because you can bet they’re just as worried as you are in that moment.

If you’re conscientious about the safety of your companion, you probably have your dog tattooed or microchipped, but the tag on their collar will speed up the reunion. 

Even if you don’t intend to turn your pet into an agility or show dog, you’ll want a good quality leather dog collar and leash for basic training. 

Your dog won’t get into scraps with other dogs while you’re on a walk, dart away from you and race into traffic, or jump up on your elderly neighbor, or your best friend’s toddler, if they’ve been well-trained. You’ll need a collar and leash and good training skills for that to happen properly.

Why leather dog collars are the healthiest option for your dog

Leather dog collars are lightweight, pliable, easy to clean, made of all-natural material (or leather feel quality materials), and come in a wide variety of sizes and styles. 

Of all the alternative materials – nylon weave, fabric, chain metal – we have to make one thing perfectly clear: chain dog collars are a hazard and should be avoided completely.

Not only do chain collars simply try to mask a poorly-trained dog’s bad behavior, they actually do physical and emotional harm to your dog, especially choker-styles and pinch collars…

They’ve been proven to cause serious injuries, including:

• Fractured and crushed larynx
• Asphyxiation
• Crushed trachea
• Whiplash
• Spinal cord trauma
• Fainting
• Prolapsed eyes
• Dislocated neck bones

 

Pinch collars – or collars with inner spikes – are extremely dangerous. Since dogs have little feeling in the skin around their neck they can develop a tolerance to the pinching sensation. Being hurt around their neck also mimics being bitten by another animal which can increase their reactivity and aggression too. 

Not only will your dog’s pulling – or other unwanted behavior – continue, they’ll potentially develop skin inflammation, open sores, and serious disease.

In fact, these collars often make a dog more aggressive or fearful, making a bad situation even worse. Just forget about chain dog collars and move on to a more humane and practical option.

Fabric or weave collars typically shut with a sliding buckle.  The problem is, they slide and can come loose over time.  That’s a bad thing, because then they no longer fit properly and can easily come off your dog… and that?  Defeats the purpose entirely. 

Care and maintenance of your leather dog collar

Leather dog collars might be a little more expensive, but they last longer if you take proper care of them. Whether you buy an unfinished or finished collar, some simple cleaning will extend the life of your collar. 

Not sure which kind you have? The unfinished collar will be dull, the finished leather will be shiny or glossy. 

Cleaning unfinished leather:

• Avoid using water for cleaning.
• Use saddle soap and work it into the leather with a dry, soft cloth.
• Wipe the soap away with a clean, dry cloth.
• Once it’s dry and clean, rub leather wax on the collar.

Cleaning finished leather:

• Use a damp cloth with mild dish detergent to wipe off dirt and mud.
• Use a stiff-bristled brush with detergent for stubborn stains.
• Remove all soap and residue with a clean, damp cloth.
• Buff it back to a shine with a dry, soft cloth.
• For added protection, apply a dog safe preservative or conditioner. Then buff again until shiny.

Things to keep in mind when buying leather dog collars

You probably have a local store that sells good quality leather dog collars, but if you don’t, check out some of the online options. A knowledgeable retailer or website will be able to guide you to the right size, weight, and material for your particular dog’s breed, age, and behaviors.

All the leather collars will be more durable and flexible than their fabric counterparts, but you don’t want a narrow collar on a dog that likes to pull, or a big, fat, jewel-studded collar on your puppy, whose bones are still quite malleable.

Remember that for your puppy or rescue dog the feeling of something around their neck may be very foreign – choose a lightweight, soft leather collar and ease into something more substantial as they adjust to the new sensation.

It also helps to praise them by telling them how wonderful they look in it.  And as always, communicating with your dog about why you’d like them to wear a collar, what it’s good for, and what the tag(s) say is always a good thing.

I’ve found that if they understand why it’s important, that even if it gets loose later and could come off easily?  They will make the effort to keep it on their neck because they understand it’s purpose.

The danger of training with a collar 

If your dog continues to pull and choke themselves on a collar and lead, or they are so strong they drag you down the street or knock you over, then you’ve got a serious problem.  

Not only will your dog get hurt – often their neck is pulled out of alignment and you’ll need a good chiropractor to realign their spine – you can get hurt too. 

Get some help from a positive dog trainer so you know how to teach them to heel properly on lead.  

But what if you can’t or have tried all the right stuff and your dog still pulls?  If that’s you and your dog, then consider using a harness instead. 

So what about using a harness for your dog?  

A good dog harness can be a great solution to avoid the problem that collars can cause when on a leash.  

The bad news is, not all harnesses are created equally.  You want the right harness. 

For instance, dog harnesses with leash clips positioned on the dog’s back or shoulders are a terrible idea… unless you want your dog to be a sled dog dragging you down the street with all their weight and strength!  No?  I didn’t think so. 

You also don’t want a harness that clips in front low between their front legs.  Another terrible design flaw unless you enjoy watching your dog trip over the leash and get tangled up.  It might slow them down, but it’s terrible frustrating to them and you when you have to untangle them every few steps. 

The best dog harness clips up high on the chest, below the neck.  The reason is that when the dog pulls against the harness, the harness itself blocks the forward action.  When a dog leans against something pulling back against their chest, they naturally back up a bit.  Their instinct is to lean away from the pressure. 

That’s exactly what you want.  When they back away from pressure, you can recall them to you in the proper heel position and redirect them to follow your lead.  

This is a good example of a better designed harness, check it out here.  Or this one here. 

Remember that collars and harnesses are just one tool to help teach good behavior

Good leash manners are important, even if you’re raising a farm dog. Training your dog can be fun and a great bonding experience for both of you.

It’s important to keep in mind, though, that sometimes a dog’s bad behavior is a sign of something other than a bad attitude. And there are many ways to work with your pet and teach good behavior beyond leash training.

All pets are constantly sending us messages about their sense of well-being, and their sense of your well-being. Pets mirror their masters.

If your ordinarily calm dog is suddenly acting aggressively, pulling on the leash during walks or tuning you out, take time to figure out what else is going on – both in your pup’s world and yours.

If you’re having a hard time reading your pet’s signals, get a professional to help you out – a veterinarian or pet communicator. Better yet, take the time to learn the language your dog is speaking to you. 

It’s possible that you could be a pet communicator and benefit from the rich and interesting conversations you can have with your four-legged companions.

If you’d like more information, contact us…let’s communicate with your dog!

 

Did you enjoy this article? Here are some more to help with your fluffy companions:

Buddy’s Story: Our Experience Fostering A Puppy Mill Dog
Everything You Need To Know About Kidney and Liver Failure in Dogs
Dog Games: 10 Fun Ways to Learn & Bond for Puppy and Child

. . .

Affiliate Disclaimer:  This post contains affiliate information which means that I’ll earn a small commission if you purchase at no extra cost to you. 

The post The Benefits of Leather Dog Collars appeared first on Val Heart.

source https://valheart.com/benefits-of-leather-dog-collars-vs-other-materials/

Watch the Magic That Happened When These Elephants Reunited

An elephant’s skin can be more than an inch thick.  

But their thick skin doesn’t make them impervious to heartbreak and loneliness. And they’re able to communicate their pain – as well as joy and contentment – if you’re willing to listen.  There are some heart-warming examples of humans paying attention to elephant language, like when these elephants reunited back in 2008.

Here’s the story about Jenny and Shirley, and the lessons they taught us about an elephant’s unique personalities…and why it’s so important to learn how to communicate with animals.

via GIPHY

Elephants, the gentle giants

Elephants – the largest mammal walking the earth – are extremely social and sentimental creatures. In the wild, they’re organized in birth families, bond groups, clans, led by a matriarch. They function as interdependent groups, coming together to socialize and share information, then separating again.

If calves are forcefully separated from a wild herd they will form a strong bond with their human caregiver. They’ll look to their captor as a surrogate parent because it’s in their nature to form a trusting, mentoring bond. 

Elephants reunited after years of separation from their herd will sometimes struggle to reestablish themselves as part of a family, group, or clan. The process can be distressing…

An elephant who wished she could forget

Advocates in the United States – and around the world – are pushing for vast improvements to the rules around destructive human practices like trophy hunting and keeping elephants in captivity. There’s still much work to do, but great strides are being made…and Shirley is an excellent example.

For just one winter she had shared a bond with Jenny – who was then a calf in the same circus as Shirley – before they were separated. Shirley was later moved to the Dallas Zoo, where she briefly had a partner…but was left completely alone when her companion was sent away for breeding. 

Shirley lived a life of solitude for 22 long years. 

After tireless efforts by animal rights advocates, Shirley was brought to a sanctuary and reunited with a new herd that included Jenny. It was clear that when these elephants reunited there was instant recognition and deep affection.

Elephant communication has many layers

If you watched the video, you saw very specific physical contact between Jenny and Shirley – one of the many ways elephants communicate with their own kind. 

Elephants communicate with each other through:

• Airborne sounds

Elephants can produce a variety of sounds, which emanate from their trunk, mouth, forehead, and chest. 

These sounds include roars, barks, clicks, purrs, rumbles, and snorts, which carry through the air. They can detect the airborne calls and recognize who is making them from a distance of 1 mile. Elephants can distinguish among the calls of family members as well as the contact calls of non-related groups.

• Seismic 

Elephants also produce low-frequency rumbles known as seismic or infrasound, which are inaudible to the human ear. The rumble sends infrasound signals through the elephant’s feet into the ground and can carry underground for as far as 30 miles. 

Although humans can’t hear the sounds, we can feel and see the elephant’s forehead and chest vibrating.

• Body language 

Elephants use their body, head, eyes, mouth, ears, tusks, trunk, tail, and feet to communicate with each other and other species.

• Touch

Elephants are highly tactile, using touch when they play, express affection, reassure, act aggressively or defensively, mate, care for others, and explore.

• Chemical

Smell is one of the elephants’ strongest senses. They pick up smells from the air and the ground, from urine and dung and from other elephants’ genitals, temporal glands, and mouths. 

Elephants can identify groups of people who pose a threat to them from their scents and use smell to keep track of family and friends. They can smell an approaching rainstorm from 150 miles away.

Source: Elephant International

So that’s how elephants communicate with other elephants. How do they communicate with us?

Learn how to communicate with elephants…and other creatures

There are some physical and verbal cues humans can understand when trying to communicate with elephants. When those two elephants reunited you didn’t have to be an expert to see the joy and contentment Jenny and Shirley were experiencing.

But if you really want to help animals get through to humans when their needs aren’t being met, it’s helpful to have the training necessary to truly “hear” what the dog, cat, bird, iguana, or elephant is trying to say.

That’s when the help of a professional pet communicator, or training as a pet communicator, will be so helpful. When you have the skills and training, you can make a real difference in the lives of animals…you can speak for them in a voice that not everyone understands.

You can become a translator for animals in distress, and animals who see their humans in distress and want to help. It can be extremely rewarding, and in some cases can even save a life.

If you’d like to learn more about elephant – or animal – communication, there are so many resources you can access. Start your journey as a professional animal communicator and start making a difference in the lives of those who can’t always help themselves.

If you want more posts about animal communication, check out these: 

A Connection with Animals is About More Than Play and Rest
Things I’ve Learned As An Animal Whisperer By Val Heart
The Extraordinary Soul Connection I call The Human Animal BodyMind Connection

The post Watch the Magic That Happened When These Elephants Reunited appeared first on Val Heart.

source https://valheart.com/elephant-communication-and-reunited-after-20-years/

10 General Tips to Take Care of Your New Cat

10 General Tips to Take Care of Your New Cat

Cats are curious animals. And it is fun to observe their activities and be who they are. But if you don’t have such an interested feline friend, and are considering getting one, allow us to assist you. Pawsometalk.com is just the place to help answer any of your questions about how to take care of your new cat. The common notion that “cats are low maintenance” is false. 

Most cats don’t need as much physical affection as dogs do. However, that does not mean that they don’t need your attention. Like every other pet, cats need love, care, and affection. But you don’t have to be overwhelmed. We have structured ten common factors you need to be mindful of when you get a new kitty.

1. Get the Essentials

Photo by Tran Mau Tri Tam on Unsplash

First things first, the essentials. Get whatever stuff that can be needed by the cat in your house before bringing her in. Here is a list that might come in handy.

• Bowls for food and water (separately)
• Food (wet, dry)
• Kitty treats
• Litter Box
• Litter
• A Collar
• Brush
• Toys (cat safe)
• Cat Furniture (bed, porch, etc.)
• Scratching Post
• Large Cardboard Boxes (to play and hide)
• Pet Carrier (for traveling)

Be sure to consult a cat expert or a vet for what could be the best for your cat.

2. Set-Up a Room

Cats need a corner or a room they can call their own. That can be their safe space, and it has to be in a quiet place. But be mindful that it should never be confined. Cats are uneasy alone in confined spaces. Here are a few things that your kitty’s room may have,

• A bed
• Food and water
• A few toys
• Scratching Posts
• Litter box (if a big room, away from food bowls)

3. Litter Box Placement

Photo by Corina Rainer on Unsplash

Placement of the litter boxes is crucial. They need to be in a quiet space, away from people and noisy appliances. But they also should not be in basements, confined spaces, and places that are hard to reach for the cat. Also, strategically place litter boxes at multiple places around your house because your cat will not make long trips if he or she needs to go.

4. Provide Toys

Toys are great tools for you to connect with your cat, and for him to enjoy some time and keep himself busy. But pick toys that will not cause harm to your cat.

5. Feeding Schedule

Set a feeding schedule. Ideally, cats need to be fed with a gap of 8-12 hours.  However, consult your vet before setting up a schedule. Also, when you decide on one, stick to it. Make sure that your cat has ample clean drinking water available through the day.

6. Initial Vet Appointment

Photo by Erda Estremera on Unsplash

Your cat’s first visit to the vet is important. Your cat will be uneasy going into an unfamiliar environment. That is why you should pick a cat specialist vet. That way, your vet will be able to familiarize himself with your cat quickly. Also, get any necessary shots and vaccines for the cat, and be sure to ask for health tips.

7. Groom Your Cat

Cats like to groom themselves. However, they would appreciate you brushing their fur and keeping them pretty (the way they like). Brushing regularly will also remove the loose hairs, preventing the chances of hairballs. You also get to spend some physical time with your cat. However, they may be uncomfortable letting you groom them at first. Try to associate grooming with a happy time.

8. Play with Your Cat

Photo by Bruce Kee on Unsplash

Please spend some time with your cat and play with him or her. That is necessary to strengthen the bond between the two of you. You should at least play with your cat for 10-15 minutes, two times a day.

9. Cat Collars

Give your cat a collar that must have the cat’s name along with your name and contact details. This is important if she decides to take a stroll outside.

10. Keep Cat Indoors

Your new cat is unfamiliar with your neighborhood. That is why, in the beginning, keep him indoors and train him or her to be indoors. Training is also necessary so that he or she does avoid going outside unsupervised or stray too far away.

Bonus Tips: 

These are a few tips that will help you take better care of your new feline friend.

• Keep the health of your cat in check
  • Check for your cat’s ideal weight and provide necessary diet.
  • Visit your vet regularly.
• Look out for changes in behavior
  • If your kitty is inactive, more aggressive, or any other odd behavior.
  • If a cat is refusing food, that may be a sign of heath or mental issue.
  • Consult your vet.
• Keep track of needs with age
  • A cat’s needs keep changing with age.
  • Consult your vet and keep track of those needs.
• Do not force a cat
  • Do not forcefully interact with the him.
  • Don’t force the cat to play.
  • Do not forcefully pet her.
  • Do not force him to adjust to your house.
  • Don’t intrude on the cat’s personal space or time.
  • Do not force introduction with other cats or pets.
• Cleanliness
  • Cats can be clean freaks. That is why
    • Keep your house tidy
    • Regularly clean the bed, bowls, toys, and litter boxes.

In Conclusion

Cats, unlike dogs, may not enjoy patting and physical affection. But don’t be discouraged. For all cats, just being around their owners is enough. If he or she likes to hang around you, you are liked. Cats will eventually start to show you affection. Be patient!

About the author: Linda Butts

Hey, I’m Linda Butts, the girl behind Pawsome Talk. With my pawsometalk.com, I hope to share the ideas and techniques from my personal experiences of what I have done with my pet research and what I love about pets and their lives. I expect to help you feel at ease if you start to make a friendship with your pet while you enjoy your journey. Please don’t be shy to ask me when you need help or are out of ideas. Let’s ask and share what you’ve got.

Recommended for you!  Cat lovers also enjoyed these popular posts:

How to Stop Cats From Fighting

Environmental Enrichment for Indoor Cats

The Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions for Cat Hairballs

The post 10 General Tips to Take Care of Your New Cat appeared first on Val Heart.

source https://valheart.com/10-general-tips-to-take-care-of-your-new-cat/

Heal Abused Animals, Allie Phillips on the Real Dr Doolittle Show™

Personal Note from Val

What a treat Allie Phillips is!

As a prosecuting attorney, you wouldn’t think she would be interested in doing healing work with animals, but she is.  I loved learning about her work defending animals, especially her heroic efforts to heal abused animals and her work on the behalf of animals well-being.  Likewise, it was fascinating hearing how she started doing healing work with shelter animals. Crystal healing is very cool, and powerful too. Enjoy!

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Allie Phillips is an author, attorney and advocate for animals.

In short, she has spent most of her career working to better the lives of animals. For example, she has worked as a front line prosecuting attorney and is currently is the Director of the National Center for Prosecution of Animal Abuse, which she launched at the National District Attorneys Association.

Allie was a lobbyist when she was Vice President of Public Policy for the American Humane Association.  In addition, she is as an active shelter volunteer and has fostered homeless cats. She’s a book author; she advocates for better animal shelter practices, therefore she’s also an energy healer for abused, neglected and homeless pets.

She works tirelessly to keep animals safe, including creating Sheltering Animals & Families Together (SAF-T), which is an international initiative to guide family violence shelters on how to accept families with pets when fleeing violent homes. Allie co-created Therapy Animals Supporting Kids, which assists criminal justice professionals on how to incorporate therapy animals with abused children.

She wrote two books about animals.  “How Shelter Pets Are Brokered for Experimentation” discloses the secretive world of pound seizure and shelters who give homeless cats and dogs to research.

“Defending the Defenseless” serves as the definitive guide to advocating and protecting for our companion animals.

Intriguing, right?

I agree, so when I heard about her I knew I had to talk to her!

In our heart to heart chat, from one animal lover to another, Allie answers these powerful questions:

• How did you, as a respected prosecuting attorney, get interested in animal advocacy and energy healing to heal abused animals?
• What is Integrated Energy Therapy healing and the what are the other different types of energy healing you practice?
• What is crystal healing and how does it work with animals?
• How do animals react to energy healing?
• How do animals benefit from energy healing?
• Can an animal receive energy healing if they do not live near an energy healer?
• Can anyone learn how?

Please visit Allie’s website at www.manifestedharmony.com to learn more about energy healing and to locate a practitioner or a trainer in your community.

Grab a copy of Defending the Defenseless to read more about energy healing and other alternative therapies to benefit animals. Contact Allie at allie@manifestedharmony.com.

Please visit Allie’s website at www.manifestedharmony.com to learn more about energy healing and to locate a practitioner or a trainer in your community.

I highly recommend grabbing a copy of Defending the Defenseless to read more about energy healing and other alternative therapies to benefit animals.

Click here to get your copies of Allie’s books:

              

. . .

Want more?  Here are 2 wonderful videos on crystal healing you will find interesting:

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Enjoyed this article? Here are three more to help you:

Healing Dogs Through Meditation – Jim Jacobson on the Real Dr. Doolittle Show

Val Heart and Jessica Ardeal on BodyTalk Healing for Animals & People

Highly Sensitive People & Empaths Have Unique Gifts

. . .

Affiliate Disclaimer:  This post contains affiliate information which means that we could earn a small commission if you purchase at no extra cost to you. 

The post Heal Abused Animals, Allie Phillips on the Real Dr Doolittle Show™ appeared first on Val Heart.

source https://valheart.com/heal-abused-animals-allie-phillips-on-the-real-dr-doolittle-show/

Adopting a Shelter Dog: 6 Ways to Bond

There are many ways animal communication can aid you when you bring a rescued animal into your home, whether you are only fostering them or offering a forever home.

One of my clients rescued a very ill, abused and neglected young Bichon Frise dog named Rocky.  She was happy to be helping a needy animal by adopting a shelter dog.  Bonnie thought that once Rocky was in a new home environment, that all would be well.  He just needed lots of love and good food and some vet attention and he would thrive again.

Unfortunately, he didn’t.  He had a terrible time.  His severe illnesses and injuries were ongoing and chronic, to the point the vet was talking to her about putting him down.  She was heartbroken.

When I communicated with him, he told us how depressed he was, how lost and confused he felt.  He wasn’t sure why he’d been taken from the only ‘family’ he had ever known.  His heart was broken and he wasn’t sure he wanted to keep living.

I counseled him, answered his questions, helped him grieve and understand what had happened to him.  Then we worked on healing him.  At that point, he was ready to bond and connect with his rescuer and we began to talk about his brand new life and his life’s purpose with Bonnie.

Within minutes his eyes began to sparkle and he began to eat for the first time with a willingness and hearty appetite.  He began playing and investigating his surroundings, and he went on to be a very happy dog.  Once his spirit was willing, he even recovered his health very quickly!

Here are 6 ways animal communication can aid you when you bring a rescued animal into your home.  This helps you to smooth the way for an easy transition for everyone in your family.

1) Begin by listening to them, let them tell you their experiences and about any fears first.  Remember your job is to receive, observe and witness without judgment.  Simply respect exactly where they are.  Everything else will follow from there.

 

2) Let them get to know you.  Be calm, assertive, observant, in a quiet state of mind.  They’ll decide if they like you – you can’t make them like you if they don’t.  And if you put out strong emotional or mental energy, you’ll increase the likelihood of their reacting negatively or simply mirroring your own imbalanced energy.

 

3) Animals love a calm, assertive leader.  Someone they can respect and feel safe with.  They don’t need your affection, especially at the beginning, as much as they need your direction, stability and clarity of purpose.

 

4) When they have quieted down, and you feel more settled yourself, then you can begin to tell them the story about coming to live with you.

 

5) Tell them what job or purpose you see them as having in your home or family.  Try to find a job that matches with their personality and strengths.  This can be a job for you personally.  It can also be a job with other animals or humans in their new pack.  You can also go over house rules and being negotiating with them about certain routines and needs and wants.

 

6) Invite them to make a decision as to whether they want to come with you or not.  They truly need to decide for themselves.  However, don’t rush them.  Just hold the image and feelings with a welcoming, open heart of invitation, and tell them what you want them to do if they want to come with you.  Then wait to see what they choose to do.

If they don’t come to you and instead run away from you, then you may not be a good fit for each other, and you may not be their right person.  If they do, then you know that you have begun the serious work of creating a foundation of respect, trust and have entered into a relationship agreement.

 

You’ll be surprised how quickly you will deepen your connection and bond if you first take these simple steps to connect at the heart and mind through animal communication.

By all means, learn how to talk to your dog.  Animal communication is vitally important!  You can’t really know what’s going on from their viewpoint until you ask them.  And they can participate in resolving things, once you know what they’re thinking.

Just like humans, animals have their own side of every story to tell! But if we don’t take the time to listen to them, then their life, happiness, health and well-being will suffer…

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If you’re ready to start your journey in the wonderful world of Animal Communication, it’s time! 

Download my FREE Ebook: Hidden Secrets to Communicating with Pets HERE.

Or dive into the complete How To Talk To Animals program with my Beginning Core Foundations Animal Communication Course.

All The Heart School of Animal Communication courses are fully guaranteed, so there’s no risk in taking the next step.

. . .

Did you enjoy this article? Dog lovers might find these interesting, as well:

Dog Games: 10 Fun Ways to Learn & Bond for Puppy and Child

Do You Know How to Identify Dog Seizure Symptoms?

Buddy’s Story: Our Experience Fostering A Puppy Mill Dog

The post Adopting a Shelter Dog: 6 Ways to Bond appeared first on Val Heart.

source https://valheart.com/adopting-a-shelter-dog-6-ways-to-bond/

Highly Sensitive People & Empaths Have Unique Gifts

Why Highly Sensitive People and Empaths Have Unique Gifts

Do you feel things very intensely?

Are you one of the highly sensitive people who can sense when others are experiencing extreme emotional turmoil or joy…but aren’t talking about it?

Perhaps, like me, you’re a Highly Sensitive Empath.

The sheer volume of energy, emotion and information received can feel overwhelming, exhausting and confusing. But once you understand how to navigate your heightened sense of intuitive awareness of the emotions, thoughts and events around you, it can lead to wonderful experiences.

Unlike non-sensitives, you can discover and enjoy the richness of the unspoken energetic dialogues the people, pets and world around you are having every day.

via GIPHY

It’s okay to be an empath.

I knew very early in my childhood that I was one of the highly sensitive people who are often labeled as empaths.

Unfortunately, we’re also labeled at best as aberrant… at worst as flawed.  Those who do not understand or feel what we feel can subject us to ridicule and criticism.  They don’t know what we know, and don’t have the challenges we have.

Well, at least I was. 

Growing up, people around me confused the heck out of me because I knew when they were lying. I also knew when they were attacking me energetically.  I knew when things weren’t nearly as safe or harmonious as everyone was pretending they were…it was unnerving to say the least.

My family dismissed my intuition, denied and invalidated me at every turn. I had highly intelligent, wonderful parents, but they didn’t have room in their heads or hearts to acknowledge that I was given a gift of deep knowledge. I was forced to conform, as they had, to maintain the superficial veneer of polite society at large.

What ensued was a frustrating journey – seeking a place to put all my knowledge, seeking a Faith that gave me peace – that ultimately led to manic depression and thoughts of suicide. And I was just a teenager.

In my 20’s I met a psychic counselor who taught me that it was okay to be an empath. I learned to meditate, and began to feel validated and respected for the first time in my life.  

And so my wonderful journey began.

And yours can, too…

Learn to use your highly sensitive empathic gifts for the greatest good – for yourself and others

Highly sensitive people and empaths have an amazing opportunity in their lives. The gift of empathic ability is a remarkable strength and a way to connect with others at such a deep, profound level… when you know how to use it well and wisely.

You will learn the techniques to harness your abilities in my classes.  Like me you could even become an animal communicator or pet psychic yourself. 

In the meantime, here is a brief explanation of two important tools you’ll need on your journey. They will help you navigate daily life with greater peace and contentment.

Compartmentalization

Every so often I end up working with someone who seems determined to deny and undermine the Truths I’m speaking.  

For instance, this can happen when I communicate the messages their pet is trying to share with them, and they’ll reject the messages out of hand. 

This can feel deflating, exhausting and tiring… IF I let them attack me.  

Why do they do that?  

Here’s the thing:  Animals don’t lie, and energy never lies.  

But, people often do. 

For many reasons.  Perhaps they fear being vulnerable, appearing weak, or having their secrets known.  They could also just be out of touch with themselves. Perhaps they never questioned their thinking or feelings beyond the most superficial of understandings.  

They don’t have a clue about what makes them tick, they feel more comfortable with appearances, preferring shallow interactions.  They wear social identity masks like at a costume party, afraid to have anyone see them for who they truly are.  They have developed no real depth or self confidence in their true nature and character.  

They can feel resistant, angry, afraid.  Sometimes they lash out as a form of self defense.  

Like when in the Wizard of Oz when the Wizard calls out to Dorothy when she discovers the truth about who the Wizard actually is, “Don’t look at that man behind the curtain! Ignore him!!” 

That’s when it’s best to compartmentalize the experience. 

I acknowledge it – sometimes to myself, sometimes out loud – and then I place it on the back burner. I remain in my place of calm, centeredness and connection. I resist the urge to implode and collapse into a space of self-doubt and self-recrimination, or to try to defend myself.  

The highly sensitive person’s job is to hold the space for truth to be known and understood from a non-judgmental, non-arrogant, peaceful place of knowing.

As an animal communicator, part of the job is to be the voice for the animals.  To offer their truth in peace with the intention for the highest good for all concerned. 

The truth is the truth.  

We each of us get to choose what to do with it when we hear and receive it.  Accept, grow, heal, and evolve…?  Or deny, prefabricate, defend, pretend… in which case, I can promise you that you’ll circle back around to this later when you’re ready to be more honest with yourself.  

For me, I renew my efforts to maintain a true, deep, positive connection with the animal, to keep that sacred link between us unencumbered by outside influences.

When I do, I feel lighter. I’m better able to focus on the task at hand: listening intently to the messages the horse, dog, cat, bird or chameleon is trying to share with we the people.

Energetic shielding

Highly sensitive people and empaths must have a highly fortified energetic shield – the protective outer rim or edge of your energy field. It’s most often on autopilot, but we can programmed it to fulfill specific needs. 

Here’s what I mean…

Years ago I had an extremely unsettling experience with a woman who had made it a personal mission to rescue as many animals as possible.  I had agreed to communicate with them, but she rejected all my communication efforts as inadequate. The woman made it clear that I was not telling her what she really wanted to know even though I answered her spoken questions each and every one. 

Confused and frustrated, I asked that she tell me what it was that she really wanted to know, and to be clearer.

On my next – and last – visit at her farm she presented me with a written list of over 100 questions she wanted me to ask the animals. 

She wanted me to explore their understanding of her religious, dogmatic Christian Faith…and ultimately persuade the animals that her beliefs were right.  She had no room or consideration for the animal’s beliefs, philosophies or wisdom.  And she had no respect for what they knew that she didn’t. 

I made an effort to again answer her questions as honestly and truthfully as I could, but eventually I gave up. There was no point in continuing the exercise on her terms…it wasn’t going to get her, or the animals, anywhere. 

Animals have their own set of beliefs

You can’t force them to believe someone else’s, especially if they don’t agree with the ideology.

I ended the session as peacefully and truthfully as I could, and left.  

Shortly afterward, I started to notice that my energy field was under attack. I felt drained, anxious. I had a dark cloud of negativity hovering over me…I even started to feel physical pain.

An exploration of my psychic space revealed that this woman was actively attacking me with angry, harmful curses and hexes.  

I also noticed how wounded I felt, how rejected and misunderstood and disrespected. My energy shield was in tatters.

During this inner exploration, I realized that many of my old childhood wounds had been triggered. I went to work making peace with the past and forgiving myself…and her. And I felt gratitude for how she was helping me heal, evolve, and grow.

Finally, because I felt at the time that she really needed a wake-up call – a dose of compassion, an extra measure of Divine Grace and love, and a whole lot of help – I mirrored the outer surface of my shield so it reflected back whatever she threw at me… tenfold.

It wasn’t long before I started to feel much better, lighter, no longer under attack. I had successfully repaired my shield and healed another layer within. 

Highly sensitive people and empaths have a highly valuable gift

If you sense that you’re empathic like me, you have a golden opportunity to channel your energies and help yourself, as well as the people and pets around you, live a fulfilling, happy, healthy life. 

Exploring the depths and range of emotions, feelings, and experiences…especially with animals, who are so often misunderstood and ignored is a powerful healing gift. All animals are sentient spiritual beings with thoughts and feelings of their own.

You can learn many ways to communicate with them with my online courses, and give them the voice they deserve.

If you would like help healing, evolving and growing into your best self, then I highly recommend working with me so I can help you do exactly that.  

Enjoyed this article? Here are three more to help you:

Are You Highly Sensitive and/or Empathic?
Being A Dog Whisperer Comes In Handy!
How Animal Connection Can Heal Our Own Wounds and Trauma

The post Highly Sensitive People & Empaths Have Unique Gifts appeared first on Val Heart.

source https://valheart.com/highly-sensitive-people-empaths-have-unique-gifts/