Dog Immune System Boosters: How To Keep Your Pup Healthy

Some dogs act like nothing can slow them down — until they’re suddenly not themselves. One day, they’re zooming around like a furry tornado, and the next, they’re lounging more than usual, looking a little meh. It happens, and when it does, it’s easy to wonder if something’s up.

At A Pup Above, we know keeping your pup feeling their best isn’t about doing one big thing — it’s about the little habits that add up. That’s why we’re breaking down simple, no-nonsense ways to help your dog stay healthy and happy for the long run. 

How To Boost Your Dog’s Immune System

Your dog’s immune system is like their personal defense squad — it works around the clock to fight off germs, repair cells, and keep them feeling their best. A strong immune system helps dogs bounce back faster from illness, recover from injuries, and stay active as they age.

So, how can you support your pup’s immune health and keep them thriving? Here are a few simple ways to give their system a boost.

Keep Their Gut Healthy

A huge part of immune function starts in the gut. A healthy digestive system helps absorb nutrients, fight off harmful bacteria, and support overall wellness. Adding fiber-rich veggies, prebiotics, and probiotics to their diet can help maintain good gut health.

Make Sure They Get Plenty of Exercise

Daily movement isn’t just for keeping your pup in shape — it also helps regulate stress, improve circulation, and support immune function. Whether it’s a long walk, a game of fetch, or a backyard zoomie session, regular activity keeps their body in top form.

Minimize Stress

Too much stress isn’t just bad for humans — it can weaken a dog’s immune system, too. Loud noises, sudden changes, and even boredom can trigger feelings of anxiousness. Providing a predictable routine, enrichment activities, and plenty of affection helps keep their stress levels in check.

Good Foods & Vitamins for Keeping Your Dog Healthy

We’ve talked about exercise, sleep, and keeping stress levels low, but let’s be real — none of that matters if your dog isn’t eating the right food. A well-balanced diet is the foundation of a strong immune system. It fuels everything from energy levels to digestion to how well your pup can fight off everyday germs.

That’s why we do things differently at A Pup Above. Our sous-vide, human-grade meals are packed with high-quality protein, immune-supporting superfoods (think turmeric, thyme, and parsley), and real, non-GMO veggies — no fillers, no weird preservatives, just good food. 

Ingredients like vitamin-rich leafy greens, omega-3 fatty acids, and bone broth (hello, gut health!) all help keep your dog’s immune system in top shape. What’s not to love?

How To Prevent Allergies in Dogs

Wondering if your pup’s immune system plays a role in their allergies? You bet it does. Allergies happen when the immune system overreacts to something harmless — like pollen, dust, or certain ingredients in food. Instead of ignoring the trigger, the body goes into full defense mode, leading to itchy skin, ear infections, stomach issues, or nonstop sneezing. Not fun.

So, how do you help keep allergies at bay?

Watch for Food Sensitivities

Some dogs react to common allergens like chicken, beef, dairy, wheat, or soy. If your pup is dealing with itchy skin or stomach issues, it might be time to try an elimination diet to pinpoint the problem. Switching to a single-protein, limited-ingredient meal like our Porky’s Luau or Turkey Pawella can make a big difference.

Reduce Environmental Allergens

Pollen, dust, and household cleaners can trigger allergies in dogs. Wash their bedding often, vacuum regularly, and use pet-safe cleaners. After walks, wipe them down to remove pollen. An air purifier can help, too. Tracking symptoms makes it easier to spot patterns and adjust their routine.

Support Gut Health

Remember how we mentioned a huge part of immune function starts in the gut? Well, it’s not just a fun fact — about 70% of the immune system lives there. When things are balanced, your pup’s body can handle allergens better. But when the gut’s out of whack? That’s when you start seeing more itchy skin, ear infections, and tummy troubles. 

Making sure your dog gets a variety of whole foods, plenty of hydration, and meals packed with real, immune-supporting ingredients (like our sous-vide recipes) helps keep their gut healthy and their immune system strong.

What Foods Help Support Your Dog’s Immune System?

By now, you know diet and gut health go hand in hand when it comes to supporting your pup’s immune system. But what exactly should you be feeding them? Sure, high-quality meals are the foundation, but adding in certain foods can give their immune system an extra edge. 

Let’s break down some dog-approved, nutrient-packed foods that help keep your pup feeling their best.

Carrots

Crunchy, sweet, and packed with beta-carotene, carrots are a solid go-to. Beta-carotene converts to vitamin A, which supports skin, vision, and immune function. Plus, they’re a great low-calorie snack. Serve them raw for a satisfying crunch, or steam them if your pup prefers something softer. 

Pro tip: Chop them into small pieces to avoid choking hazards, especially for small dogs.

Sweet Potatoes

Loaded with fiber and vitamin C, sweet potatoes do more than just taste good — they help support digestion and overall wellness. They’re naturally sweet, which means even picky eaters tend to love them. Try mashing some into their food or baking small slices as a treat. Just skip the butter and seasonings — they don’t need the extra fluff.

Blueberries

These little powerhouses are full of antioxidants, which help support the immune system and overall health. They’re also a great source of fiber and vitamin C. You can feed them fresh or frozen (perfect for summer), but don’t overdo it — too many can cause an upset stomach. A handful here and there is plenty.

Spinach

Leafy greens like spinach are packed with iron, vitamin K, and antioxidants, all of which help keep your dog’s immune system strong. Chop it up and mix it into their food, or lightly steam it to make it easier to digest. Just keep portions small — too much spinach can interfere with calcium absorption over time.

Pumpkin

Pumpkin isn’t just for fall — it’s a year-round powerhouse for dogs. It’s full of fiber, vitamin A, and prebiotics, which help support gut health (and, by extension, the immune system). A spoonful of plain, canned pumpkin (not the sugary pie filling) is a great addition to their meals. It’s also a lifesaver for pups with sensitive stomachs.

When Should You Take Your Dog to the Vet?

Think your pup’s immune system needs a little help? Sometimes, a little extra rest and good nutrition can get them back on track. Other times, a trip to the vet is the best move.

Here are some signs that might mean your dog needs a professional checkup:

• Low energy levels: If your usually active pup seems sluggish or uninterested in playtime, it could mean something’s off.
• Changes in appetite: Skipping meals here and there happens, but if your dog refuses food for more than a day or two, it’s worth checking out.
• Skin or coat changes: Dry, flaky skin or excessive shedding might mean they need extra nutritional support — or a vet visit.
• Digestive issues: Occasional tummy troubles are normal, but frequent upset stomachs, loose stools, or vomiting aren’t.
• Unusual coughing or sneezing: A little sneeze after sniffing something dusty? No big deal. Ongoing coughing, sneezing, or nasal discharge? Time for a vet visit.

If your pup seems off for more than a couple of days, trust your gut and make the call. Catching issues early can make all the difference in keeping them happy and healthy.

The Bottom Line

Dogs may not be able to tell us when they’re feeling off, but their bodies do. The good news? You’ve got plenty of ways to support their immune system, from daily habits like exercise and stress management to feeding them real, nutrient-rich food. 

At A Pup Above, we believe a strong immune system starts with what’s in their bowl, and we’re all about making sure it’s packed with the good stuff. So whether it’s through mealtime, lifestyle changes, or a vet visit when needed, you’ve got the tools to keep your pup thriving. Because a healthy dog is a happy dog.

Sources:

The Interplay between the Gut Microbiome and the Immune System | PMC

Why Do Dogs Sleep So Much? | American Kennel Club

Is Boredom The Cause Of Separation Anxiety In Your Dog? | HSVC

If you want to boost immunity, look to the gut | UCLA Health