Summer is a season of sunshine, movement, and joyful energy for both us and our animal companions. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), summer is ruled by the Heart, the element Fire, and the emotion Joy. That fiery energy brings expansion, vitality, and connection, but it can also lead to overheating, restlessness, and emotional overwhelm, especially for pets who are sensitive, older, or prone to anxiety.

Luckily, Traditional Chinese Medicine gives us a beautiful toolkit for keeping our furry friends balanced and comfortable through the hot months. By aligning their care with nature's rhythms, we can prevent seasonal imbalances and help them thrive—body, mind, and spirit.

Understanding Summer and the Heart

In TCM, the Heart houses the Shen, or spirit. When the Heart is in balance, our pets are content, alert, and emotionally regulated. But when there is too much Fire—whether from environmental heat, overstimulation, or poor diet—symptoms like agitation, panting, digestive upset, and skin issues can emerge. Our goal in summer is to cool the body, calm the spirit, and nourish with fluids, all of which support Heart harmony.

Cooling Foods and Hydration Tips

One of the simplest ways to support your pet is through seasonal food therapy. Add cooling foods like cucumber, celery, and a little watermelon (seeds removed!) to their meals or as treats. You can even steep a little mint or chrysanthemum in water, let it cool, and add a splash to their water bowl to help clear internal heat.

Encourage plenty of rest and hydration. Walk your dog early in the morning or later in the evening, and always provide fresh, cool water, ideally in a ceramic or stainless steel bowl—not plastic.

Acupressure for Heart Calm and Summer Balance

Acupressure is one of my favorite tools for pets. It’s safe, simple, and incredibly effective for summer support. Two points I highly recommend during this season are GV 20 (Bai Hui) and Yin Tang.

• GV 20, found on the top of the head between the ears, helps regulate heat, support the nervous system, and ease anxiety or hyperactivity.

• Yin Tang, located between the eyebrows (in the “third eye” area), is a wonderfully soothing point to calm the Shen, reduce restlessness, and promote emotional balance.

To use these points, sit with your pet while they’re relaxed and gently hold or massage the area with your fingertip in slow, clockwise circles. Most animals respond quickly; look for softening, sighing, or even a gentle yawn.

Summer as a Spiritual Season

In TCM, summer isn’t just a physical experience—it’s a time for joy, connection, and heart-centered living. As you tune in to your pet’s needs this season, you deepen your bond with them and with nature itself.

Supporting your pet with Chinese medicine in the summer doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about mindfulness, small seasonal shifts, and a few gentle touchpoints of care. Here’s to a calm, cool, and joyful summer for you and your furry family!