How Buath Gurru (the Grass Flowering Season) shapes your dog’s body

Buarth Gurru is the time of grass flowering and rising activity across Kulin Country. Dogs notice these changes long before we do. Their noses switch on, their bodies move faster and their attention lifts toward every sound, smell and movement around them. Many become more alert, more excitable and more driven by the world around them.

From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, I've been fascinated in how this applies in Coutnry. This rise in activity and sensory load reflects the starting shifts from the Wood element into the early stages of Fire when we get ready to move into Gunyang (kangaroo-apple season).

Wood is all about curiosity, movement and energy rising.

Fire brings warmth, brightness and expressive behaviour.

When the world becomes more stimulating, dogs often follow that same upward pattern. Their bodies work a little harder in the places that support quick movement and deeper breathing:

• Shoulders, from sudden movement, pulling and rapid changes in direction as the world becomes more stimulating

• Ribs, as breathing becomes faster with excitement and sensory overload

• Hips, from extra running, turning and stopping as activity naturally increases this time of year

Gentle bodywork helps soften this rising seasonal energy and keeps your dog comfortable as we move toward the warmer part of the year.