As a dog parent, knowing how to support your furry friend's immune system is important. After all, what good is a pet if they can't stay healthy? Protecting and nurturing your pup's body is essential for giving them the vigorous quality of life they deserve. That's why today we will explore several options supporting our beloved doggies' immunity — from diet and nutrition to supplements and hygiene tips—everything that will help them dynamize their defenses against excessive pathogens entering their precious bodies and maintain cellular health!
"Immune support for dogs" refers to various practices, strategies, and products designed to help boost and maintain a dog's immune system. The immune system plays a crucial role in defending the body against harmful pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and other potentially harmful substances. Like humans, a healthy immune system is essential for a dog's overall well-being and ability to stay healthy and have a good time with you and your family.
Immune support for dogs can encompass several approaches:
Nutrition: A balanced and nutritious diet is one of the primary ways to support a dog's immune system. Essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants are known to play a role in maintaining immune function. Many commercial dog foods are formulated to meet these nutritional requirements. Consider a homemade, fresh, human-grade diet if your budget and time allow. However, dogs have different nutrition needs from humans; the farmer's dog diet and similar dog food can be great alternatives. These fresh dog foods are formulated to meet dogs' nutritional needs.
Supplements: Some dog owners opt to provide their pets with immune-boosting supplements such as Agaricus Bio for pets, which is formulated with USA-grown organic Agaricus blazei Murill mushrooms known for high amounts of beta-glucans and polysaccharides that strengthen the immune systems. Other supplements can include multivitamins, probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, and specific herbal supplements believed to have immune-enhancing properties.
Exercise: Regular exercise is essential for overall health, including immune health, in dogs. It helps maintain a healthy weight, promotes cardiovascular health, and can improve immune system function.
Stress Reduction: Minimizing stress is vital for immune health. Chronic stress can negatively impact the immune system. Providing a stable and calm environment, ensuring regular exercise and mental stimulation, and using relaxation techniques if necessary can reduce stress. Don't we all love to give good massages to our dogs? Seeing dogs relaxed also relaxes us, too. According to Dr. Henry Yoo, DVM, MSc, MBA, small changes in environmental conditions and even short-term travel can affect the RES of the pets since they don't know why they are being moved around to different places.
Hygiene and Preventive Care: Regular grooming, proper dental care, vaccinations, and parasite prevention (e.g., flea and tick control) are all part of maintaining a dog's health and immune system.
Consulting a Veterinarian: After the age of 8 weeks, the dog's immunity starts to decline slowly. It may be helpful to talk to veterinarians who are also knowledgeable about nutrition and pet supplements to make the right choice for your dogs. The vet can provide guidance tailored to your dog's specific needs and health status.
Superfood Science team had an opportunity to participate in rescuing Bubba this year. Billy, the founder of Baunji Strong Foundation, rescued Bubba on 2/14/2023. Billy saw Bubba lying down on the blanket off the highway. He saw massive tumors on his knee and stomach. He rushed Bubba to a local veterinary clinic, Paws and Purrs Animal Clinic in Chesnee, SC. Bubba was suffering from cutaneous hemangiosarcoma, according to the pathology report.
After the surgery, Billy put Bubba on a healthy raw diet and a few nutritional supplements, including Agaricus Bio 600 mg and Agaricus Bio Super Liquid. Bubba has been recovering beautifully. Now he is enjoying his life with Billy. Billy sent us the photo below on 5/17/2023. Bubba is doing so well. Bubba's healthy immune system has promoted a faster recovery for sure. The Superfood Science team is joyous to participate in Bubba's rescue. His cute smile melts our hearts.
