Strengthening your dog's immune system – 5 valuable tips for the cold season

Rain, snow and cold can be quite damaging to the body – even for our dogs. With the onset of the cold season, the risk of colds and infections increases not only for us humans, but also for our four-legged friends. A strong immune system is the best protection to keep your dog healthy through the cold season. The good news is that their immune systems can be trained and supported with a few tips.

A strong immune system – why is it so important?

The immune system is the body's defence system. It protects your dog from pathogens such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. The cold season in particular brings a lot of challenges for the immune system and has it working at full speed. This makes targeted support all the more important – through the right amount of exercise and rest, as well as the right feeding. If your dog's defences are weakened, this can lead to infections, digestive problems or general malaise. That is why it is important to support your dog in a targeted manner – especially if they already have an immune deficiency, pre-existing conditions or if your dog is a senior. That being said, all dogs will benefit from our tips for strong defences.

1. Get them outside – even in winter!

Exercise, fresh air and sunshine: All this is really good for your dog's immune system. Regular walks, even in cold weather, promote blood circulation and rev up the cardiovascular system. This also stimulates the immune system to work more efficiently. Movement also encourages the body to form more immune cells. This means walking directly strengthens the body's defences – this is true for you too, by the way!

Tip: Adjust the length of the walks to suit the temperature and physical condition of your dog. At very low temperatures, dogs that are sensitive to the cold may require additional protection, such as a warm dog coat to protect them from extreme cold.

2. Let sleeping dogs lie – relaxation and sleep

It sounds like a contradiction, but it's not. As important as exercise and fresh air are, they also need time to rest in between. Getting enough sleep gives your dog's body time to regenerate. When the body's own defences are running at full speed, it uses a lot of energy. Give your dog time to recharge and consciously create spaces for your four-legged friend to retreat to and get a good rest. Avoid excess stress, because it can also disrupt and weaken the immune system.

3. Balanced nutrition – the basis for a strong immune system

A healthy and balanced diet is the foundation for a stable immune system. High-quality feeds with natural ingredients provide all the important nutrients your dog needs for a strong immune system. Make sure that the food contains good protein from fresh meat and is rich in vitamins (especially vitamins A, C and E), minerals and antioxidants. These nutrients help to strengthen the defences and protect your dog from infections. A good diet throughout the year also ensures good intestinal flora, which in turn ensures a strong immune system. This is because the intestine is the largest immune organ, with up to 80% of all antibody-producing cells located there. A versatile intestinal flora along with the microbes located there train the immune system and ensure their sufficient supply in the blood. Good intestinal flora can be ensured by feeding your dog healthy fibre and certain herbs, among other things.

4. Healthy supplements: Coconut oil and linseed oil for dogs

The use of vegetable oils has also proven effective in strengthening your dog's immune system. Due to their compositions, coconut oil and linseed oil are particularly suitable as supplementary feed for strong bodily defences.

• Coconut oil for dogs – an all-rounder:
  Coconut oil for dogs has strong antiviral, antibacterial and antiparasitic properties that support the immune system. It also has a positive effect on the intestinal flora – and as a healthy intestine is the heart of the immune system, it is particularly important. You can safely mix coconut oil with your dog's food – but only in small quantities. It is best to talk to your vet to decide what amount makes sense to feed your dog daily. Or you can opt for DOG'S LOVE Natural Gold, which contains coconut oil in combination with other valuable vegetable oils, tailored to dogs' needs.
  Tip: Pure coconut oil is particularly suitable for external use. It provides relief from skin irritation or cracked paws and is effective against fungal infections and parasites. By regularly incorporating it into their coat care routine, you can make lacklustre and matted dog hair a thing of the past. As a great side effect, it also repels flea, ticks and more.
• Linseed oil for dogs – rich in omega-3 fatty acids
  Linseed oil contains valuable omega-3 fatty acids, which have an anti-inflammatory effect and support the immune system. In addition, linseed oil promotes healthy skin and coat, which is particularly beneficial in the cold season. Dry air from heating systems and the cold can be particularly stressful for the skin. Linseed oil can be easily incorporated into your dog's daily diet by simply adding it to wet or dry food. Some dog foods, such as our Pure beef and Pure chicken, already contain high-quality linseed oil. In addition to linseed oil, other vegetable oils also support your dog's metabolism. DOG'S LOVE Natural Gold contains camelina oil as well as coconut, hemp, black cumin, walnut and evening primrose oil, and all organic. It is a nutritious and fortifying blend of fatty acids, vitamins and minerals that can be fed in the long term or temporarily.

5. Herbs for dogs – natural support from the plant world

Herbs are a wonderful addition for strengthening the immune system. Many medicinal herbs have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immune-boosting properties. Echinacea, nettle and milk thistle are prime examples of immune boosters in the cold season. But many other natural herbs also have a positive effect on your pet's defences. Our regional herbal blend DOG'S LOVE Super Power unites nature's immune experts and can easily be incorporated into your dog's daily diet. Simply mix it into their food.