Is Your Dog A Water Dog?
Supporting the Water Element in Dogs: Kidney, Bladder, and Emotional Health in Winter
Water Element Season: November 8–February 4)
Winter is the most yin season in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM). It aligns with the Water Element—the season of deep rest, reflection, and conservation of energy.
Water governs the Kidneys and Bladder—our body’s storehouse of essence and vitality. In dogs, Water also influences emotional resilience.
Some pups embrace the calm of winter… others feel depleted, cold, or fearful. Let’s explore how to nourish the Water Element and help your dog thrive in this introspective season.
The Personality of a Water Dog
Water dogs tend to be:
Quiet, introspective, and shy
Deep thinkers who bond strongly with their trusted humans
Sensitive to sound, fear, or unpredictability
Easily overwhelmed if pushed too far
Often seniors or dogs recovering from trauma or chronic illness
These are your wise souls—dogs who feel the world deeply and ask for gentle care.
Signs of Imbalance in the Water Element
When Water energy is depleted or out of balance, you might notice:
Weakness in the hind end, trembling, or spinal pain
Incontinence or frequent bladder infections
Fearfulness, anxiety, or noise phobias
Premature aging or hair loss
Cold intolerance (seeking warmth constantly)
Stiffness, arthritis, or loss of flexibility
Diminished vitality or loss of spirit
The Kidneys and Bladder influence both physical vitality and emotional courage. When Water is weak, both can fade.
Nourish the Kidneys with Warming, Mineral-Rich Foods
In winter, focus on deeply nourishing, warming, and mineral-rich meals to replenish the Water Element:
Warming proteins: Lamb, venison, chicken, pork
Bone broth with seaweed or kelp for mineral support
Kidney tonics: Black beans, barley, sweet potatoes
Organ meats: Liver and kidney for “like supports like” tonification
Herbs: Nettle, cordyceps, rehmannia (ask for guidance)
Avoid icy treats or cold raw diets—especially for senior dogs or those with depleted vitality.
Lifestyle Tips for Winter Balance
To support Water dogs through the cold months:
Keep them warm, dry, and cozy—blankets, sweaters, and warm beds help
Use heat pads or infrared PEMF to ease stiffness and support circulation
Encourage short, frequent walks to maintain strength without fatigue
Prioritize hydration to protect the Kidneys and Bladder
Use energy work (Reiki, Emotion Code) to release emotional trauma and build resilience
Essential Oils to Support the Water Element
Essential oils can help calm fear, strengthen the spirit, and support the Kidneys. My favorites for Water dogs:
Kidney tonics: Juniper, pine, rosemary
Emotional support: Myrrh, frankincense, vetiver
Grounding & safety: Patchouli, cedarwood, sandalwood
Use oils in calming rituals, massage, or energy work to deepen trust and ease fear.
Let’s Help Your Water Dog Thrive This Winter
If your pup is aging, recovering from trauma, fearful, or losing vitality—this is the time to support their Water Element with nourishing care.
❤️ Ask about my Kidney and Senior Dog Protocols
🗓️ Schedule a session to explore emotional resilience and energy support
🧘♀️ Let’s help your dog move through winter with strength, warmth, and peace.
Statements in this blog have not been evaluated by the FDA. Educational content only. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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