The weather outside is getting a little more frightful, which means flu season has come to challenge our health. It may be a challenge to have a healthy dog. To avoid catching bugs, we do everything we can to bolster our immunities – going to bed early, taking more vitamins… skipping out on that extra glass of wine 😉 – but as you pop that vitamin C tablet, you may notice a set of eyes staring up at you, pleading for their immune-booster, too.

Yes, your dog needs an immune-system boost every now and again too!

Of course, your pup isn’t susceptible to the same bugs and viruses we humans can catch, but you can help reduce the risk of dog-related diseases such as infections, diabetes arthritis and even cancer, by taking steps to take care of your dog’s health.

3 tips for a healthy dog: boost your dog’s immunities

1- Exercise: Make sure your furry friend is getting their steps in!

Excess fat can cause stress and inflammation inside your dog’s body, which is why it’s so important for your pup to stay active, burning fat and building muscle. Taking your dog for a walk also stimulates their brain, especially during mentally-stimulating exercises like walking a new route, going for off-leash hikes, playing with dog-puzzles, and doing scent training and agility exercises.

Make sure you schedule in at least 30 minutes of activity per day for your dog. If this is too much for your schedule, consider hiring a dog walker to save you time, and help keep your pooch’s immunities strong.

2- Nutrition: Make sure your ‘pupper-pal’ is eating all their veggies

Just like humans, dogs are what they eat, so it’s crucial to choose healthy, whole and local Vancouver dog foods and real ingredients to feed your healthy dog. But it’s also not just what your pup eats – it’s how much that matters too.

Make sure you understand the proper portion-sizes you should be feeding your dog based on their breed, size and weight. You can usually find portion-size information on the outside of dog food packaging, but if in doubt, try a dog food calculator or talk to your veterinarian about the recommended amount you should be feeding your dog.

Boost your dog’s immunities with supplements

To help get even more nutrients into your dog, consider giving them nutrition supplements like:

• Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids – Fights inflammation, promotes eye health and helps maintain a shiny, healthy coat.
• Curcumin – An ingredient in turmeric, curcumin helps to calm inflammation, ease pain and even carries anti-cancer properties.
• Echinacea – Has been shown to ease chronic respiratory infections in dogs.
• Vitamin C – Helps protect against infections like kennel cough and glaucoma.
• Vitamin E – Benefits the eyes, skin and muscles, as well as the cardiac system.
• Coconut oil – Helps improve skin conditions and may even help control and prevent diabetes because of its antibacterial, anti-fungal and antiviral properties.
• Raw pumpkin – This high fibre-source helps promote healthy digestion.
• Rosemary – A good source of vitamin B-6 and iron, this herb is an antioxidant and not to mention a delicious herb your dog is sure to love!

Whatever supplement you decide to use, look for pure ingredients from reputable companies whose products are scrutinized for quality. A good quality indicator is the seal of the National Animal Supplement Council.

3- TLC: Make sure your dog’s emotional health is on point

Lastly, some tender love and care will go a long way toward bolstering your dog’s immune system. When your pup is happy and relaxed, their bodies are under little to no stress meaning their immune system has a better chance of protecting them. Other than tons of praise and snuggles, a creative way to help relax your dog is a loving massage.

Extra Healthy Dog Tip: While you’re relaxing with your pooch, try giving their muscles a gentle rub and see how they like it. Chances are, they’ll love it! Loving touch and massage can promote relaxation and even healing in dogs, helping to reduce stress hormones in their bodies. One study discovered that moderate pressure massages contributed to ‘enhanced immune function’, which is believed to resonate with our friendly fur-companions too!

Maintaining your dog’s health in North Vancouver

Whatever changes you decide to make in taking care of your dog, everything you need is right here in Vancouver. From off-leash parks, and dog hiking paths to pet stores with healthy, whole foods and supplements, Vancouver makes it easy to keep your furry best friend as healthy as can be!

Check out dog walking options with Poochhike Adventures

To give you more time and energy and to give your pup a better quality of life, contact Poochhike today! We have plenty of options to suit your dog walking needs. From North Vancouver to South Vancouver and everywhere in between!

Bark at Poochhike today!