15+ Health Tips to Boost Your Dog’s Winter Wellness

While winter can bring a whole set of issues, it doesn’t decrease the worry many pet parents have for their fur kids’ health. So, what steps can be taken to reduce this stress and increase your dog’s winter wellness?

Of course, your fur kids’ health may ebb and flow over time, including in the winter. But taking action to make your pup as healthy as possible is always a good idea.

With this in mind, today we’ll explore 15 easy and actionable steps any pet parent can take to improve their fur kid’s immune health, especially this winter. These are all affordable and do improve health. I use these tips for my pup, Henry’s, immune health.

how to boost your dog's winter wellness
disclaimer note
Budget tip:

It doesn’t have to cost a lot to boost your dog’s immune system naturally. You can do easy things such as exercise, feeding the proper amount, keeping his/her fur clean and brushed. None of those are pricey. In fact, they are free! Yet, they can impact your dog’s health and immune system in a big way and your budget as well. That’s a HUGE win-win!

Note: Always talk to your vet before adding something new to your dog’s diet or routine. 

Why is it important for my dog to have a strong healthy immune system?

boost a senior dog's immunity is critical for good health

Just like with you, when your dog has a strong immune system, then he/she can more easily fight health issues. Additionally, as your dog’s health improves, then your pocketbook becomes more abundant. A few issues that your dog will more easily be able to fight are:

  • Allergies (including symptoms of itchy skin, runny nose, and itchy eyes)
  • Bug bites
  • Viruses
  • Infections (including ear infections)
  • Stress-related health issues
  • Gastrointestinal issues 
  • Tumors

How can I help boost my dog’s immunity naturally?

You might be surprised that some of the most simple acts can have a huge impact on your dog’s immune system. Basically, it’s a matter of keeping your dog healthy or getting your dog healthy and then building upon it. So, you’ll want to look at including or improving the following 15 actions to boost your dog’s overall health.

1. Exercise

regular exercise is critical for a dog's immunity

Keeping your dog moving will help to keep joints, muscles, brain, and gut healthy. Additionally, it helps to keep your dog happy and reduces depression. 

However, never push your dog further than he/she can be comfortable. Always know your limits. 

Curious about different exercises you can do with your dog? In this article, I walk you through a few unique ones you may not have thought of yet.

2. Active mind 

Of course, an active mind is critical to a healthy dog. I know Henry loves to train or learn a new trick. He also loves to play mind games at mealtime. Both are great for his health and his brain. 

3. Clean body

Keeping your pup clean is a great idea for your dog's immunity health

A healthy body is a clean body. Yet, a dog can be washed too often. I try to wash Henry once a month and then spot-clean him between baths. By doing this I make sure there are no major issues on his body like hot spots. 

4. Brushed fur

Keeping your dog’s fur brushed keeps tangles and mats out of his/her coat. This is very important as mats can become infected if left unattended. Additionally, by brushing Henry daily, I get to check him out for lumps and bumps, sensitive areas, or other skin issues. 

5. Clean ears

Keeping your furry buddy's ears clean is a great idea to boost your dog's immunity

Dogs with floppy ears especially need their ears cleaned regularly. I clean Henry’s ears about every 14 days and check him daily. If he’s itching or they smell, then I clean them more often. This prevents ear infections and helps to build his immune system. 

6. Perfect paws

Keeping your dog’s paws in healthy shape with help to ensure he/she doesn’t develop sores, arthritis, or some other preventable issue. Often I’m shocked at what Henry will have in his paws. I check them daily and then when he comes in from outside. That may seem extreme, but it only takes a few seconds and it can prevent a sticker from being inhaled or a missed ant from biting your dog. 

7. Tidy nails

You dog's immunity means trimmed nails

Henry’s nails grow very fast. I have to trim them every 10 days or so. While I could take him to the groomer, I grind them myself in a few minutes. This helps prevent him from getting pain in his legs, feet, and back. I found a nail grinder that is inexpensive and very easy to use. This is similar to the one I use for Henry.

8. Clean eyes

While Henry’s eyes take a bit more cleaning than other dogs may, it’s still not very difficult. I tend to clean his eyes a few times a day with a warm compress. This helps to prevent infections and even more for Henry. As I’ve mentioned in previous articles, Henry was attacked by a couple of dogs several years ago and nearly lost his left eye. By applying a warm compress to his eye, it has meant he didn’t need additional eye surgery. That’s huge for Henry. Well, for my pocketbook too. But I’m especially glad for Henry. 

9. Regularly washing food bowls, dog beds

A clean bed helps to improve your dog's immunity

Just like you wouldn’t sleep on the same sheets for months at a time, your dog shouldn’t either. Or like you would never dream of eating or drinking out of the same bowl for weeks at a time without washing it, your dog needs cleanly washed bowls as well. It keeps germs down and helps to strengthen his/her immunity. 

10. Hydration

How many times has your doctor asked you about your water intake? Water is important for life. That includes your dog. Water can help to improve immunity, keep muscles supple, brain healthy, and have cognitive abilities functioning. 

11. Proper amount of dog food

Feeding the proper amount of food helps with your dog's immunity

Yes, I know it’s easy to give into those sweet puppy dog eyes and toss an extra cookie or more food to your pup. But it can really impact your dog. An overweight dog can have more issues with sleep, breathing, moving, depression, heart issues, and diabetes, just to name a few. In short, a dog’s diet does matter! Thus, making sure your dog gets the proper amount of food is good for his/her health, immunity, and your budget. 

12. Supporting gut health

Have you ever heard that the stomach is the second brain? That’s because it’s got its own nervous system. I know for Henry when his gut is performing in a healthy manner, his immune response is sharper. That makes sense though. Overall, a healthy gut can help to improve your dog’s immunity system and immune response. 

Yet, your dog’s stomach needs to have an ample amount of good bacteria, which helps to fight harmful bacteria. 

For Henry’s gut health, I give him:

Pumpkin

Fish oil (omega 3 fatty acids)

Probiotics as needed (good bacteria)

Henry looking healthy as I take care of his dog's immunity daily
Happy Henry with a strong immune system!

13. Teeth health is a must

Did I just hear you groan? I thought this one would be difficult as well with Henry. Heck, when I got him he had a lot of plaque on his teeth. But I was determined to not let him undergo anesthesia and a vet teeth cleaning. We’re now over 6 years and his teeth are in great shape. Henry’s never needed a professional vet cleaning.

In fact, his teeth are better today than the day I adopted him. However, I’ve never brushed his teeth. It’s really been easy. This is what I currently use for Henry’s dental care. Although, I’m always on the lookout for new ways to improve his dental health even more. As I learn them, I’ll post them.

14. Decreasing dog stress or managing dog stress 

Managing your pup's stress helps with your dog's immunity

Yes, you can help your dog reduce his/her stress. Again, this can be through trainingexercise, or even providing comfort zones. Personally, I have multiple comfort zones for Henry. They didn’t cost me anything to create. Yet he knows those are safe places to retreat when he feels scared or overwhelmed. 

Moreover, I have helped Henry manage his stress with a simple massage. I’m often amazed at how a massage for him will help with gut issues or even help calm him. 

However, when Henry has an anxiety attack I will:

These all have worked like a charm, even with fireworks.

15. Clean toys regularly

This is just like cleaning dog beds. Whenever possible clean your dog’s toys to prevent germs or infections. Additionally, if they have become frayed, then it’s time to toss them and get a new one or try a DIY toy. 

Admittedly, Henry has never gotten the concept of dog toys. However, he still loves to play. In this article, I share how he plays and how you can do it with your dog as well. 

Add a supplement or a vitamin as needed and approved

Supplement and vitamins can help to boost a dog's immunity

I know, I’ve been talking about how to improve your dog’s immune system naturally. But honestly, I’d be remiss if I didn’t include this one. I added a medicinal mushroom mix as a dog immune booster at the recommendation of a blogging friend (Layla’s Woof) and the approval of my vet.

Graciously, Layla’s Woof has provided a 10% discount for purchases to Real Mushrooms with coupon “LaylasWoof”.

To say I’ve been shocked at the results of these immunity-building mushrooms I’ve seen in Henry would be an understatement. My furry friend has more energy and spring than the day I adopted him.

Plus, his GI tract is moving the best it ever has since he’s been with me. Basically, it’s been a great addition for Henry. His immune response and overall health have been improved with this addition.

However, if Henry has a setback, I’ll also add a pro-biotic for a few days until he’s back to his normal self. At the recommendation of Henry’s vet, I use these probiotics.

What else can I do to help my dog stay healthy this winter?

Naturally, some dogs are more prone to the winter woes such as senior dogs, pups with disabilities, or arthritic dogs. However, other dogs are built for the snow like Huskies, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and St. Bernards. But even if a furry buddy is built for snow if they have a health issue, they may need a bit more help in the cold months. Thus, here are a few things you may want to consider this winter for your fur kids:

  • Keeping your pup warm, which may include a sweater.
  • Limiting your pup’s exposure to extreme cold
  • Drying your furry buddy off when he/she’s wet from the snow
  • Wiping up wet spots on the floor to limit falls
  • Recognize that cold can make arthritis issues worse and movements slower (provide a warm space for your dog)
  • Protect paws from the cold and ice with boots or at least a paw paste
  • Use pet-safe de-icing products
  • Always bring your dog and pets inside. If it’s cold to you, it’s cold for them.
  • Check under and around your car for your dog and other pets before starting your engine.
  • Don’t let your dog close to frozen ponds or lakes as they can fall through the ice
  • Always remove snowballs and ice from your buddy’s legs, paws, chest, and stomach, and dry thoroughly.

Note: I often use a wide tooth comb for snowballs and then a hairdryer. It works well!

Can boosting your dog’s immunity really impact your bottom line?

YES! Most of what I’ve shared in this article is free. But the results of consistency can be a very healthy dog. I know I’ve seen it in Henry. Honestly, a healthy immune system can impact almost every part of your dog. For example, consider the cost of treating the following dog ailments:

Virus$500-$200
Infection$150-274
Allergies$118-189
Dental cleaning$800-1300
Teeth extraction$400
Healthy pupPRICELESS!!!

Related articles:

Paws Up For Easy Ways to Strengthen Your Dog’s Immunity

As SWNS Digital discovered, pet parents are worried about their fur kids health. Thus, ways to improve health and immunity are critical. I’m always conscious about how to improve Henry’s health. I admit, I thought it would be an uphill battle to boost Henry’s immune system. However, I’ve discovered simple ways that cost nothing or are very inexpensive and natural. Those all speak to me! I’ve been delighted to see Henry blossom with improved health. Who doesn’t want that for their dog?

discover trick for your dog's winter wellness

About Terri Rodefer

Terri Rodefer is the founder of Tail Wag Wisdom, a blog focused on affordable pet care. She likes to say helping pet parents afford and love their animals even more, makes her tail wag. As a lifelong lover of all animals with a background in economics, biology, and marketing, allows Terri to bring a unique spin to pet care. 

6 thoughts on “15+ Health Tips to Boost Your Dog’s Winter Wellness”

  1. When we think of winter wellness, I would say most of us just think about keeping them warm. Thanks for these great ideas on boosting their immunity and keeping them healthy year round.

    Reply
  2. Great post as always and yes the mushroom supplements are magical and I have Nili on them also, once a day she gets a mushroom immune chew plus the relaxing chew when necessary. Like you I have noticed how her GI works beautifully like clockwork, she eats fresh veggies in all her food plus she gets fresh veggies as treats, a balanced heathy diet. When it rains I dry her off when we get home also. A healthy dog is a happy Mom, hugs to Henry

    Reply
    • Are those calming mushrooms paw-mazing? I’m so happy you told me about them and that they are helping both Henry and Nili. Thank you!

      Reply
  3. An excellent and informative post (as always), Terri! So many important things that pet parents can do to ensure their dogs stay healthy and keep that immune system running well. Having Siberian Huskies, outdoors was a way of life for us (of course I needed to bundle up, boot up, and mitten up, LOL)…and the more they enjoyed activities outdoors, I felt the better they felt. And keeping their minds sharp with puzzle games while indoors was also a must, along with vitamins, supplements, and medications (for my Epi-dog).

    Today I feel pet parents are very much in tune with their dogs and try so many things in the hopes of them living long healthy lives. All of your suggestions are so important in achieving that! Sharing this will all of my readers! Hugs to Henry!

    Reply
    • Keeping minds engaged and active is a great way to keep pups healthy. It was one of the first things my vet said was important when I asked him last fall how to easily increase the lifespan of a dog. I really appreciate your kind words and continued support, Dorothy! Thank you!

      Reply

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