The immune system is an intricate system of biological processes and structures that protects the body against disease. A healthy immune system is able to recognize and fend off invaders such as viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens. Keeping your pet's immune system strong will help prevent health problems and protect her against disease.

In order to protect and boost your pet's immune system, consider the following:

Feed a species-appropriate, minimally processed diet. Ideally, this means a raw or homecooked diet, with a grain-free canned diet being the next best choice. Highly processed foods, especially dry food, create a constant state of  inflammation in the body that may well be at the root of all illness.

Consider adding supplements. If you are feeding a variety of quality canned grain-free or raw food, and your pet is young and healthy, you probably don't need supplements. If you have an older pet, or one with health challenges, supplements may contribute to better health and improved well-being. It's always a good idea to check with your pet's veterinarian before giving supplements.

Minimize vaccinations. Compelling evidence implicates vaccines in triggering various immune-mediated and other chronic disorders (vaccinosis). Occasionally, aggressive tumors called fibrosarcomas can appear at the site of vaccination. Work with a veterinarian who will agree to a limited vaccination schedule and/or titer testing.

Don't use chemical flea treatments. Many of the flea and tick treatments available today contain toxic chemicals that can be hazardous to pets and to people. Even when these products are used according to the manufacturer's directions, these chemicals are not safe for pets or humans. There are effective ways to control fleas without chemicals.

Limit exposure to toxic chemicals in your pet's environment. Day-to-day exposure to environmental toxins, both indoors and outdoors, such as polluted indoor air, chemical cleaning products, VOC's from paint and carpeting, pesticides, and fertilizers, can cause allergic reactions ranging from itchy skin, runny eyes, and even asthma to vomiting, diarrhea and other intestinal issues.  Lower your pet's toxic load as much as possible.

Avoid overuse of steroids and antibiotics. While these drugs may be necessary in some cases, they are often overused. Repeated rounds of these drugs, especially for chronic conditions, may do more harm than good and may damage the immune system without addressing the issue they were prescribed for in the first place. Consider working with a holistic veterinarian who is familiar with modalities that can support your pet's system in its own healing process.

Provide a stimulating environment for cats. Bored cats who don't get any playtime or exercise are going to be unhappy and stressed cats, and stress lowers immunity. Catify your home with cat trees, scratching posts, and window perches, and make time for regular structured play sessions with your cat.

Provide plenty of exercise for dogs. Daily walks with your dog provide an opportunity for healthy exercise for both of you. 

Keep your pet at a healthy weight. Obesity is the number one health challenge for pets. It can lead to serious health problems, including diabetes, arthritis, heart and respiratory problems, gastro-interstinal and digestive problems, and acompromised immune system.

Minimize stress. Stress, whether physiological or emotional, is the root cause of illness for humans as well as pets. Try to limit stress in your pet's environment as much as possible - and that includes your own stress. Pets and their humans often mirror each others' physical and emotional states, and your stress can actually make your pets sick. This is especially true for cats.

(c) Ingrid King 2012  

Photo: Flickr Creative Commons 

The holiday season is upon us. This can be an exciting and activity-filled time of the year, but for many it can be overwhelming with excesses of almost every kind. Too much to do, too much food and drink, too much shopping and then it's easy to loose track of the beauty of the season. We celebrate at this time of year for a number of reasons, at Thanksgiving; we celebrate the harvest and all the bounty for which we are thankful. The December holidays are festivals of light in this darkest time of the year.  It can be a time of reflection and turning inward, a time to reflect and a time to be with family and friends.

Perhaps this year, we should all consider ways in which we could make our own holiday season a bit more meaningful, and some ways to appreciate the meaning of our celebrations.  

Be mindful 

I would suggest that a good way to start is to get quiet and to try to be present as we prepare to celebrate. We will all have choices to make. Being mindful of what is important can help bring meaning to the rituals and gatherings. This is an excellent time to start a meditation practice, despite the busy season.  A regular practice of meditation can help us focus and prioritize and reveal what is extraneous.   

Enjoy favorite foods without going overboard 

Food is such an important part of the season: and we all have traditions and holiday favorites that we look forward to for months. It can seem challenging to try to eat healthy foods and not over-indulge. But the reality is that it is possible to enjoy our favorite foods without going completely overboard and undoing every good habit we might have established during the year in terms of eating. Again, being mindful of our choices, being present and determining what it is that you really want and why can be an extremely helpful way to manage this time of year.   

Keep physically active 

Keeping physically active, doing some sort of movement or exercise, is always important to remember to include in our daily routines. Exercise keeps us fit, is an antidote to stress and helps burn the extra calories we are likely to consume at this time of year.

Overall, balance is the important component. Striving to achieve and maintain balance, in body, mind and spirit, although challenging, can help create a smooth journey through the holiday season  free of any negative side-effects.    

My best to all of you for a healthy, meaningful and peaceful Thanksgiving and Christmas season. May we each find the balance in our lives to enjoy the season fully.

Dr. Calihan is board certified in holistic medicine and family medicine. She practices at Integrative Family Medicine Center in Leesburg, VA.