Is Your Dog a Fire Dog?
Supporting the Heart and Emotions in Summer
Summer brings warmth, sunshine, and longer days outside with your pup. In Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM), it also brings us into the season of Fire. June 22 - September 9
The Fire Element is all about joy, love, connection, and heart energy. It corresponds with the Heart and Small Intestine, governing emotional balance, circulation, and digestion.
Some dogs thrive in summer’s energy… and some tip out of balance. If your dog gets easily excited, anxious, overheated, or struggles with sleep this time of year—read on.
Not sure if your dog is a fire dog — take the quiz!
The Personality of a Fire Dog
Fire dogs are usually:
The life of the party—affectionate and attention-seeking
Emotionally expressive (think barking, whining, happy zoomies!)
Craving connection—both canine and human
Often “velcro dogs” who want to be with you at all times
Prone to emotional highs and lows if unbalanced
They light up a room—but they can also burn out quickly if not supported.
Signs of Imbalance in the Fire Element
When Fire energy runs too hot or gets depleted, you may notice:
Anxiety, restlessness, or panic
Sleep disturbances (especially between 11pm–1am—Heart time in TCVM)
Excessive panting or heat intolerance
Heart irregularities (palpitations, murmurs)
Red or inflamed gums, tongue ulcers
Emotional clinginess or separation anxiety
Stress-induced diarrhea
The Heart and Small Intestine work together in TCVM to process not just nutrients, but emotions. That’s why Fire dogs can show both physical and emotional symptoms when out of balance.
Nourish the Heart & Cool the Fire
Summer is naturally the hottest season—and Fire dogs already tend to run warm. Support them with cooling, hydrating, heart-friendly foods:
Cooling proteins: Duck, rabbit, turkey, whitefish
Moisture-rich veggies: Cucumber, zucchini, celery, watermelon
Bitter greens: Dandelion, endive, arugula (bitters help cool and support the Heart)
Gentle herbs: Chamomile, hawthorn, lemon balm (ask me about safe options for your dog)
Hydration matters: Offer cool bone broth, coconut water, frozen herbal cubes, or even lightly flavored ice cubes
Lifestyle Shifts for Summer Balance
For Fire dogs, too much heat or stimulation can throw things off. You can help by creating calming, nourishing routines:
Walk during early morning or evening hours
Provide cool, shaded areas for rest
Use food puzzles and enrichment for mental focus
Keep social activities balanced—don’t let them burn out
Consider acupressure points like Heart 7 to soothe anxiety and improve sleep
Essential Oils to Support the Fire Element
Certain essential oils can help calm the Heart, ground the spirit, and cool the system. My favorites for summer:
Emotional calm: Roman chamomile, lavender, neroli, ylang ylang
Heart support: Rose, myrrh, frankincense, cistus
Grounding & cooling: Vetiver, sandalwood, geranium
You can diffuse these oils, apply them diluted to bedding, or use on calming points such as the chest or ears.
(Ask me how to introduce oils safely based on your dog’s sensitivities and needs.)
Let’s Help Your Fire Dog Stay Balanced
If your dog is anxious, clingy, struggling with heat, or showing Heart-related symptoms—now’s the time to support their Fire Element naturally.
Visit my Library for more info on the 5 Elements, The Seasons and how they work together to keep your dog balanced.
❤️ Ask me about my Summer Cooling & Heart Health Protocol
🗓️ Schedule a session to discuss your dog’s behavior and anxiety patterns
🧘♀️ Let’s bring more peace and joy to your pup this summer.
Statements in this blog have not been evaluated by the FDA. Educational content only. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.