By Almha Murphy

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If you want to give your dogs a boost during the colder months try this expert tip. As we come further into the cool, rainy autumn, many dog owners are bracing themselves to trudge through cold muddy walks. But while they’re busy reaching for the wellies, they might be overlooking a hidden health risk for their pets . Experts warn that a change in seasons often brings a rise in common health issues for your dog like skin allergies, digestive issues, and ear infections, which will not only make your pet miserable but can end up costing you dearly. Visiting the vet for a short-term illness like gastroenteritis or diarrhoea can cost pet owners over £600 , while a single consultation alone costs an average of £58 in the UK. Luckily, Simon Crawshaw, dog nutrition expert at Hilltop Pet Food shares a kitchen hack that could help boost your dog’s natural defences for just a few pence a day – potentially saving you a costly vet bill down the line. Simon explains: “A high-quality, grain-free diet is the most important part of a dog’s health foundation, but you can give their immune system an extra boost with something as simple as a pinch of dried parsley or a spoonful of pureed pumpkin. He adds: “These aren’t just for flavour. They’re packed with vitamins and antioxidants that can help support your dog’s immune system as the weather changes.” To give your dog an immune boost, Simon suggests putting a “tiny amount” of cooked, finely chopped carrots in your pet’s feed. Equally, you can also opt for a few blueberries, which he says can provide “a powerful dose of antioxidants to help protect against seasonal bugs.” There are also several other ways in which this hack can be used, depending on your pet’s needs and what ingredients you have to hand. To aid in digestion, Simon recommends adding a spoonful of plain, canned pumpkin puree. “Pumpkin is rich in fibre and helps with both diarrhoea and constipation, keeping your dog’s digestive system balanced,” he says. If your pup’s breath isn’t smelling its best, Simon advises sprinkling a pinch of dried parsley over their food. He explains that parsley is known to combat bad breath and has the added benefit of being a great source of vitamins A and C. Although, if using this hack, it’s important to bear in mind that you should always introduce new foods slowly and in small amounts to avoid upsetting your dog’s stomach. Simon says you should make sure the pumpkin is plain with no added sugar or spices. You should also use curly parsley rather than flat-leaf (as this can be toxic in large amounts), and serve fruit and vegetables in dog-safe portions. Equally, if your dog has any existing health issues or is on medication, you should check with your vet before altering their diet. However, while these hacks can help, Simon emphasises that the most impactful thing you can do for your dog’s health is to ensure their food is right. He says: “Many common health issues in dogs, like itchy skin and digestive problems, are often linked back to a poor-quality diet full of grains and fillers. These ingredients can cause a dog’s immune system to be on high alert, making them more susceptible to seasonal allergens and illnesses. That’s why we always recommend a high-quality, grain-free diet with a high meat content; it gives their body the right fuel to stay healthy all year round.”