How often do we see pet owners and their pets sharing the same illness and behaviors? Why is that? Is it coincidental genetic disposition, living in the same physical environment, or because of the ties that bind? It is most likely a combination of all three.

We can’t alter genetic disposition. We can only take precautions if we are aware of possible issues. A talk with our primary physician and our pet’s veterinarian may offer valuable insight. 

Two Ways We Impact Our Pets’ Health

The first is because we live in the same space. Our homes, diet and exercise habits directly affect our pets. 

Toxins in the air settle to the lowest 18 inches of any environment. Our pets live in those 18 inches. Look at cleaning supplies, laundry detergent and rug cleaners. Are they all-natural products or ones loaded with chemicals?

What is the energy level in the home? Is it chaotic or calm? Are family members fighting, obnoxious teenagers wreaking havoc or little kids just running amok?  Provide a quiet place for pets to retreat to when they feel overwhelmed. It can be as simple as a covered crate in a quieter part of the home.

Is the pet fed an appropriate high-quality diet, or are they sharing our bad eating habits? There is no regulation in the pet industry regarding pet labeling and quality of ingredients. A Google search on how to read pet food labels will bring up many sites to enlighten us.

Studies indicate that in any given household, pets and owners tend to be the same percentage overweight.  When was the last time we went for a walk with our pets?

There are numerous studies that indicate that stress is a leading cause of many chronic medical conditions. Our pets react to our moods so our being stressed and anxious about life affects them, whether it is because of a high-stress job, being overextended in payments, or holidays and gatherings. We impact our pet’s health and behaviors with our own.

Etheric cords, sometimes called ethereal or energy cords, are what binds us on an energetic level to the people and animals around us. As animals are so giving, they don’t necessarily put up boundaries to protect themselves from us. As a consequence, they can take on our burdens. In particular, they can take on our stress.

What Changes Can We Make?

Many veterinary schools and research centers are now studying obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancer and more in our pets and how they are common risk factors for both pets and owners. We can help our pets by:

• making positive changes in our house- holds, from cleaners and diets to exercise and reducing chaos. 

• starting to take care of ourselves. It will trickle down to our pets. Meditations, yoga, energetic therapy, massage and better diets are ways to reduce stress and improve health.

• grounding or “earthing” to have a better connection to the Earth with bare feet on the ground. The earth naturally neutral- izes free radicals, which has been shown to improve health. Take pets for a walk and let their paws hit the earth as well.

• harnessing the power of crystals. Choose which one feels right. As they can be choking hazards for our pets, keep them out of reach.

• soothing both the two- and four-legged “savage beast” with music, whether it is chakra-balancing music designed for animals or something else.

• meditating as a family, Studies have shown that meditating 12 minutes a day has numerous medical and emotional benefits. It can bring the family and pets closer together.

While we cannot control genetics, we can alter our pet’s experience. It’s a safe assumption to recognize and acknowledge that pets read and adapt to our moods, tribulations and environment; we can oftentimes mitigate the health consequences with knowledge and action.

Mary Oquendo is a Reiki Master, advanced crystal master and certified master tech pet first aid instructor. She can be reached at [email protected] or
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