The holidays are upon us, and it’s time to celebrate the joy of the season with family and friends, including your animal family. Unfortunately, the holiday season also disrupts daily routines, which can create stress and anxiety in pets.

Your pet’s daily rituals build confidence and help them feel safe, secure, and loved. For many animals, even the small changes in their daily routine can be stress and anxiety-producing, especially for elderly pets. If left unchecked, stress can impact your pet’s behavior, health, and overall quality of life.

To avoid behavioral problems and stress, here are three easy ways to prepare your animal family so you can all enjoy a fun and joyful Holiday Season:

The post 3 Tips to Prepare Pets for The Holidays. appeared first on Cathy Malkin -- Animal Muse Communication and Reiki.

Why?

Because so many animals suffer from the fireworks. 

Did you know that more pets go missing over this holiday then any other time of year? 

While fireworks might be fun for humans, they’re deeply distressing for our animal companions. Every year around July 4th, I hear from heartbroken pet parents whose animals bolt from the house, tremble uncontrollably, or even end up in the emergency vet.

The loud bangs, flashing lights, and deep vibrations overwhelm pets’ nervous systems.

And once they’re in panic mode, it’s incredibly hard for them to settle. Their fear drowns out everything—including your voice and any attempt to soothe them.

My Dog Feared Fireworks

My beloved Keeshond, Kobe Bear—now In Spirit—struggled terribly with fireworks. The first July 4th we spent together, I had no idea he’d melt down the way he did. He trembled, barked, paced, and tried to hide in the smallest spaces he could find.

Even though I could communicate with him telepathically, the fear was louder than my reassurances. One year, he became so panicked he tried to jump out of a second-story window—desperate to escape what felt like danger all around him.

I closed windows. I played music. I tried to distract him and stayed by his side. But it wasn’t enough. Looking back, I wish I had explored medication with my veterinarian. Sometimes, even with all our tools and love, our animals need more support than we can give on our own.

Now is the time to set your animal family up for safety:

Create a plan of action now to make sure they are safe and secure when the fireworks are happening. 
Keep them in a cool, quiet and secure space away from the action.
Make sure they have fresh water and shade if their outdoors.
Don’t let guests feed them—even accidentally.
Avoid sparklers, glow sticks, and noisemakers around pets.

A little prevention goes a long way in protecting the ones you love.

9 Tips Keep Your Pet Feel Safe and Calm

These simple steps will go a long way in helping you keep your animal family safe and secure as their world explodes.

1. ID tags = your pet’s ticket home.
Even indoor pets can bolt through doors or screens. A collar with a current ID tag and your mobile number is the quickest way to get them back. Check microchips and keep info up to date. Horses benefit from breakaway halters with contact info, too.
Consider attaching an AirTag or GPS tracker to their collars

2. Fireworks don’t have to be close = still scary.
Your pet can hear and feel fireworks going off blocks away. Their hearing is far more sensitive than ours.
Stay aware of neighborhood plans and prepare ahead.

3. Early exercise = less panic later.
A good walk or play session helps burn off energy and tension. Tired pets are often less reactive.
Potty breaks should happen before the booms begin.

4. Safe space = sanctuary, not punishment.
Set up a cozy, quiet spot with familiar bedding and scents. Use crates or closets if that’s where they feel safe. For cats, provide water, litter, and hiding spots.
Consider streaming pet calming music

5. Your presence = their greatest comfort.
You don’t have to fix it—you just have to be there. When you stay grounded and calm, your animal feels it.
Sit with them, distract them with toys or tasty treats, or simply breathe together.

6. Less stimulation = more calm.
Close curtains and windows. Dim the lights. One bright flash can undo hours of calm. Play calming music like My Zen Pet.
Cover crates lightly if that helps your pet feel tucked in.

7. Comfort tools = extra support.
Animal Reiki help regulate your animal’s nervous system.
I’m offering distant Reiki sessions all week.

8. Animal Communication = Help your pet feel safe through shared understanding

Explaining the fireworks and your plans helps your animal feel included, supported, and more grounded—even during chaos.

9. Medication = a valid form of support.
If your pet melts down every year, talk to your vet before the holiday starts. The right medication may save your pet from trauma—or worse.
This isn’t about sedating them. It’s about protecting their well-being.

Bonus Reminder: Keep Pets Safe at Gatherings and BBQs

Did you know that most pets end up at the emergency vet on July 4th for reasons that have nothing to do with fireworks?

Greasy BBQ scraps, corn cobs, and chocolate can cause serious digestive issues—or even require surgery.
Hot pavement burns paws quickly.
Heatstroke can set in fast at crowded, noisy backyard parties.

You’re Not Alone

If you need extra support, reach out: cathy@animalmuse.com

Book a session here

Wishing you and your animal family a safe, calm, and connected 4th of July.

The post July 4th Tips to Keep Pets Calm and Safe appeared first on Cathy Malkin -- Animal Muse Communication and Reiki.

Is your dog exhibiting anxious behavior—like excessive barking, hiding, pacing, or seemingly out-of-nowhere reactions?

It’s your dog’s way of saying, “I’m feeling overwhelmed because I don’t feel safe.”

Before exploring training, medication or other anxiety reducing techniques, consider starting with a simple conversation with your dog. The act of having a heart to heart with them can give you the answers you looking for so you can find out what’s truly going on—straight from your animal.

This is where animal communication can be a game-changer.

While a vet visit is crucial to rule out any physical causes for anxious and reactive behavior, understanding your dog’s thoughts and feelings is the next vital step.

Imagine knowing the root of their distress, moving beyond guesswork.

Most likely, your animal already knows the answers—you just need to ask them. Animal communication offers this pathway, saving you time, money, and a lot of worry.

For 25+ years, I’ve been translating for animals as an Animal Communicator and supporting their humans. As a Dog Anxiety Expert, I’ve seen how transformative and healing having a two-way conversation with your dog can be. I also draw on my background in counseling and holistic care to support you and your animal family together with mutual understanding and respect.

Think of an Animal Communication session with you dog is like having a heart-to-heart with your best friend—creating space for mutual understanding and connection that leads to a calmer and less anxious dog.

Does seeing your dog struggle with anxiety or fear-based reactivity break your heart?

Here are 5 ways Animal Communication Reduces Your Dog’s Anxiety:

1. Giving Your Dog a Voice:
   Your dog constantly communicates through body language, feelings, and behavior. Having a conversation with them during an Animal communication session helps us better understand their messages. When your dog feels heard, it reduces their stress and helps them feel safer.

2. Uncovering Hidden Triggers:
   Sometimes, what stresses your dog might surprise you. An animal communication session can help you discover your dog’s triggers with their input and insight. This allows you to provide targeted support and create a safer environment together.

3. Gently Interrupting the Stress Cycle:
   Dogs are sensitive to their environment and our emotions. Communication helps identify the source of stress.

4. Guiding You Toward Effective Solutions:
   Instead of endless trials of products and services that may not work, your dog’s input can help you pinpoint the underlying causes of their discomfort and tell you what is working (or not working) for them. Their input empowers you to make informed choices that honors their viewpoints saving you time and money.

5. Deepening Your Bond and Relationship
   Just like us, when your dog feels truly heard and understood, it brings a sense of comfort and safety. By acknowledging your dog’s feelings, your bond is strengthened and enriched. This sense of connection helps them feel valued, which can naturally reduce anxiety.

A Partnership Built on Mutual Understanding and Respect

Animal communication is about listening, not fixing. It’s about building a relationship where your dog feels understood and safe.

When your dog feels heard, it can profoundly change their response to stress.

If your dog or animal is showing signs of anxiety, consider having a two-way conversation with them to find out what they need to feel secure. It’s a gentle way to connect and find solutions that work for both of you.

If you’d like to explore how animal communication can support your dog’s well-being and bring more harmony to your home, I would be honored to connect with you.

Please feel free to reach out—I’m here to support you and your animal family on your journey together.

The post 5 Ways Animal Communication Eases Dog Anxiety appeared first on Cathy Malkin -- Animal Muse Communication and Reiki.

If your dog growls, barks, or charges at guests—even those they’ve met before—it’s more than stressful—it’s exhausting.

And it can quickly escalate into a dangerous situation.

You’re not alone if you feel frustration, stress, and self-doubt. Even guilt.

Many devoted dog parents try everything—trainers, tools, techniques—yet still struggle to uncover what’s really going on beneath their dog’s unwanted behavior.

As an Animal Communicator and pet anxiety expert, I’ve supported hundreds of families through this exact challenge.

An Animal Communication session gives your dog a chance to share their perspective of why they are acting out, and what they feel they need to feel safe, supported, and at ease.

Once you understand the root cause of your dog’s behavior, you can work together to find solutions that are sustainable.

Meet Eleanor: A Gentle Giant on High Alert

Recently, I spoke with Eleanor, a 6-year-old English Mastiff, and her devoted person, Laura, about precisely this.

Eleanor is deeply loved. She’s been an integral part of Laura’s family since she was a pup and adores the four children she lives with.

But when people come to the door—including visitors she’s met before—Eleanor’s behavior becomes unpredictable, intense, potentially dangerous, and, at times, very scary.

She growls, blocks the path with her enormous body, and even charges at anyone who tries to enter the house.

The potential of someone getting hurt is real, and thankfully, Laura recognizes she must find a way to help Eleanor stop her aggressive behavior for everyone’s safety. 

To Laura’s credit, she has worked with multiple trainers and tried many techniques.

Out of desperation and on the recommendation of a police dog trainer, Laura tried using a shock collar as a last resort. She resisted at first—’It just doesn’t feel right,’ she told me—and her instinct was correct.

While it seemed to stop the immediate behavior, it didn’t address what Eleanor was actually feeling underneath.

She tried it because she thought it was the only thing that helped Eleanor understand that it was ok to let visitors in.

What Eleanor Shared

During our session, Eleanor showed me she was overwhelmed and anxious.

She expressed that being a guard dog in a busy, active family of six was a lot, even though she was trying her best.

But that constant state of vigilance had become exhausting and stressful for her—and for Laura.

She didn’t always feel this way.

The past 5 years brought tremendous change to Eleanor’s life.

First, the pandemic hit, and Laura was pregnant. Then Eleanor went through a life-threatening illness that changed her.

To top it off, the family moved from California to the East Coast.

These experiences left Eleanor feeling unsure and unsettled in her new home.

A Guard Dog Under Pressure

Eleanor expressed that Laura told her that it was her job to protect the entire household 24/7 and that she takes her job very seriously.

It seems Eleanor missed the memo about letting visitors in.

In her mind, anyone outside the immediate family was suspicious until proven otherwise, even if she had met that person before.

Laura hadn’t realized that asking Eleanor to be “on guard” all the time created a level of pressure Eleanor simply couldn’t handle.

Eleanor — You’re Fired (With Love)!

This was a turning point in Eleanor’s session.

I suggested that Eleanor be fired from her guard dog duties in the house

Not in anger. But with kindness, relief, and yes, even a little humor.

Laura thanked Eleanor for protecting her family and told her, out loud: “Thank you for protecting us. You’ve done an amazing job. But you’re fired. You don’t need to protect the house 24/7. I’ve got it now.”

As Laura shared these heartfelt words, Eleanor’s body softened, her breathing relaxed, and you could almost feel the tension leave her.

Dogs often need permission from their person to stop doing a job they were asked to do, especially if they’re not good at it and can potentially cause harm.

Creating Safety Without Pressure

We also discussed the importance of creating a sense of safety for Eleanor and the children.

I encouraged Laura to consider using a crate—not as punishment but as a cozy den where Eleanor could retreat and relax, especially when the house gets busy with visitors and kids.

The goal wasn’t to isolate her, but to give her a break from the overwhelming energy she thought she had to protect against.

With Eleanor safely in her crate, Laura can also relax and stop worrying and stressing out about keeping everyone safe.

Going forward, I suggested that Laura:

• Use gates at doorways to protect visitors.

• Support Eleanor with Reiki to ease emotional tension and find balance.

• Educate her children and friends on how to be safe around dogs, like avoiding eye contact and turning away.

• Encouraging Laura to lead Eleanor with grounded energy because Eleanor feels safer when Laura is a confident dog handler.

Why This Matters

When your dog is reactive or overprotective, it doesn’t just affect visitors and their safety—it can affect your whole family and life.

Your dog’s reaction to guests can lead to isolation, stress, guilt, and a breakdown in trust.

And underneath it all, your dog isn’t trying to be difficult—they’re trying to cope the best they can.

Animal Communication can help you determine the root cause of your dog’s anxiety, reactive behavior, or overprotective behavior.

You don’t have to figure it out alone, nor does your dog.

The Lesson

This session was a beautiful reminder that animals don’t need to be “fixed”—they need to be heard, supported, and understood so they can feel safe.

And healing begins.

Before You Go

If your animal is showing signs of stress, reactivity, or overwhelm, consider this:
They’re trying to tell you something.

Schedule Your Animal Communication Session today and begin the journey back to peace~together.

*Originally published May 15, 2025*

The post How An Anxious Dog Was ‘Fired’ With Love (And Why It Worked) appeared first on Cathy Malkin -- Animal Muse Communication and Reiki.

Talking with your pet can give your insight, support, and guidance in ways that may be totally unexpected yet welcomed. 

Lisa Spector’s Animal Muses’ Sanchez and Gina

Lisa Spector, creator of the music and sound therapy series Through A Dog’s Ear and Through A Cat’s Ear, recently reached out to me for guidance when she was feeling guilty about leaving her senior dog, Sanchez. 

Here is Lisa’s guest post about her experience talking with Sanchez and how it helped alleviate her guilt about leaving him.

Feeling Guilty While Caring for My Senior Dog by Lisa Spector, Guest Blogger

Lisa Spector’s Lab, Sanchez

My 13 and 1/2-year-old yellow Lab, Sanchez, has been recovering from an E. coli infection. It was touch and go for awhile. While I was waiting for his lab results to come back after a few weeks of treatment, I didn’t know whether he just needed a diet change or if it was to be our final days together. I was on a complete emotional roller coaster.

Truthfully, his care was really hard. I didn’t know how much more I could endure of making all of his meals, giving him subcutaneous fluids daily, and barely leaving the house in case he needed my help.

I had already decided I wouldn’t take any measures to prolong his life if his quality of life wasn’t likely to improve. But, I had to figure out how to get myself off of this emotional roller coaster.

I was trying to communicate with Sanchez to find out what he really wanted, but I felt too unsteady like I was on rocky ground. I wasn’t trusting myself. I decided to reach out to Animal Communicator, Cathy Malkin, whom I’ve known since taking her beginning level animal communication class when Sanchez was a young dog.

On the phone, I updated Cathy on Sanchez’s health and was stopped dead in my tracks when Cathy said,

“Lisa, you have to remember that your quality of life is just as important as his.”

In all honesty, I hadn’t considered my quality of life. Caring for senior dogs is not for the faint of heart. But I signed up for the long haul when I adopted him as s a youngster. And I’m one of the lucky ones. 13 and a half is a long life for a large Lab.

Sanchez Loves Lisa

It’s hard for me to admit, but in all honesty, I felt guilty when I sometimes thought about how much easier my life would be if I only had Gina to take care for. I craved our old lifestyle when Sanchez so willingly went for walks with us and enjoyed a very mobile lifestyle. On top of those feelings, I had some important trips coming up, and I didn’t know how I was going to leave Sanchez in someone else’s care, given his current state.

I’ve been through it before, so I know how painful and simultaneously precious the end of life is with our beloved dogs. I don’t want to miss that time with Sanchez. And, I’d rather choose to be a week early on that decision than a day late. But, how could I make that decision based on my lifestyle needs and travel schedule?

The truth is that caring for him in such a tender state has increased our bond and strengthened our relationship. It’s been hard, but it’s time that I wouldn’t trade for anything. I feel more connected to him than ever.

Cathy advised me to take care of myself, take my trips, and say good-bye to Sanchez before I left, just in case he needed my permission to pass when I was gone. While she didn’t tell me that would happen, I actually felt somewhat relieved of responsibility knowing that I could leave him knowing that he would do what was best for him.

Fortunately, Sanchez showed me that it’s just not his time yet. I’m very happy to report that he is on a complete trajectory of improved health. Not only were his lab results very encouraging, but he’s back to his normal weight again, getting out of the house more (as am I), going for short walks, asking for tummy rubs many times a day, giving kisses again, and chewing on dog bones (and even went digging for one outside). He’s now back to his old normal self.

I’m eternally grateful for his recovery and renewed health. And, I’m well aware that every day with him is a gift. I know it’s only a matter of time before I have to re-consider both of our lifestyles if his health fails again. But, for now, he’s reminding me to be present and enjoy our time together. I even took him to the ocean this weekend and let him sniff everything in sight.

Attaboy Sanchez!

Sanchez relaxes with his iCalm Dog 3.0 sound machine

Shortly after we talked with Sanchez, Lisa wrote: 

I drove Sanchez to the ocean on Friday. It was our first trip there in awhile. He definitely is slowing down more now, and he wasn’t quite himself today, just slower and less engaged. It’s the first day in months that he didn’t ask for a tummy rub. But, his appetite was strong. So, we’ll see what tomorrow brings.

A few days later, Lisa updated me on Sanchez’s health and how his eldercare was going:

Sanchez is doing better now. I realized Monday morning that it was his neck that was bothering him, from an old injury – slipped disc from 4 years ago. I got him to the vet today for an acupuncture treatment and he’s now back to his old normal self. He’s quite the miracle dog!

I have to agree that Sanchez, with Lisa’s love and support, is doing remarkably well especially for a senior dog. Way to go, Sanchez and Lisa! I’m proud of you both.

The post Feeling Guilty While Caring for My Senior Dog — Guest Blog Post by Lisa Spector appeared first on Cathy Malkin -- Animal Muse Communication and Reiki.