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Written by: Sarah Seward-Langdon
Published on: 07/06/2023
Is your dog often lacking energy? Or do you find that their coat is a bit dull? Maybe your furry friend even has diarrhea more regularly than you’re comfortable with?
That’s likely because of their immune system—and the possibility that it isn’t quite as strong as it should be. Dogs, much like humans, depend on a healthy immune system to fight off disease and illness.
While it's true that their immunity is shaped by their genetic makeup and breed, there are several things that you, as a pet parent, can do to boost your dog's immune system.
Today, we’ll dive into the essential steps and methods to enhance your dog's immunity, ensuring they are healthier and happier.
Before we delve into the steps, it's crucial to understand what the immune system is.
Simply put, it's the body's defense system, designed to fend off harmful substances, infectious organisms, and other threats. For instance, a better immune system means your dog is less likely to suffer from inflammation and autoimmune diseases [1].
A dog’s immune system comprises various cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body.
Here are 5 steps to help boost your dog's immune system...
The first and most essential step towards boosting your dog's immunity is providing them with a balanced diet.
The immune system relies on specific nutrients to function correctly, such as proteins, vitamins, and minerals. A diet rich in antioxidants—found in fruits, vegetables, and certain meats—is especially important for strengthening the immune system [2].
Ensure that your dog's diet includes a variety of proteins, vegetables, and fruits, and be aware that some human foods can be toxic to dogs.
Remember that it's always best to consult with your vet when making significant changes to your dog's diet!
Adding supplements to your dog’s diet can be very helpful in improving immunity.
A highly recommended supplement to bolster your dog's immune system is probiotics, which primarily support your dog's digestive health. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that naturally inhabit your dog's gut and are instrumental in maintaining a robust digestive system.
Additionally, they significantly contribute to enhancing the immune system since a large part of the immune system resides within the gut [3].
An alternative supplement to think about is camelina oil, which is rich in the inflammation-combatting omega-3 fatty acids.
Dr. Ken Tudor, a holistic vet based in California, emphasizes that these fatty acids are crucial as they help modulate the inflammatory response. Ensuring sufficient intake through the diet can be challenging, so he advises incorporating an omega-3 supplement into your dog's regimen.
Give your dog more essential fatty acids by feeding Smart Earth Camelina
Dr. Tudor also mentions curcumin, the potent active component found in turmeric, a great option for an immune boosting supplement. Not only does curcumin possess anti-cancer properties, but it also serves as an anti-inflammatory agent and a pain reliever, according to him [4].
Regular exercise is as crucial for your dog's health as it is for humans. Exercise helps keep the body's systems, including the immune system, in good shape.
A sedentary lifestyle can lead to obesity (and even anxiety), which in turn can lead to a weakened immune system [2].
Your dog's exercise needs will depend on its breed, age, and health status. From daily walks to playtime in the yard, keep your dog physically active!
While it might seem obvious, the significance of regular vet check-ups can sometimes be overlooked!
Routine veterinary examinations are key in identifying potential health issues before they escalate into severe conditions. Detecting diseases in their early stages not only improves the chances of successful treatment, but it also helps maintain your dog's immune system at an optimal level.
These regular visits allow your vet to monitor your dog's overall health and catch subtle changes that may indicate underlying problems.
Furthermore, veterinarians can administer vital immunizations that guard against certain diseases, thereby providing an additional layer of protection to your dog's immune system.
Vaccinations are a preventive measure to help ward off infections that could otherwise compromise your dog's health and well-being.
✅ Single ingredient, 100% pure Camelina Oil.
✅ Non-GMO
✅ Ideal balance of Omega-3 compared to other products, like soybean oil.
✅ Canadian produced and operated.
✅ Single ingredient, 100% pure Camelina Oil.
✅ Non-GMO
✅ Ideal balance of Omega-3 compared to other products, like soybean oil.
✅ Canadian produced and operated.
Various environmental toxins such as pesticides, certain cleaning products, and second-hand smoke pose a threat to your dog's immune system. To safeguard your pet's health, it's important to minimize their exposure to these harmful substances as much as possible.
When you're cleaning your home or using pest control measures in your yard, opt for pet-friendly products that won't adversely affect your dog's health. Such products are specially designed to be effective while causing minimal harm to pets.
By being conscious of your choices, you can create a safer and healthier environment for your dog.
Lastly, the importance of hydration can't be overstated. Water plays a crucial role in all bodily functions, including the immune system. It helps flush toxins from the body, aids in digestion, and keeps cells oxygenated, all of which are crucial for a strong immune system.
Make sure your dog always has access to clean, fresh water. This is especially important during the summertime when it’s super hot!
By taking a proactive role in your dog's health, you can significantly enhance their immune system and overall well-being. Remember, maintaining your furry friend's health is a continuous process that requires commitment and attention to detail.
But, the reward is priceless—a happy, active, and healthy dog that’ll give you their unwavering loyalty and boundless love. From the food you provide to their exercise routine to the toxins they’re exposed to, each aspect plays a critical role in bolstering your dog's immunity.
Be sure to consult with your vet to design a health plan that fits your dog's individual needs and monitor their health regularly. After all, a strong immune system is the foundation for a long, healthy life for your four-legged family member.
✅ Single ingredient, 100% pure Camelina Oil.
✅ Non-GMO
✅ Ideal balance of Omega-3 compared to other products, like soybean oil.
✅ Canadian produced and operated.
✅ Single ingredient, 100% pure Camelina Oil.
✅ Non-GMO
✅ Ideal balance of Omega-3 compared to other products, like soybean oil.
✅ Canadian produced and operated.
References
[1] https://blog.roguepetscience.com/natural-ways-improve-dogs-immune-system
[2] https://betterpet.com/dog-immune-sytem/
[3] https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/probiotics-dogs-what-you-need-know
[4] https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/natural-ways-improve-your-dogs-immune-system
Sarah is a marketing specialist with a passion for anything creative! Her openness to working across industries and job opportunities has allowed her to gain enormous amounts of experience in graphic design, video production, and written content creation. Animals have a special place in her heart as she grew up with cats and now owns her own Alaskan Malamute. She has spent the last couple of years in Vancouver working with different companies within the pet industry and gained valuable knowledge about the ins and outs of the (alternative) pet food industry, supplementation, and various training methods. When she’s not digitally creating content for pet lovers to consume, she’s out eating great food, dancing at drop-in classes, or exploring the beautiful Canadian scenery with her fur-child Miso.
