The immune system is a defence system comprised of many biological structures and processes that protect against disease. To function well, it requires balance and harmony. If the immune system kicks into action too often, you may see conditions like allergies, asthma and eczema.
There are a number of factors that impact the immune system that I will cover in this post, along with the 9 ways in which you can boost your animals' immunity (as well as your own).
1. Exercise
(Above) Baby Gorilla - photo taken during my Rwanda/Uganda visit.
Image © Kerrie Searle, 2026
Increased blood flow promotes the body’s ability to expel toxins from the body. Increased circulation also means an increase of antibodies and T-cells (white blood cells) that fight off infection. For humans, something as simple as a 20 minute walk, 5 times a week will assist this process. For animals, a daily walk or play will do the same.
2. Stress
Chronic stress has a major influence on the immune system. Chronic stress raises cortisol levels which decreases the production of ‘good’ prostaglandins. ‘Good’ prostaglandins are localised hormone-like cellular messengers that support immune function, dilate blood vessels, inhibit “thick” blood and are anti-inflammatory.
3. Sleep
(Above) Gorilla 'sleeping' - seen during my Rwanda/Uganda visit.
Image © Kerrie Searle, 2026
Without adequate sleep, the immune system doesn’t get a chance to rebuild and becomes weak. Poor sleep is associated with reduced numbers of T-cells, the white blood cells that help the body fight disease.
4. Diet
(Above) Gorilla eating - photo taken during my Rwanda/Uganda visit.
Image © Kerrie Searle, 2026
Excessive consumption of sugar, alcohol and processed foods can decrease the ability of white blood cells to kill germs and bacteria. For example, the ability of white blood cells to kill bacteria is significantly hampered for up to 5 hours after eating 100g of sugar. There is some evidence that various micronutrient deficiencies (for example deficiencies of zinc, selenium, iron, copper, folic acid and Vitamins A, B6, C and E) alter immune responses in animals. For our animals (and ourselves), it is important to choose foods that are closest to their rawest state and not packed with sugars, fillers, chemicals, additives or preservatives – all of which impact the immune system’s ability to function effectively.
5. Gut Health
There is now much evidence that gut health has a direct impact on the immune system, so maintaining good gut bacteria is essential to support the immune system of both animals and humans.
6. Medication
Excessive use of antibiotics and other medicines weakens the immune system. Some people taking antibiotics have shown reduced levels of cytokines – the hormone messengers of the immune system.
7. Adrenals
Adrenal stress also has an impact on the immune system. Adrenal fatigue impacts our vitality and energy levels. For this reason, I often use my ADRENAL BLEND (you can read more about this blend here) to support my adrenals, which in turn supports my immune system. My work places huge demands on the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual parts of myself, so it is imperative that my adrenals and my immune system are supported and not drained so that I can continue to do the work I do, at the depth that I do it.
Many of you know that both my dogs, Ralph and Seb, are rescue dogs. Being removed from his mother at only days old, it was evident that Ralph did not get all the essential nutrients from his mother’s milk to build a healthy immune system. He had also been starved by the humans who initially had him (feeding him half a vita brit with water twice a day!) so his immune system had very little chance of being strong or in balance and harmony. Seb, a Golden Retriever, was emaciated at only 11kg at 6 months old after his mum was unable to feed him properly due to being too young when giving birth and then being underfed with cheap, junk food by his then-humans. At the same body size, he now weighs 36kg and is considered to be on the slim side. His health was so poor that his fur was falling out, he had constant ear infections and his bowel movements were always runny.
When we remove young animals from their mothers at about 6-8 weeks (a time frame that humans “think” is a good time!), we interfere with their immune system development which would occur naturally when an animal feeds from its mother.
It is difficult to replicate the antibodies and nutrients that a mother’s milk provides, all of which are essential for the development of a healthy immune system in young animals. Given that it takes approximately 16 weeks for the immune system to fully develop, removing an animal from its mother prior to this time does have consequences on their immune system.
I have always taken a proactive approach to all my animals’ health instead of waiting for them to get sick and then needing to “fix” them. I have always fed them a natural/raw diet with no fillers, sugars, chemicals, additives or preservatives. Ever. They get PRILL WATER (you can research this to see what it is and I drink it too, avoiding the chemicals in tap water). I add a good probiotic to their food to improve their gut health which I do when I feel they could do with a boost and each day they get some biodynamic organic yoghurt. There are many products that support immune health such as ROSEHIP VITAL, OLIVE LEAF EXTRACT, CURCUMIN/TURMERIC, VITAMIN A (e.g. yoghurt, eggs, fatty fish, carrots, broccoli, sweet potatoes), VITAMIN B6 (e.g. chickpeas), Vit D (e.g. fatty fish, egg yolks) VITAMIN E (e.g. broccoli), ZINC (e.g. pumpkin seeds) and IRON. I add a tablespoon of BRAGGS ORGANIC APPLE CIDER VINEGAR to their drinking water. This assists the body to maintain an alkaline state (as compared to being acidic) which also supports the immune system to function effectively (and it also helps repel fleas). A strong immune system lessens the chances of things like parasites and fleas.
When I travelled to Uganda and Rwanda to work with the gorillas - and given that I was travelling to countries with contaminated water and poor hygiene - I made sure my immune system was the best it could be prior and during my travel. It was not only important for my health and wellbeing but also, too, for the gorillas that I would come into contact with for they can pick up illnesses from humans (and this was one of the reasons that Dian Fossey lived on the mountain with the gorillas and was so opposed to tourists visiting the gorillas). The photos of the gorillas I've inserted throughout this blog post were taken by me during my visit to Uganda and Rwanda.
(Above) Adrenal Blend Drops - available in my Online Blends Store.
8. Detox Blend
(Above) Detox Blend Drops - available in my Online Blends Store.
9. Immune System Blend
(Above) Immune System Blend Drops - available in my Online Blends Store.
I also made an IMMUNE SYSTEM BLEND that I use at the beginning of each season (i.e. Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring) and more often if needed. It works on all the issues listed above that impact the immune system and more.
Whatever your species of animal (which includes YOU as we are also part of the ANIMALIA kingdom), hopefully this has assisted in guiding you to be proactive about the health of your animal/s and maintaining a healthy, vibrant and well-balanced immune system. It is not exhaustive of the many products available to support the immune system, but many of you ask what I do, so this is what I use to keep Ralph and Seb (and myself) as healthy as possible.
You can purchase the IMMUNE SYSTEM BLEND, ADRENAL BLEND and DETOX BLEND (or any other blends) from my ONLINE SHOP or you can contact me directly here.
If any of this resonates for you or your animal, and you feel that I can be of any assistance, please don’t hesitate to read more about my services here, browse through my range of essences, creams and sprays here, or you can get in touch directly here. Additionally, visit this page to learn more about attending one of my upcoming workshops (or even organise one for your own group).
Warmest wishes!
Kerrie Searle
Animal Communicator
The above article was originally written for my email newsletter 'Messages from the Animals'.