All Behaviour is Communication

Sometimes it can be incredibly difficult to know what they are trying to say. Zoopharmacognosy can help translate this for you.

All Behaviour Is Communication: Listening to What Your Animal Is Really Saying

You’ve probably heard the phrase ‘All behaviour is communication’. It sounds simple enough… until your dog is chewing the skirting boards, your cat is over-grooming her belly, or your usually chilled companion is suddenly anxious, reactive, or scratching continuously.

But, what does it actually mean? Sometimes it can be incredibly difficult trying to work out what your animal is trying to say. I prefer to say:

Behaviour Is a Clue, Not a Problem

Behaviour is rarely random. It’s your animal’s way of saying:

“Something doesn’t feel right”, “I’m uncomfortable”, “I’m overwhelmed” or “My body needs support”

Anxiety, reactivity, excessive itching, gut issues, restlessness or withdrawal are often outward signs of something deeper going on inside the body.
Chronic itching can be incredibly frustrating and painful.
Gut issues can create discomfort, inflammation, and behavioural changes, commonly separation anxiety and/or reactivity.
Hormonal imbalances can affect mood, energy, and reactivity.
Pain can show up as irritability, fear or changes in behaviour long before it’s obvious on the outside.

Your animal isn’t being naughty or difficult, they’re communicating a need. But, often it can be incredibly difficult trying to work out what this need is and what they’re trying to say. Zoopharmacognosy (or animal self-selection) can help to translate this for you.

Zoopharmacognosy: Your Animal’s Built-In Wisdom

Zoopharmacognosy is the practice of offering animals a range of botanicals, such as essential oils, herbs, and other plant extracts and allowing them to self-select what they need. Animals instinctively choose what supports their body at that moment.

If your animal is repeatedly selecting:

Pain-relieving essential oils or herbs → there may be underlying discomfort or inflammation.
Calming essential oils or herbs → they may be experiencing anxiety, stress, or nervous system overload.
Digestive essential oils or herbs → gut imbalance or digestive strain could be present.
Hormone-balancing essential oils or herbs → hormonal shifts or imbalances may be at play.

These choices give us valuable clues about what your animal is feeling and what their body is trying to correct. It’s like they’re handing us a beautifully handwritten note that says:

‘This is what I need right now. Love Me’

Your Animal Already Knows What They Need

Although we also have the ability to know what we need to heal, we are not very good at listening to our own bodies, often pushing ourselves to exhaustion, whilst caring for everyone else, so we tend to outsource our inner wisdom to the internet, supplements, and that one friend who’s always doing a new cleanse/diet/healing modality.

Animals are so much better than us at this…..

They still have a deeply intact, innate ability to recognise what supports their healing. Given the opportunity, they will choose botanicals that align with their physical, emotional, and energetic needs. Zoopharmacognosy simply creates a respectful space for that wisdom to express itself.

Behaviour, the Body, and the Emotional Loop

The body and emotions are not separate.

Gut issues can contribute to anxiety and reactivity.
Chronic pain can lead to irritability, reactivity or fear-based behaviour.
Allergies and itching can create stress, sleep disruption, and emotional overwhelm.

When your animal self-selects botanicals that support these systems, you’re not just soothing symptoms, you’re helping bring the whole system back into balance.

And when balance returns? Behaviour often shifts naturally.

Learning to Speak Their Language

Offering botanicals for self-selection can be one of the most powerful ways to:

Understand what your animal is experiencing internally
Support healing at a deeper level
Strengthen trust and connection
Honour your animal’s innate intelligence

It’s not about forcing a solution. It’s about listening.

Your First Step Into Deeper Communication

If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to work out what your animal is trying to tell you, zoopharmacognosy may be your invitation into a whole new level of understanding.

By offering gentle botanical choices and observing what your animal selects, you begin learning their language.

A language made of instinct, wisdom, and quiet truth.

And honestly? It’s one of the most humbling and beautiful conversations you’ll ever have.

Ready to Learn Your Animal’s Language?

If this resonates, and you feel that gentle 'yes' in your heart, then you may love Holistic Haven Circle – Wellness for Paws and People

Inside the membership, you’ll learn how to:

Understand behaviour as communication
Support your animal’s emotional and physical wellbeing holistically
Use botanicals, essential oils, and gentle wellness tools safely
Explore zoopharmacognosy and self-selection
Deepen your connection and trust with your animal

This is a heart-centred space for humans who know their animals are wise, sensitive beings and who want to support them in a more intuitive, compassionate way.

Join Holistic Haven Circle – Wellness for Paws and People
Come home to a deeper way of listening, healing, and connecting.

https://holistichaven.newzenler.com/

Because when we stop trying to control behaviour… and start listening to it… everything changes.

When your animal self-selects botanicals that support them, you’re not just soothing symptoms, you’re helping bring the whole system back into balance.

And when balance returns? Behaviour often shifts naturally.

Categories: : Behaviour