Winter is fast approaching and so is the need for us to be on top of our health before the cold and flu season, and our beloved pets are no exception.

Unfortunately our pets, just like us, are susceptible to these illnesses but we can be proactive in ensuring optimal health. Here are several ways we can keep your pets’ immune system ready and fighting fit.

1. Diet and Supplements

It goes without saying, you are what you eat. And a raw food diet is a sure fire way to implement a holistic nutrient dense diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals. Roo meat for instance is full of enzyme building protein, zinc to increase white blood cells and increase the ability to fight infections and heal wounds. Raw roo meat also contains Omega 3, B vitamins, iron are also imperative in prevention of colds, flus and other viruses.

Turmeric has also been very effective in eliminating the need for many conventional medications. Try adding to your pet’s diet or preparing some Golden Paste. Kelp also offers a natural way of delivering iodine and boron which helps in building immunity strength and bone and muscle strength. 

Also, keep them well hydrated. In the winter months animals can easily dehydrate from the dryer air, so refill their water bowls a couple of times a day at least to keep them healthy, happy and hydrated.

2. Environment

Keeping your pets’ environment clean. Pets make our lives full, but they can also make them dirty and messy. Along with their unconditional love, comes dirt, fur, fleas and bacteria so it’s important we give them a clean and safe place to live.

Suck it up, and vacuum! If you live with pets, vacuuming regularly is a must. Did you know, even if you don’t suffer from asthma or allergies… cats and dogs are often allergic to dust mites and molds just like humans. Carpets should be steam cleaned every 6-12 months to kill bacteria, dust mites and fleas. Keep in mind, some cleaning products are poisonous to pets, so it’s best to opt for natural cleaners.

Remember to wash and disinfect your pets’ toys, blankets, bedding to avoid a build up of bacteria which leave them more susceptible to diseases and infections.

3. Hygiene

Shower your pets with all the love and attention they deserve. Just remember to wash your hands after playing with, feeding, or cleaning up after them. Cat litter trays really need to be washed with soap and water to disinfect and clean these properly. This can prevent the spread of any illness or disease transmission.

4. Bone Broth

Bone broth is made by boiling raw or cooked bones for an extended period of time. The result is a highly nutritious broth loaded with protein, calcium, potassium, and phosphorus as well as gelatin, glucosamine, and hyaluronic acid. You might already be familiar with these nutrient benefits for human health and wellness, but the benefits for your pet are very similar.

To really beef up your pets immunity, try this age old superfood superhero.

Here are the top benefits of bone broth for pets:

• When the bones are boiled, the marrow breaks down into gelatin which contains collagen loaded with amino acids for joint health.
• Bone broth contains an amino acid glycine, produced in small amounts by the liver, which supports the body’s detoxification process and boosts liver health.
• A natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin, bone broth helps keep cartilage healthy to relieve joint pain and boost joint health.
• Bone broth is easy to consume, especially for dogs that are sick or old, and it is rich in nutrients that support the healing process.
• It is inexpensive and very easy to make at home – you can add it to your dog’s dry food or stir it into his wet food for easy feeding.
• Bone broth provides probiotic benefits to support healthy and regular digestion.

Read More or purchase our Bone Broth Pack.

5. Food Storage and Handling

When dealing with raw meat whether it be for human or pet consumption there will always be some risk of contamination from bacteria if the food is not properly handled, stored or prepared. Read more about Hygiene tips when feeding Raw.

6. Exercise

Coupled with a healthy diet, exercise is the best way to keep weight off your pet and severely decreases the risk of illness. Obesity can be a real problem in our pets and can lead to more medical issues, such as respiratory and joint problems.

A walk everyday goes a long way to helping your dog maintain a healthy digestive and circulatory system. Exercise helps to lower blood pressure, build up muscle and help the health of your pets’ bones particularly in colder areas where arthritis in dogs and cats can be more prevalent. Not to mention the vitamin D from the sunshine which helps prevent winter related illnesses. So rug up, and get walking.

7. Love

Pets, just like us humans, are susceptible to the ‘black dog’ (depression).  And in the darker colder months, pets can suffer from SAD (seasonal affective disorder).

As we now know, our mental health is closely linked to our body’s physical health so when we or our pets become sad, and usually experience lethargy this leads to a decline in physical health.

To avoid your companion succumbing to sadness, ensure your pet gets daily exercise, sunshine (if possible) and lots of stimulation with mental and physical activities. Giving them lots of time for social interaction with other animals and humans will keep those winter blues away.