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Having a dog as your pet brings so much joy and happiness to your life. You return home after a tough working day, and the moment he lovingly jumps onto you, you will surely forget all your worries. Several studies show how dogs enhance the physical and mental well-being of humans and prolong their life.

Dogs shower us with unconditional love, trust, and loyalty. So it is only fair that we reciprocate every affection and help them enjoy happy, healthy lives. Dogs are like babies; they need proper care and attention to their health and entirely depend on us for survival.  No dog owner likes to see their dogs in pain or suffering from illness. It is even more heartbreaking because they could not verbally express their pain like humans. So as a dog owner, your primary duty lies in taking care of their health system. 

It is necessary to keep the immune system strong to ward off any unwanted diseases. A weakened immune system is dangerous for your dog’s health. We should ensure their precious time is full of good health and happiness! Hence, never compromise your dog’s health.

How A Dog’s Immune Works

There is almost no difference between how immune systems work in both dogs and humans. Dogs’ immune response to all sorts of infections and help to fight bacteria, viruses, and internal toxins.

Their immune system comprises the white blood cells and antibodies which prevent the foreign particles and pathogens from entering the bloodstream. The immune system includes the organs thymus and bone marrow, responsible for producing the blood cells. The spleen and lymph nodes are also present that trap the microorganisms. All these interact and generate an immune response to bacteria and viruses. The perfect functioning of a dog’s immune system is essential to curb illness and even deadly diseases like cancer. A weak immune system leaves a dog unprotected from foreign attacks.

How Can You Boost Your Dog’s Immune?

As a dog owner, you might constantly worry about how to keep your dog’s health safe. Here are 8 tips to ensure a sound immune system for your dog!

  1. Healthy diet

A balanced diet full of nutrients will do wonders for the dog’s immune system. Healthy food with appropriate vitamins and minerals vitalizes the body and prevents the cells from decay. Make sure the diet comprises a healthy combination of carbohydrates, proteins, and good fats. Try to avoid giving junk food and unhealthy treats to your dog. Chocolates may benefit us, but it is usually a strict no for dogs. 

Fill the diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Some of the healthiest items include:

  • Dried beans (Kidney, Pinto, Red Beans) 
  • They have more antioxidants per ½ cup than berries.
  • Berries (Strawberries, cranberries, raspberries, blueberries)
  • Plums
  • Apples

You might have to put quite an effort into making your dog eat these healthy veggies and fruits! Maybe you have to bribe them with their favorite meat and chicken dishes first!

  • Exercise

Maintaining an ideal weight is vital to the dog’s immune system. Whether the dog is overweight or underweight, it interferes with the nutrients absorption and digestion activities. A stagnant lifestyle without any form of physical activity weakens their immune system, just like ours. Lack of exercise also hampers their mental health and often leads to mood swings and depression.

Take your dog out to regular walks or run with him in the parks. An hour of exercise each day not only boosts his energy but also regulates healthy blood pressure and pulse rates.

Source: https://pixabay.com/photos/two-running-dogs-raging-dogs-puppy-750570/

  • Keep your dog clean

Dogs have a habit of sniffing, chewing, and licking anything they find desirable. They spend most of their time outside investigating all the dirty garbage they find exciting or rollover grasses. As a result, they are constantly prone to toxic chemicals, dirt, and bacterial infections. Proper hygiene is the most crucial factor for a healthy immune system.

So make sure to wash your dog once in a while and reduce the possibility of bacterial attacks. But don’t clean them too frequently as that could weaken the immune system. They need to adapt their bodies to some bacteria and viruses to fight the more vital diseases. Also, avoid the application of toxic pesticides in lawns where your dog runs and rolls around. 

  • Supplements Such as weed

That might sound like a surprise, but now several pet owners feed weed to their dogs for better health, you can consider weed delivery. It is a known fact that a dog’s immunity system has CB2 receptors. Cannabinoids in cannabis bind with this receptor and regulate inflammatory messages. Thus, reducing inflammation and strengthening the immune system. So, you can feed them a particular dose of CBD products.

  • Use Diet Supplements

Dog food does not contain adequate all the essential nutrients required for a healthy immune system. Often, dogs turn their heads away from all veggies and fruits. Although making them consume supplements can also be very tough! So you can give your dog dietary supplements in the form of tablets or powder. As an alternative, try adding Kratom powder with their food for dinner. Mixing Kratom with apple puree will also make a delicious treat for your canine friend. 

Supplements provide probiotics, omega-3, vitamins, minerals, and powerful antioxidants to help in reducing the toxins from their system. 

  • Antioxidants help eliminate the free radicals from the dog’s body and slow down the aging process. 
  • Probiotics: These are the essential bacteria required for the dog’s immune system to prevent the activities of harmful bacteria. The dog’s gut contains the microbiome that comprises immune-boosting bacteria. Feed your dog with multi-strain probiotic supplements like bifidobacterium and lactobacillus, preventing diarrhea and resulting in more excellent nutrient absorption.
  • Stress-free environment

Stress and anxiety will also affect the dog’s immune system. Cut out any negative interactions that could trigger your dog’s stress. Create a proper schedule for your dog’s daily activities, nap times, and mealtime. Give the dog plenty of love and affection. Dog massage is a great option! It relieves the stress and stiffening of muscles, promotes blood circulation, and relaxes their mind.

  • Proper hydration

Siblings at the #wateringhole.

Water is the primary force that flushes out all the toxic chemicals from your dog’s immune system. It is crucial to keep the dog hydrated throughout the day, especially after intense physical activities. Remember to give them the same filtered or purified water that you drink.

  • Vet check-ups

The vet can offer the best advice to boost your dog’s immune system. The vet can also monitor the conditions of the dog’s health and provide necessary vaccines and booster doses. 

Conclusion

A dog is a man’s best friend. So we must take care of these adorable four-legged creatures who give us a new meaning to life. They are your family; ensuring their good health and a robust immune system are a must.

photo credit: https://unsplash.com/photos/UtrE5DcgEyg

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