Mary Allen
The cold season has come, and our four-legged friends can also get colds and weakened immunity. To help your furry friends get through the winter well, here’s how you can strengthen the immunity of dogs and cats.
How Does the Immune System Weaken?
As in humans, the immune system of dogs and cats can be severely weakened by pathogens, chronic diseases, allergies, and parasitic infestations. Any reaction – diarrhea, vomiting, or a rash – exhausts the animal’s body and does not occur without a reason. For example, diarrhea may indicate a gastrointestinal or Giardia infection, and a rash may be an allergic reaction to food or medications. Some animals cannot tolerate certain medications, such as worms and vomiting. The operation can also affect your pet’s body. You should definitely be vigilant here and visit the vet too often. For example, in puppies and kittens, diarrhea can quickly become life-threatening!
Overload and stress can also weaken the immune system. It also includes too little rest and not getting enough sleep. Of course, stress doesn’t always have to be negative, but too much or unusual stress, such as moving, can affect the body. You may know this from your own experience: Often people get sick after a lot of stress, for example, after exams.
Very cold or high temperatures can also have a negative effect on the immune system of dogs and cats. After all, it takes a lot of effort to regulate your own body temperature in extremely cold or hot weather. Food also plays a critical role when it comes to the health of your animal. Here, you should definitely rely on quality food that provides your fur nose with everything important. Here you can find out what to look for when choosing good dog food. In the case of a gastrointestinal infection, be sure to give a light meal.
What Can I Do to Strengthen My Pet’s Immune System?
Immune System Medications
The intestines of animals play a key role in a strong immune system. Healthy gut flora ensures that pathogens cannot colonize and weaken the immune system. Of course, vitamins, minerals, and trace elements are also important for strengthening the immune system of dogs and cats. For example, you can make sure your daily food contains the most important ingredients and take medication to help your immune system from time to time. This is where you need to make sure the ingredients are natural. For example, the following ingredients can have a positive effect on the immune system:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E.
- Lutein
- Taurine
- Echinacea
- Honey
- Acerola
- Asai
- Propolis
- Catclaw
- Rosehip Powder (Rich in Vitamin C)
Lots of Exercises and Fresh Air
Long walks and lots of exercises not only help us humans strengthen our immune system. Movement not only improves blood circulation but also promotes blood circulation and thus supports the immune system.
Enough Sleep and Rest
Dogs and cats sleep up to 17 hours a day – depending on the animal, it can even be a little more. Of course, they don’t sleep all the time, and nap is part of that, but animals need enough rest to recharge their batteries. This is why your pets should have a quiet place where they can retire. When there is a lot of hustle and bustle, dogs are especially frequent – here you may need to take breaks.
Homeopathy
While some ridicule homeopathy, others swear by it. Engystol, for example, is suitable for strengthening the immune system. It is said to stimulate the defenses of dogs, cats, horses, and small animals and help with viral diseases, colds, pneumonia, and feline flu. Please note that you urgently need to contact your veterinarian if your animal is sick and you want to use a homeopathic remedy not only prophylactically to support immunity.