Much of Australia may be surprised to learn that, around May each year, it can get pretty cold! While we humans are off getting our flu shots, warming up in our big jumpers, and avoiding the seasonal colds that always do the rounds when the temperatures drop, it often slips our minds that our beloved pets might need the same care and attention in the colder months. So here are the our vets’ eight top tips for keeping your pet’s immune system hale and hearty during the Winter.
Update Their Vaccinations
Vaccines are hugely important for our pets as their immune systems, no matter how strong, are always vulnerable to a number of viruses and parasites – particularly when it’s cold. Especially for puppies and kittens, who need several rounds of vaccines in their first year of life, it’s a good idea to check in with your vet about your pet’s vaccination history and needs once the temperatures drop.
Limit Outdoor Time
While most of Australia is still relatively temperate during the Winter, some areas do get frost, snow, and extreme wind chill. Even if your pup has a big fluffy coat, their bodies aren’t typically built to withstand long stretches in cold temperatures, and their immune system can suffer if they do. Keep the bathroom breaks quick, and try to avoid long walks outside if the temperature is below 10 degrees celsius, especially if your dog is particularly old or young.
Daily Exercise
Exercise is super important for any living thing to stay healthy, and your pet is no exception. When you get your pet moving, not only are they going to warm up, but they’ll also be improving the circulation of lymph fluids throughout their bodies. The lymphatic system helps expel toxins, viruses, pathogens, and harmful bacteria from your pet’s body, and is a core part of the overall immune system. The type of exercise isn’t too important, just so long as they get up and move around!
Supplements
While the research is still emerging, vets are finding a strong link between gut health and the immune system. In fact, it’s been found that approximately 70% of a dog’s immune system lives in their gastrointestinal tract. So, by supporting your pet’s gut health, you can do double duty and support their immune system at the same time! A great way to do this is with a probiotic supplement, ideally a water additive/food topper like Nectar Of The Dogs Immune & Wellness Medicinal Water Treat that tastes great while providing all the necessary nutrients, antioxidants, and probiotics that your pet needs to stay healthy.
Antioxidants
We briefly mentioned antioxidants above, but they’re also a key part of supporting a pet’s immune system. Antioxidants work by neutralising free radicals, or unstable molecules inside the body which can harm regular cells. Without antioxidants to back it up, the immune system needs to work overtime to both protect and repair those damaged cells – stretching it too thin to properly protect against other viruses and pathogens. By adding some antioxidant-rich foods to your pet’s diet, like berries, broccoli, cooked potato, or green beans, you’re letting their immune system focus on what it needs to, while the antioxidants protect against those free radicals.
Reduce Ambient Bacteria
It can be easy to forget, but our dogs and cats leave a lot of bacteria around them everywhere they go! Their food and water bowls, their toys, and their bedding all take the brunt of that bacteria, and if left alone for too long, those bacteria can grow to harmful levels without us ever knowing. Once every six months or so, it’s a good idea to throw their beds, blankets, and soft toys in the washing machine, and give their hard toys and food and water bowls a good clean with some non-toxic dish soap and warm water.
Minimise Stress
Mental health is just as important for our pets as it is for us – and if left unchecked, it can have physiological ramifications like a suppressed immune system. Every pet is different, so it’s hard to give general advice, but learning what stresses your pet out and avoiding those things, especially in the Winter, will be very beneficial to their immune system in the long run.
Stay Warm
Last but not least, keep your pet warm! A well-fitting, breathable coat or jacket isn’t just stylish, it’s also a great way for them to stay cosy and comfortable, especially at night. And there’s nothing better than body heat for staying warm, so be sure to give them plenty of big cuddles when it’s cold outside!
The Winter can be a worrisome time for pet owners, but with the right support it will pass by in a breeze. Support your pet’s Wintertime health and wellbeing with our new range of Ziwi Peak Freeze-Dried Meal Toppers for cats and dogs. Click here to shop the range!