Skip to content
Previous article
Now Reading:
How to make your and your dog's immune system "Bad Ass"

How to make your and your dog's immune system "Bad Ass"

Here is an Immunity Boost Checklist for people and dogs

Most of us have been exposed to the panic-inducing information about the virus spread, border closures, travel restrictions, self-isolation, testing kits and the stats on the toilet paper shortage. However, I have noticed the general absence of one piece of information, how to make your immune system stronger and body more resilient (It will definitely not happen by stockpiling toilet paper!). 

I have always loved immunology, and the current situation has prompted me to put together two simple lists on how to increase your dog’s and your own immunity.

Human Immune Boost
  1. Cut out refined sugar, which weakens the immune system. Focus on eating fresh organic fruit (Fruit juice is not the same as whole fruit, and is not ideal).

  2. Increase your dietary fibre content by eating whole grains and legumes to “feed” your healthy intestinal microflora. This is essential for a healthy immune response (80% of immune defence is dependent upon a healthy gut).

  3. Take high quality human probiotics to replenish your bacterial flora.

  4. Drink filtered (dechlorinated) water as chlorine negatively affects your microbiome. Chlorine gets rid of pathogens but it also negatively affects good bacteria.

  5. Reduce or cut out animal protein such as meat (applies to humans only), eggs and milk, and increase vegetable intake. Animal protein digestion puts more demand on the organs, the immune system, and requires more energy.

  6. Take a sustainable Omega3 oil to boost your immune system. I have now doubled my dose of FeelGood Omega, not only to increase my immunity, but also to promote healthy cell repair if coronavirus strikes.

  7. Ensure you take fermented vitamins, especially vitamins C, B12 and D. Note: most vitamins are synthetic and non-fermented, and they are far from what the body knows and needs the most. 

  8. Take full spectrum plant-based minerals and amino acids. I share GreenMin with Pax because nature sees no difference between these nutrients for dogs and people.

  9. Alkalize your body, exercise, and try to reduce stress. If you are more likely to get chilly than hot, drink ginger tea with lemon. As a side note, honey digests the same way as sugar and may not be recommended right now. If you get hot easily, add wheatgrass or barley grass juice or powder to your food as it is alkalizing and cooling.

Human Immune Boost Checklist

Canine Immune Boost

Luckily, dogs do not get COVID-19, but there are other reasons to keep their immune system in good shape.  

In fact, the immune boost for dogs and people is similar with the exception of their species appropriate diet, because dogs are built for meat protein digestion.

Here is the K9 Immune Boost checklist:

  1. Ideally, stop feeding processed food as it negatively affects your dog’s intestinal flora and immune system. It can take just one meal to see a significant shift in the flora. If you are still on the fence, switching is easier than you may think with the Healthy Dog Food Recipe Maker, and you will see the difference within a few weeks.

  2. Give your dog filtered water for the same reasons as in people. Removing chlorine will protect your dog’s microbiome.

  3. There is no need to alkalize your dog’s body as their optimal pH is more acidic than the pH of humans. However, kibble and processed foods in general negatively impact immunity as they do in people.

  4. Do a liver detox once every 6 months to remove toxins and heavy metals. If you are curious, you can perform a HairQ Test on your dog before and after to see the effects.

  5. Reduce vaccination to a minimum. Here are the guidelines I have been safely recommending for over 20 years.

  6. Add the Fab4 (which includes probiotics, vitamins, minerals, and Omega oils) - the essential nutrients the body cannot make on its own.

Canine Dog Immune Boost Checklist

© Dr. Peter Dobias, DVM

About the author

Dr. Peter Dobias, DVM is an Integrative veterinarian, nutritionist and creator of natural supplements for dogs and people. Helping you and your dog prevent disease, treat nutritional deficiencies, and enjoy happier, healthier, and longer lives together.

Most Popular

  • Flying with dogs
    In my article, I share the personal story of how I'm able to fly with my dog, Pax, thanks to overcoming challenges with sleepwalking and night terrors. This unique experience not only allowed me to travel with my service dog but also serves as a reminder that even difficult situations can have positive outcomes.
  • dog and pony
    Successful communication is essential for building healthier and more fulfilling relationships and happier lives. In this article, I'll share with you 8 communication hacks to help you avoid unnecessary drama, prioritize active listening and address conflicts effectively.
  • Dalmatian eating fruit
    Can dogs eat bananas, apples, strawberries and other fruit? What about grapes? Find out what fruits are safe, toxic, and healthy for dogs. Learn about the potential health benefits and risks of feeding fruit to your canine companion, and get tips on the ideal time to feed it.
  • Illustration of the anatomy of a heart
    As dog lovers, we all want our beloved pups to live long and healthy lives. Protecting your dog's heart from potential health issues is important, and in this blog Dr. Dobias shares some key points that you might not yet be aware of, read on to find out what you can do to keep your dog's heart safe. 

Dog Health

  • Husky lying on blanket with heart toy
    Dogs have our hearts and that is why we need to protect their heart. Dog’s as they age often face muscle problems and spinal misalignment and you might be surprised to know how that can hurt their heart. Learn how to protect your dog’s spine and by extension their heart.
  • The secret ingredient for a perfect No. 2
    Dogs and humans have evolved side-by-side but they are still quite different when it comes to their digestive tracts and dietary habits. We have studied their original environments such as the soils of the African savanna and consulted with top experts in the field of probiotics and microbiology to come up with a combination that reflects healthy bacterial flora of canines.
  • Man being pointed at
    Criticism can hurt a brand, but constructive feedback can help it grow. In this blog Dr. Dobias talks about the differences between these approaches, and how to handle the power of influence and opinion with care. 
  • Broccoli with vitamins and minerals
    Are you worried that your and your dog's diet is missing something? Maybe you're worried about toxin levels in food, the environment, or flea and tick products. Let's face it; we can't remove ourselves entirely from our toxin-filled world, but we can do things to reduce our exposure to harmful substances. 

Human health

  • Dr. Dobias with Pax
    How do you navigate the seas of life? How do you deal with disappointment? Whatever life throws at us, we can always rely on our dogs to bring joy into our days. In this blog I share my thoughts on the support our dogs provide during the difficult moments in life. 
  • Why 1 in 4 Americans suffer from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
    Learn more about the alarming prevalence of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) affecting 1 in 4 Americans. Discover its main risk factors, diagnosis methods, and treatment options to better manage or prevent this silent yet severe condition. 
  • A new perspective on brain health, memory loss, Alzheimer's Disease, and dementia in people and dogs
    The Science of DHA and the Brain: Omega-3 fatty acids, primarily DHA, are the unsung heroes of brain health. They play crucial roles in brain physiology and biological activities, with exciting links between Omega-3 levels and cognitive function. Higher DHA levels have been shown to preserve the integrity of the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB), your brain's security system
  • Dr. Dobias and Pax
    It appears that most of the world is ready for change, but whenever I think about the solutions to any of the problems that plague our world, I can’t prevent myself from thinking that we humans are acting like little toddlers who have broken a toy and do not know how to fix it. Despite my generally optimistic attitude, I have had a hard time staying positive at times because I know how complex this all is. Read here for some tools that make me feel good about the world, which I would like to share with you.

News, stories and good life

  • Dr. Peter Dobias with his dog Pax on his lap
    Do you have trouble staying positive during difficult times? These days we are surrounded by a lot of negative messaging, and it's easy to let that get you down. Here are some of my tips for remaining positive, and don't forget to share your tips with me!
  • Man raising fist on a mountain
    Most of us have been exposed to panic-inducing information about the virus spread, however, I have noticed the general absence of one piece of information, how to make your immune system stronger and body more resilient. (It will definitely not happen by stockpiling toilet paper!) I have always loved immunology and the current situation has prompted me to put together two simple lists on how to increase your dog’s and your own immunity.
  • Man with dog wearing a collar
    Does your dog have ear problems, nasal or oral tumors, reverse sneezing or an  itchy head or hair loss on their head? Learn how you can address some of these problems and save thousands in vet care costs.
  • Terrier eating raw food
    Now there is no need to guess if there is something missing in your dogs diet.  The HairQ Test is a highly accurate test for mineral deficiencies, toxins and heavy metals in dogs to finely tune your dog’s diet and supplement schedule.

By clicking "Continue" or continuing to use our site, you acknowledge that you accept our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. We also use cookies to provide you with the best possible experience on our website. You can find out more about the cookies we use and learn how to manage them here. Feel free to check out our policies anytime for more information.

Continue

Cart

Close

Your cart is currently empty.

Start Shopping
Close