What Herbs Help Boost Immunity in Your Ageing Dog

Embracing seniority is an eventuality we all have to face. In particular, for dog-owners, facing the reality of safeguarding the immunity and health of their ageing dog is an important fact to ponder over. A malfunctioning immune system or the host of diseases that start trickling in with age are numerous for a dog, as different invisible forces, such as pollutants, bacteria and harmful germs work to break down their immunity barrier.

With distressing factors attacking the health of your dog, it becomes imperative to keep the immune system of your dog balanced, as this contributes to the overall well-being of your dog. This, therefore, extends their life-expectancy and enables them to partake in activities with vitality and enthusiasm.

Rather than choosing cheap alternatives, such as corn-based kibbles, adopting a proactive approach is essential. This approach should comprise a rich and nutritious diet, as it is the way forward for getting that shine on your dog’s coat or for boosting their immune system. To clean out the toxin buildup from your dog’s body, use the healing and therapeutic properties of the following herbs, due to them being excellent natural sources of the best dog supplements.

·         Carob

This herb is low in fat and sodium, while simultaneously being high on fibre, calcium and potassium. It encourages the absorption of calcium into the bones and aids in improving digestion. It has a taste similar to that of chocolate; however, it doesn’t contain theobromine, an ingredient that is toxic for dogs.

·         Chamomile

Its calming properties are excellent for helping in gas, indigestion and vomiting. However, limiting the use of it on pregnant dogs and checking the sensitivity of your dog is important, due to certain dogs being allergic to it. Because of its soothing elements, it’s effective in alleviating anxiety and insomnia, thereby being useful for dogs that are agitated or hyper.

·         Rosemary

This herb is brimming with iron, vitamin B6 & calcium. It is known to act as an excellent antioxidant, thus helping fight damage caused by free radicals. It also contains various natural bioactive components, is antimicrobial, is a heart health promoter, and is a support for digestion, which all work together to boost the immunity of your dog.

·         Dandelion

The herb is packed with vitamins A, C, D, E, K, potassium, B complex, calcium, thiamin, choline, lecithin, riboflavin and iron. Its supply of potassium replaces the minerals lost in the urine and is a safe diuretic and liver stimulant.  Due to its root’s ability to stimulate bile production, it improves the flow of bile to the gallbladder, which is helpful for dogs grappling with gallstones, liver congestion or other types of liver problems.

Hence, sprinkling dried flowers or greens over your dog’s food can be an excellent supplement.

·         Basil

While we humans prefer it for its flavour and for the aroma it adds to our pesto sauces, it is likewise, beneficial for dogs. It contains antiviral, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties that prove to strengthen the immunity of dogs.

·         Parsley

This herb possesses a variety of minerals and vitamins, such as vitamins A, C and K, folate, and iron. It also contains volatile oils, such as myristin, which is known to inhibit the formation of tumours, specifically of the lungs. With its benefits being multi-faceted, it contains an amino acid, histidine, which is known to prevent tumour growth.

It is generally considered a ‘chemoprotective’ food, as it aids in and neutralises a variety of harmful carcinogens.

·         Kelp

This herb is a nutritional powerhouse, as it’s packed with vitamin A, C, E, and K, calcium, folate, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, iron, manganese, selenium, and iodine. The combination of these rich elements contributes to promoting heart health, preventing cancer and benefiting the function of the thyroid gland. It also helps to enhance the coat health of your dog and is particularly healing for skin disorders.