Let’s see a few natural ways to improve your dog’s immune system and how to give him a healthy life. We’ll take a look at the pup’s hygiene, diet, and activities. Dogs are exposed every day to different things that can compromise their health. We can’t keep them in an extra safe environment, and that is ok.
You can’t keep your dog looked down in the house. That is not a really happy life for your dog. It’s a dog, he needs to take a walk and to exercise. We, as humans are exposed to things that affect our health. For our dog, it’s the same thing. And you don’t see us locked down in quarantine all our lives. We are social beings, and so are our dogs.
You can find bacteria, viruses, parasites everywhere. On the streets where you are taking a walk with your dog, at the dog parks or at any parks, at the lake or on an empty field, and especially at your vet cabinet. The viruses, parasites, and bacteria are pretty hard to avoid. All you can do is boost your dog’s immune system.
I mentioned earlier about the vet cabinet. When you are taking your puppy to your vet, especially when you are taking him to have the vaccines, you shouldn’t let your dog walk on the floor. The vet had other clients before you arrived there. Those dogs can carry viruses and bacteria and you are letting your dog sniff and walk there. That’s a no-no. Don’t let your dog have any contact with other unvaccinated or sick dogs until your dog had his vaccines. It’s a good chance to meet other dogs there, so keep that in mind. I prefer to hold my dogs and wait outside. I don’t doubt the hygiene of your vet cabinet, but even if you can’t see the bacteria that doesn’t mean it’s not there. It’s the same in our clinics and hospitals. When you are going to your doctor, there are other sick patients waiting.
A healthy diet for dogs and exercise
Exercise, playtime, and a balanced diet are essential for your dog’s immune system. Your dog will eat what you give him so you have to make the best decisions for him. Choose a diet that is good for your puppy, a diet that fits with the level of exercise done. Every breed has different characteristics and every dog is different. There isn’t a diet that fits all dogs. You just can adjust and choose the best mix for your dog. Keep his weight under control. If your dog is not near the ideal weight for his breed characteristics, the more his immune system will struggle. Do you have a Siberian husky? Take a look at Siberian Husky breed characteristics – how do you know you got a Husky?
See more about How to Exercise your Siberian Husky.
Also, avoid stressful situations or stressful places. Some puppies might get stressed if you are taking them to the dog parks. Help him to socialize in another place until he will be ready to go back there. Stress can reduce the body’s ability to ward off diseases.
Always wash your dog’s bowls and give him fresh water. By washing his bowls and toys with warm water you reduce the bacteria that your dog’s immune system has to deal with.
Boost the dog immune system with food
A healthy and balanced diet is essential for the dog’s immune system. There are a few foods that you can add to your dog diet and you can find them everywhere and it will not cost that much.
Vegetables and antioxidants for your dog
First, let’s go through some antioxidants. Keep in mind that these foods should be used as supplements to your dogs’ diet. A balanced diet is essential for your dog’s immune system. Let’s get back to antioxidants. Why are antioxidants so important when it comes to your dog’s immune system? Antioxidants can prevent damage to cells caused by free radicals. Where can you find antioxidants? In a variety of common foods such as:
- Kale
- Apples – Remove the stem, core, and seeds before you give your dog an apple. Apple seeds contain traces of cyanide.
- Green beans
- Carrots
- Pumpkin (not the sugary, spicy pie filling and not raw). Bake or boil the pumpkin before you give it to your dog. Pumpkin has fiber and beta-carotene that converts in the body to vitamin A. Too much vitamin A is toxic for dogs. It’s safe to give your dog a couple of pumpkin teaspoons. If you have a big boy, you can put 2 tablespoons of pumpkin purée mixed with some bananas and yogurt in a KONG. Your dog will enjoy it.
- Cabbage
- Sweet potato
- Broccoli
- Potatoes (cooked)
- Red kidney, pinto beans, and black beans (cooked)
- Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries
See more great fruits to feed to your dog
Herbs that can boost your dog immune system
Rosemary
Rosemary is healthy for your dog in small quantities. It is a good source of Vitamin A, Thiamin, and Magnesium. Rosemary is also a great source of Vitamin C and B6, Calcium, Iron, and Folate. This is a powerful antioxidant for people, as well as dogs. How can you give rosemary to your dog? Sprinkle it on top of their dog food or use it in homemade doggy treats. Your dog might not want to eat fresh rosemary because it has a strong smell. If he is curious, then you should encourage him to eat some. Only small quantities should be fed to your dog.
Rosemary is a strong and organic flea repellent. It will not get rid of fleas but can help repel and prevent flea infestation.
Milk thistle
Milk thistle is a natural treatment for the liver function of dogs. You can add a bit from now and then to your dog diet. This is a great way to boost your dog’s immunity.
Yogurt boosts your dog immune system
Yogurt boosts your dog’s immune system and will help him grow stronger. Don’t feed your dog yogurt if your dog is lactose intolerant. Choose Greek yogurt or plain yogurt free of any added sweeteners. The probiotics (beneficial bacteria) found in yogurt and kefir are good for your dog. Proteins from the yogurt will provide amino acids that are good for tissue repair, muscle development, and hair. See more about yogurt for dogs here.
Use Fish oil to boost the dog’s immune system
Fish oil has acids that are essential to improve your dog’s immune system. It increases the immune response, helps with blood clotting and cell growth. Improves joint health, stamina, skin and coat health. Fish oil also acts as an anti-inflammatory. When you are adding fish oil to your dog food it makes it more appealing due to the fish flavor.
Grooming your dog
You need to keep your dog clean for a strong immune system, not just the good looks. You should start grooming sessions when your dog is a puppy. He has to get used to bathing, long sessions of brushing, especially when these sessions time will increase and he will have to endure ear cleaning, nail clipping, teeth brushing, and many more. It depends on the dog’s breed. For my huskies, the grooming sessions take a while. Especially with that double coat. If I mentioned the huskies double coat, I should tell you that I strongly disagree with shaving your husky.
In addition to grooming, a quick and thorough check is required after every walk.
Also see: Can you shave a Husky? No! Here’s why
Siberian huskies love to dig, sniff, grab anything with their mouth, explore everything and discover more each day. From different bushes, or dirt to insects. And that is ok. Let him get dirty and live a full and amazing life. Keep an eye on where he adventures and find a place where he can do all those activities.
Grooming your dog will help you to check his health and see any abnormalities. You will be able to spot issues with their skin such as dry patches or ticks or fleas. Check if there are any issues with nails, teeth, eyes, or ears. By doing all of this, you can find problems in the early stages and take action sooner. Call your vet if you find something alarming. Brushing removes dead hair, dirt and helps to bring out the natural oils.
A clean dog is a healthy, happy, and good-looking dog.
An ending note
Improve your dog’s immune system by providing him a healthy and happy life. Follow a routine that includes daily exercise, playtime, and training sessions. Scheduled mealtimes and nap times will make miracles for his life. And for yours too. By sticking to a schedule you will have a happy dog and you will have a calmer life.
