As a dog owner, you want to provide your dog with the best quality of life possible. When your dog's immune system deteriorates, they become more susceptible to immunological disorders, viral infections, and cancer. But what can you do to support your pet's immune system?

Your dog's health depends on a strong immune system. Fortunately, as responsible pet owners, there are several things we can do to help our dogs' immunity.

Maintaining a Healthy Diet

First and foremost, a strong immune system requires a well-balanced diet. The gastrointestinal tract constitutes 70% of your dog's immune system. Furthermore, the gut houses the microbiome, a collection of healthy bacteria. Similarly, the microbiome is mainly fueled by the nutrients obtained from food.

A healthy canine diet must have the following five essential components:

  • Protein
  • Healthy Fat
  • Carbohydrates
  • Vitamins
  • Minerals

Hydration is Vital

In addition to a nutritious meal, your dog should have constant access to fresh, clean water. A dog's body is about 80% water, just like ours. Water is required for proper canine body function. Regular hydration, in particular:

  • Encourages healthy food and nutrient digestion
  • Aids in breathing and the oxygen process
  • Improves blood flow to the brain, heart, and muscles.
  • Maintains body temperature
  • Removes dangerous poisons from the body

 

Dogs require approximately twelve ounces of water per 10 pounds daily. A forty-pound dog, for example, would need forty-eight ounces of water daily. Naturally, this amount changes depending on factors such as age, breed, weather, and level of exercise.

Healthy Exercise

A regular fitness regimen is essential for the immune system. Dogs who do not get enough exercise tend to gain weight. Excess fat, in turn, secretes approximately forty different types of hormones that induce inflammation.

On the other hand, regular exercise helps prevent and minimize the accumulation of harmful fat. As a result, the likelihood of inflammation, pain, and disease is reduced.

Exercise requirements vary from dog to dog, depending on age, breed, and overall health. Consult your veterinarian today about how much activity your sweet puppy needs to stay healthy.

There are numerous ways to ensure Fido gets adequate exercise. Here are some suggestions for keeping your dog active: 

  • A 30-minute stroll around the neighbourhood
  • Running or jogging, take it easy, work up to longer routes
  • Natural trail hiking
  • Fetching at a dog park
  • Going for a swim in clear, calm water (perhaps a pool or stream along a hiking trail - avoid stagnant water or water with strong currents)
  • Agility training in a dog park or canine fitness centre

 

These are just a few ways you and your adorable puppy can bond via pleasant physical activity. 

Supplements for Added Nutrition

Finally, adding appropriate nutritional supplements to your dog's food is a wonderful idea. Most store-bought dog diets do not contain enough vitamins and minerals to meet your dog's daily requirements. As a result, additional supplements are required.

Fortunately, natural and holistic supplements have significantly improved human and canine health. Your lovely pups can now get their paws on more potent dietary supplements than ever before. You may add several supplements to your dog's food to help with immune support. 

Avoid Stressful Situations

Stress can have a severe physical and emotional impact on your dog. Your dog's body releases the hormone cortisol in response to stress. Cortisol effectively combats stress but might impair the immune system if your dog's stress levels are constantly raised.

Some dogs are more sensitive to worry, loud noises, crowds, travel, etc. It is critical to understand what causes stress in your dog and do all possible to prevent or avoid stressful situations.