METAL
FIVE ELEMENT THEORY
Knowing the personality of your animal can help to understand why they react to situations a certain way and what diseases they may be predisposed to. In Chinese medicine, each animal has a base personality type. Typically, once their personality is established, the animal remains at its core personality, and is predisposed to the influences of that element. However, as the animal goes through life, the other elements will influence how they react to their environment and can influence and add depth to their personality. Every person and animal have a different set of experiences, we are all individuals after all.
Some of the characteristics of the Metal element are:
Quiet, Confident, Disciplined, Follows Owners Commands Closely and Prefers to Have a Job!
Metal personalities tend to be leaders due to their confidence and consistency. They are quiet and independent, seeming aloof, but they like to analyze the situation before getting involved. They are not unfriendly, just reserved. Metal personalities enjoy rules and order. These animals like to have a job and a set procedure to their daily routines. This is the dog that is going to expect you also to follow a schedule and will let you know if you are late feeding them or when it is time to go for their walk. They are very good athletes and do well with any kind of training they are driven to succeed. Stereotypical breed: Working (Border Collie / Herding Breeds) or Agility Dog. These dogs typically will not pay attention to anyone or anything at a dog park or when someone comes over the home if they have a job to do.
The Metal element is associated with the Lung system, comprising of the lungs and large intestines. This system opens to the exterior via the skin pores and nose. A well-balanced Metal animal will have healthy skin and hair coat.
Predisposition to Disease Conditions for Metal Element
When out of balance, Metal is prone to issues associated with skin or the respiratory system. The Lung system is also considered to play a major role in the immune system because our skin and lungs are constantly working to protect our bodies from outside invaders.
- Generalized skin issues (foot-specific issues are more wood element)
- Nasal congestion or discharge
- Coughing / Asthma
- Constipation
Using Five Elements for Preventative Medicine for Metal Element
Annual examinations to evaluate for any emotional or physical imbalance.
Due to predisposition of dry skin (flaky / itchy skin), starting fish oils (20milligrams per pound daily) early in life is recommended. Another option is adding coconut oil to their diet.
Herbal therapies may be used in times of nasal congestion. Monitor for consistent sneezing, reverse sneezing, and/or nasal discharge.
Monitor for coughing / wheezing and consider annual screening chest radiographs to evaluate the lungs.
If crusting on the nose is seen, consider topical Vitamin E daily. Please talk to your Mountain View Animal Hospital and Holistic Pet Care veterinarian for proper dosing.
Giving a JOB to them is important – consider daycare or agility classes to help maintain mental balance with this personality. Call to discuss daycare options with Mountain View Animal Hospital.
Consider acupuncture, ozone and herbal therapy to help maintain a balanced system, especially in times of coughing, nasal discharge, dry or abnormal skin, personality changes or concern for asthma / bronchitis.
Typical recommended foods for this element are: eggs, duck, barley, tofu and rice.
We look forward to helping your pet with
individualized and detailed integrative health care.
Mountain View Animal Hospital and Holistic Pet Care
