Preparing Your Pet for Seasonal Change: Microbiome Support, Detox, and Immune Balance
By Dr. Keith Weingardt, DVM
Do you feel a shift as the seasons change? Maybe your energy dips as the days grow shorter. You might feel drawn to the comforts of cozy blankets and early nights in. Our pets feel these same transitions too, even if they can’t tell us in words.
Seasonal change signals a biological shift for all living things, including our pets. In traditional Eastern medicine, summer is a time of outward Yang energy, when vitality moves toward the surface. As we transition into fall and winter, that energy naturally turns inward, as Yin energy focuses on protection and restoration.
Sometimes, though, this shift can feel like the body gets “stuck between gears.” When that happens, we often see familiar issues start to surface.
Common Seasonal Challenges for Pets
As temperatures drop and days shorten, I often notice my patients, especially senior companions, showing new issues or heightened symptoms. Allergy flares become more common and digestive issues like vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite tend to appear. Pets with cardiac or neurological conditions sometimes experience flare-ups, and those with arthritis can feel stiffer and more sore as the cold and damp settle in.
These changes aren’t random. They’re signs of your pet’s body working to adapt to a new internal rhythm. Being aware of these seasonal shifts allows us to be proactive and support our pets through these important transitions.
The Microbiome: Your Pet’s Seasonal Anchor
I believe that one of the most powerful ways we can help pets transition through the seasons is by supporting the microbiome. A healthy, balanced microbiome includes a diverse ecosystem of microbes that influence digestion, immunity, skin health, and even emotional well-being in pets (and people!).
Having a resilient microbiome acts like an anchor in times of change, helping the body respond appropriately to stressors and maintain balance. Feeding your pet Green Juju’s wild fermented foods, like Bam’s Beets and Lua’s Golden Paste, along with our whole food probiotics, provides a rich source of beneficial bacteria to nourish and strengthen the foundation of this internal ecosystem.
Another favorite of mine this time of year is Vitality Blend, particularly the freeze-dried version that includes Astragalus. This powerful root has been used for centuries to help restore energy and support a balanced immune response, making it an excellent addition to your dog or cat’s seasonal nutrition routine.
Liver Support for Seasonal Shifts
As the body adapts to seasonal shifts, it often releases built-up toxins. The liver is at the center of that detoxifying process, so supporting its function can make transitions smoother and more comfortable for your pet.
Leafy greens like those in Just Greens and Bailey’s Blend help promote healthy bile flow and detoxification. Pairing them with Bam’s Beets creates a powerful synergy that supports fat digestion and enhances the liver’s natural cleansing functions. To further support liver detoxification, try rotating Bam’s with Lua’s Golden Paste. This adds a range of polyphenol antioxidants that further reduce oxidative stress and strengthen the microbiome.
Living in Rhythm With the Seasons
Seasonal change is nature’s gentle reminder that nothing in life is static, and that’s a good thing. Our pets’ bodies, just like ours, are designed to adapt and flow with these rhythms. With thoughtful nutrition and holistic care, this season can be one of balance, comfort, and health for you and your pet.
