Holistic Care for Animals by Taranet

How To Help Your Pet Have A Healthy Immune System Naturally


The benefits of a strong and healthy immune system are well known. Both for people and animals. Benefits include helping people and animals fight illness. And to be generally as fit and healthy as possible.

But there are challenges to immunity on a daily basis for your horses, dogs and other animals. So it's important to ensure good support for your animals (and your) immune system.

What Challenges Are There For Your Pet's Immunity?



Wherever your pet is there will be challenges to his or her health. This could be from inside the house or stable. Or outside in the field, or parks or beaches or elsewhere. Essentially it's down to micro-organisms "invading" the body.

So what can these challenges include?
  • Air Pollution: There's several types of pollutants that can be found in the air. Common examples include, vehicle fumes, dust and smoke. Pollutants in the air can affect the respiratory system and also the skin.
  • Damage to skin: Wounds and skin irritations can both mean inflammation and infection. This can compromise the immune system, and mean it needs support to help the body cope with the challenge.

How would you know if there's any immune challenges for your pet or horse?

Coughing and sneezing are two easy ways to spot irritations. Both of these are normal ways for the body to remove larger irritants from the respiratory system. You may see these as being allergies.

Frequent colds, nasal discharge, wounds that won't heal and repeated illness. All of these can be signs of an immune system that's being challenged, and needs some support.


What Tips For Your Pet (Or Horse's) Immune Health?



Tip #1 - Nutrition

A balanced diet is essential for many reasons. Having enough of the right vitamins and minerals is vital.  As your horse or dog ages, he or she will need different nutrients. 

But for many animals it's not a good idea to change their feed every day, as it can upset their delicate gut balance.  Choose a balanced daily diet. Which means that your animal is getting the vitamins and minerals he or she needs regularly.

If your animal is getting older, has an ailment or is on some medication types, then the diet may need adjusting.  Likewise if your pet or horse has a very active lifestyle, then additional nutritional support maybe needed. This will help prevent inflammation and the body in balance.

There are many different supplements that can be used to help promote immune health. But not all supplements are the same. Look for products whose ingredients are natural and simple and organic. Why does this matter? It helps the body to absorb these nutrients.

Need some advice on what to feed? Speak to your Veterinary Surgeon. Or contact one of the many helplines operated by reputable animal feed manufacturers. Particularly if your horse, dog or pet has an ailment or takes medication. Then your Vet will be able to advise what specific nutrition could help.

Tip #2 - Complementary Therapies 

  • Homeopathy - it aims to support the immune system to be healthy. There are dozens of different homeopathic preparations for a variety of symptoms and ailments. Homeopathy can be used with your pet or horse (and you!). For specialist help see a Veterinary Surgeon who's trained in homeopathy, (there are many in the UK and around the world). Get more information in my knowledge hub page here.

  • Herbal Medicine - Herbs are natural and can provide a range of healthy properties. Including to help support the immune system to be healthy.  Common herbs for immune health include: Echinacea, Aloe Vera, Ginseng, Rosehips and Blackcurrant. The best one will depend on the animal. Speak to your veterinary surgeon for advice. Read more here.

  • Physiotherapy, Chiropractic or Osteopathy. These therapies can help relieve pain. (There are others too). If the body is not in pain, it can create a feeling of wellness. This can in turn improve immunity. Science proves this! Read this article on the Immune-Suppressive Effects of Pain https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK6140/

Tip #3 - Exercise

Exercise can help keep your pet or horse fit. Being fit, can help promote good health and relieve stress. Both support a healthy immune system. It's important not to over-exercise though. "Listen" to your animal. If he or she doesn't want to do so much one day that's fine! If you're unsure how much exercise your animal needs, especially if she or he is recovering from illness or injury speak to a vet or professional complementary therapist (e.g. a physiotherapist) for advice.

& finally …
If you'd like your dog, horse or pet to get treated with complementary therapies then remember there are many experienced veterinary surgeon's who have trained in holistic therapies around the world. Plus hundreds of professional complementary therapists for animals in the UK and abroad. If you'd like help locating one then please email me at info @ taranet. co.uk.

What Research Is There For Complementary Animal Therapies?



Get information on research into the effectiveness of different herbs and therapies for your animal here.