Boosting Immunity: How to Keep Your Dog Healthy During Cold and Flu Season

Caring for your dog involves more than love and attention, especially during the cold and flu season. Yet, knowing how to keep your dog healthy for the season can be hard. From what to eat to creating a healthy routine, here’s everything pet owners need to know to boost their dogs’ immune systems.

Healthy Dog Food Ingredients That Help Boost Immunity

Just like with people, a dog’s first defense against the flu and cold is a balanced and nutritious diet. Here are five healthy dog food ingredients that can boost your dog’s immunity.

1. Apples

Apples are an excellent source of vitamins and antioxidants. Incorporating apples into your dog’s diet will also maintain your dog’s dental health.

It’s important to note that the apple will need to be prepped before you feed it to your companion. To ensure your dog’s safety, be sure to remove the seeds and core.

2. Carrots

Packed with vitamin A, carrots are full of nutrition that helps to boost immunity. They also support vision, skin health, and dental health. Dogs can also eat them raw as treats or shredded into their meals.

At Get Joy, all of our fresh meals include carrots to help support and boost the immune system.

3. Sweet Potatoes

Pet owners know that dogs enjoy the tastiness of a sweet potato. But they’re also packed with vital nutrients that support their immunity. Vitamin A, fiber, and other nutrients are all in this tasty ingredient.

Sweet potatoes can also be added to your dog’s diet in multiple ways. Cooked, mashed, or raw – any way works.

4. Pumpkin

Pumpkin can have numerous benefits for your dog. This ingredient is rich in fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins. Not only does it support the immune system, but also digestion and overall health.

Like many other fresh and healthy dog food ingredients, pumpkins can also be served plain, cooked, and mixed into their food during meal time. Pumpkin can also be found in Get Joy’s freeze dried meals.

5. Berries

Berries are full of antioxidants that play a vital role in supporting the immune system. They are also delicious. Whether it be a quick treat or mixed into their food for mealtime, adding these tasty delights to your dog’s diet will prove beneficial.

Remember, just like with people, boosting your dog’s immune system starts with what they eat. Whether it’s a treat or a meal, fresh and nutritious ingredients are great resources for protecting your dog during cold and flu season.

Boosting Immunity with a Healthy Dog Routine

Nutritious and healthy dog food isn’t the only way to boost your dog’s immunity. A healthy dog routine can also help your dog stay protected and healthy during cold and flu season. Here are four things you should include and maintain for your dog’s daily routine.

1. Set Mealtimes

As previously discussed, feeding your dog fresh and nutritious meals is one of the best ways to boost their immune system. But it’s also important that you maintain regular mealtimes.

Typically, dogs should be fed up two times a day. Also, be sure to make the meals well-balanced.

2. Stay Active

Regular exercise is vital to maintaining your dog’s overall well-being, especially during winter. To keep your furry friend active, be sure to incorporate both indoor and outdoor activities.

This will help stimulate their body and keep them physically healthy. Activity will also help to lower their stress, increase endorphins, and strengthen their bond.

3. Regular Baths and Grooming

Bathing and grooming may not be the easiest task to do, but it is necessary to maintain their hygiene. 

Consider where your dog walks, sniffs, and puts in their mouths. Not only can good grooming add extra protection against winter conditions, but it also helps to keep them safe from dangerous viruses and bacteria.

Remember that dogs don’t need daily washes, but having a regular bathing schedule is important.

4. Supplements

Sometimes, your best efforts may not be enough to boost your dog’s immunity. In this case, supplements are a helpful and effective way to boost your dog’s immune system. Supplements can vary in benefits. So be sure to consult your veterinarian before incorporating them into your dog’s diet.

Remember, the cold and flu season can be a hard time for pets as well. So be sure to do what you can as a pet owner to keep them protected and safe from illness. 

Keep Your Dog Healthy and Protected with Get Joy

Fresh and natural ingredients are guaranteed to keep your dog protected and healthy all year long. Get Joy takes pride in offering treats and meals that are not only fresh but also high-quality. With us, you’re guaranteed a lifelong dedication to your dog’s overall health and well-being. Learn more today!