Autumn Care for Pets:  A Classical Chinese Medicine Perspective

Dr. Heather O'Leary |  September 18, 2025

Most of us in the Northern Hemisphere think that Autumn begins in late September. After all, that’s the day of the Autumnal Equinox – the day between summer and fall that is exactly 12 hours long.

In the wisdom of Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM), Autumn arrives on August 8th. This is when the energy of summer begins to turn inward; the days shorten and the nights cool. Depending on where you live, you might notice leaves starting to shift from bright green toward yellow-green or even rusty brown.

In this tradition, Autumn belongs to the Metal element, which governs the Lungs and the Large Intestine. These organ systems both take in and let go — one with air, the other with nutrients and waste. When Metal is balanced, your pet feels resilient and steady. When challenged, we see breathing concerns, digestive upsets, and skin flare-ups.

The Lung–Skin Connection

In CCM, the Lungs “control the surface” of the body — the skin, the coat, and even the sweat glands. This is why some animals (and people) develop itchy skin, hot spots, or dull coats in the fall. Remember that skin is a major organ of elimination!! 

The dry air of the season can make some problems more obvious.

Supporting Your Pet and Horse in Autumn

Here are a few practical ways to align care with the season of Metal:

Nourish the Lungs with moistening foods: Add toppers such as salmon (for dogs/cats); horses and pets alike may enjoy a bit of pear, banana, alfalfa, or a drizzle of flaxseed oil or honey (small amounts only). These help counter the dryness of autumn air. Too much sweet can cause phlegm, achy bones, and kidney stress.

Grooming: Regular brushing keeps the coat shiny and helps the skin “breathe.” I recommend weekly deep-down brushing and currying sessions for horses, cats, dogs - for everyone!

Support the Large Intestine with fibrous foods such as cooked pumpkin, steamed carrots, or soaked chia seeds to support healthy elimination. Horses can consume these foods raw, but soak the chia for them.

Hydration: Offer fresh water frequently, and consider adding (pet safe) bone broth for extra fluids. Horses may enjoy the option of flavored water (electrolytes, water from hay soaking) alongside their plain water bucket.

A Touch of Pungency: pungent flavors help move energy outward, which supports Lung function (think horseradish). Pungent foods can also help the body to penetrate and kill tumor cells! An excess can cause muscle knots (such as daily garlic for parasite control).

For pets and horses, a pinch of parsley, mint, or ginger can be safe and supportive.  For people, think warming teas with cinnamon, ginger, or cardamom.

Manage the Dryness by using humidifiers: Adding moisture to indoor air benefits both pets and people. 

Living outside all year round, horses are both more exposed to and more in tune with natural environmental fluctuations, but pay attention to your horse’s breathing and adjust their living situation if you are able.

Baths and rinses: For itchy animals, a diluted apple cider vinegar rinse or wipe-down with a damp cloth can soothe the skin.

Movement as Medicine: The Metal element thrives on rhythm and structure. 

This is the perfect season to establish or re-establish daily walking routines with your dog or horse, and add gentle stretching and breathwork for yourself. Heck, even cats can enjoy massage and stretching! 

Slow, intentional movement clears stagnation, strengthens immunity, and anchors emotional balance, which becomes especially important as daylight wanes.

The Spirit of the Season

Each season has its own emotional tone. Autumn is tied to grief and letting go. You may notice your pet becoming clingier, or you yourself feeling tender as summer slips away. These emotions are natural. Honoring them is just as important as adjusting the diet or daily routine.

Bringing It All Together

By supporting the Lungs, Large Intestine, and skin — with moistening foods, fiber, grooming, and a little extra humidity — you can help your pets (and yourself) stay balanced through the Autumn season. These small shifts are a way of living in rhythm with nature’s cycles, just as healers in China have taught for thousands of years.

Living in tune with the seasons supports both pets and people. By nourishing the lungs, skin, and digestion, you’re giving your animals the balance they need to feel strong, comfortable, and connected this Autumn.

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Woofs and Wiggles,