7 Natural Methods to Strengthen Your Dog’s Immune System

Trina

Your dog’s immune system is the cornerstone of a healthy, happy life—just like it is for us. Your dog’s immune system has the same function as yours, which is to defend the body against infection and illness. This wonderful system works to kill bacteria, viruses and other harmful invaders. In order to work properly and support the immune system, the body must have the proper food, nutrients and more.

What can you do to strengthen your pup’s immune system naturally? Let’s take a look at seven things you can do to improve your fur baby’s health!

1). Exercise and Play with Your Dog

A healthy body is the first line of defense against infections and other health problems. Excess body fat causes inflammation in the body, which can damage the immune system. Keeping your dog active with work to keep him at a healthy weight and improve the immune system.

2). Give Your Fur Baby a Healthy Diet

Make sure to provide your dog with the best dog food you can buy. The right nutrients, in the right amounts, will work to support and strengthen your fur baby’s immune system.

Be sure to check your pup’s commercially produced food for the AAFCO label. The AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) label ensures that your pet’s food provides all the nutrients your dog needs each day, for his specific age and weight.

3). Keep Your Dog’s Life Stress-Free

All of us, including our pets, experience some type of stress on a daily basis. In fact, a certain level of good stress is healthy. However, bad stress can be detrimental to your fur baby’s immune system.

Make sure your dog stays happy and relaxed as much as possible. Give him lots of love and attention, ensure he has plenty of socialization with family and other dogs, and that he gets enough exercise to keep stress levels under control.

4). Supplements to Strengthen Your Dog’s Immune System

Another thing you can do is give your dog natural supplements that support and strengthen his immune system. There are many doggie supplements to choose from, but it’s a good idea to check with your vet first. Your vet will have the best advice when it comes to exactly what supplements will help your canine friend.

Here’s a shortlist of supplements that your veterinarian may suggest:

• Fish oil: contains omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, that can work to improve your dog’s immune system and overall health.

 

• Glucosamine/Chrondroitin: these substances reduce inflammation, strengthen the immune system and also work to improve flexibility in arthritic joints and reduce pain.

 

• Probiotics (those especially made for dogs): work to improve gut health, which also strengthens and supports the immune system. Make sure to buy probiotics especially made for dogs—those for humans don’t contain the right probiotic strains that dogs need.

 

• Daily vitamin: some dogs may need a daily vitamin if they suffer from certain health conditions. The right vitamins work to improve immunity and your pup’s overall health.

5). Doggie Massage

Another natural option to strengthen your dog’s immune system is to give him doggie massages. Just like their pet parents, dogs can keep stress locked in tight muscles. Touch and massage work wonders to relieve stress, but they also increase immunity. When massaged, the immune releases natural killer cells, along with endorphins. So, make sure to give your pup a doggie massage on a regular basis. He’ll love you forever!

6). Hydration is Also Important

Water is an important part of all bodily functions, including immune functions. Make sure your dog has access to plenty of clean water throughout his day to keep his immune system and other organs working properly.

7). Control pests and parasites:

be sure to keep your dog clean and free of fleas, ticks, intestinal worms, etc. Infestations of pests and parasites can cause his immune system to overwork, leading to overall low immunity and other health problems. Bathing, grooming and the use of natural pest control products can help rid your fur baby of these immune system threats.

These are a few ways to naturally enhance and strengthen your fur baby’s immune system. Be sure to check with your vet if you have questions or need advice about the products that are best for your precious canine companion.

Credits

Magdalena Smolnicka on Unsplash

Maria Di Lorenzo on Unsplash

 Jesse Schoff on Unsplash

Maud Slaats on Unsplash

Photo by pj evans on Unsplash

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