Tips to boost your dog's immune system
A dog’s immune system acts like a gatekeeper for its body. A healthy immune system helps ward of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Your dog’s immune system consists of white blood cells, antibodies, and other substances that fight both infection and reject foreign invaders.
Imagine a network of computers. The network consists of wires and signals being sent out 24/7.
The most well known components of the canine immune system are in the dogs circulating immune system and, the blood and lymph systems. Organs including the spleen, lymph nodes, and liver function are a place for immune system cells to hang out, collect, and like a network of computers with anti-virus software, work together to illicit an immune system response
A healthy immune system helps your dog beat the odds against getting sick should he or she get an ailment or illness.
What Causes a Weak Immune System in Dogs
- Hereditary Immunodeficiency
- Tumors
- Viral Infections
- Excessive Stress
- Allergies
- Surgery
- Medications
- Age
- Poor Sleep
You can help prevent many factors that weaken a dog’s immune system. However, some of these factors are unavoidable, like hereditary immunodeficiency.
Dog breeds that are predisposed to hereditary immunodeficiency include:
- Basset Hounds
- Beagles
- Chinese Shar-peis
- Cardigan Welsh Corgis
- Doberman Pinschers
- German Shepherds
- Gray Collies
- Irish Setters
- Jack Russell Terriers
- Weimaraners
Tips to boost your dog's immune system
Physical Fitness Through Play
Getting out doors with your dog is not only beneficial for fido but also for you. Active dogs have a stronger immune system.
Increasing physical activity by walking your dog for 30 minutes every day and playing with your dog. Any aerobic exercise that makes your dog pant is good. Fetch, jumping, running and swimming.
Massage your dog
You do not need to be a professional masseuse to simply rub your dog in away he or she enjoys. Massage has been proven to increase lymphocyte numbers and enhances lymphocyte function, which are all part of the immune system.
Omegas, essential fatty acids
Supplementing your dog or cat helps boost immunity. Ultra Oil contains omegas 3,6, and 9 essential fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids are important for dogs and people bc they cannot be made in the body. A daily omega supplement like Ultra helps the immune system and heart and joint health. It may help reduces inflammation in your dogs body which is a precursor to many diseases.
Proper Nutrition
Proper nutrition is essential for a healthy immune system.
Purchase dog food that is high in nutrients that boost the immune system. Make sure to read your labels and look for quality ingredients.
You’ll also want to be mindful of portion control for your dog. Maintaining a healthy dog weight also boosts its immune system.
Avoiding Stressful Situations and Taking your dog to the Veterinarian regularly will keep your sustain a healthier immune system.
We owe it to our four legged best friend to help them maintain a strong immune system so his body is prepared to fight off illnesses.