Pet Health – Boosting your pet’s immune system

My little girl Sara weeks after we brought her home

As we enter the cold and flu season for humans, we can sometimes forget that our pets can become sick, too. Canine influenza has become more and more prevalent over the past few years and can be devastating to some of our companions. So what is a loving pet owner to do? How can you boost your dog or cat’s immune system? With just a few simple changes in diet and behavior can build your pet’s immunity and general wellness.

1. Water, water, and more water – Clean, fresh water is absolutely the number one way to help boost your pet’s immune system. Water flushes toxins from the body and aids bodily processes. If you can, give them filtered water or buy a pet fountain to remove additional toxins from tap water.
2. Provide a healthy & balanced diet – Take a proactive role in the health of your pets! A proper diet is a key factor in making sure that your pet is as healthy as they can be. Do a little homework before buying that discount bag of dog food at the grocery store. Read the labels and check the ingredients. Quality foods are made with quality ingredients, not by-products and fillers. Many foods also contain lots of naturally occurring and/or added Omega Fatty Acids for strong immunity. You can even add fresh foods to your pets’ diets for added nutrition.
3. Vitamins aren’t just for kids –  Consider adding a daily supplement  to your pet’s dietary regime. These supplements contain important vitamins & minerals that may be lacking in some commercial foods. The extra nutrients will boost your pets’ immune systems and help them to bounce back quickly if they do feel under the weather.
4. Add plain yogurt – Plain yogurt contains active live cultures (acidophilus) which can have a great impact on the way your pet digests his meals. You can find it at any grocery store. Add a teaspoon or two to your dog’s meals each day. You’ll be providing your pet with extra calcium and beneficial bacteria for a few pennies. They’ll love it and you’ll love the added health benefits it provides.
5. Give them exercise, and plenty of it – Make sure your pets are getting adequate exercise and stimulation. Moderate, consistent exercise temporarily boosts the production of cells that fight infections, and the increased circulation spreads these helpful cells quickly through the body.

With these simple steps you and your pets can make it through the cold and flu season relatively unscathed, and improve your overall health in the process.