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My dog bit a cord. How to boost his immune system for healing?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Golden Retriever | Male | unneutered | 9 months and 19 days old | 77 lbs

Hi there! My dog suffered electrical burns the other as a result of biting a cord. We brought him to the vet right away and they assessed that his lungs were normal and just some minor burns in his mouth and said to come back if it starts to ooze or smell. We got him some omega 3 with vitamin e especially for dogs but was wondering is there anything we can give him at home to give his immune system a boost to help the healing process?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Anna M., DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 18th, 2018

Hello, and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Oh dear, poor Gus! You did exactly right in bringing him directly to the vet, and I'm relieved that his lungs looked normal as sometimes electrical shock can cause fluid to be retained in the lungs. In my opinion, there is no specific supplement or medication that will make any significant impact on boosting Gus's immune system - the most important thing is just to make sure he's getting good high quality nutrition, and make sure he stays well hydrated. Since he has burns in his mouth that could influence his willingness to eat, it might help to either offer him canned food (I'd stick with the same brand & type you're currently feeding, to avoid GI upset), or you can soak his kibble in a little warm water for 15 minutes prior to feeding. The extra water in either canned or soaked kibble will also help him stay hydrated. If you need to help entice him to eat, you could add some small fine bits of cooked chicken. I wouldn't advise trying to apply anything topically to those burns, since 1) they're painful and he'd probably resist you touching them, and 2) anything you try to put in his mouth is just going to get immediately licked away. From your description, it sounds like you're doing everything right - I would actually say that the supplement/additive that might best help him heal would be omega 3 / fish oil supplements. Keep up the good work and I hope Gus feels better soon!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By C. Rathjens, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I'm sorry you and Gus went through that! It sounds like he received very appropriate treatment with his vet and they gave you good recommendations. The fish oil is a great immune system support (as long as it doesn't give him diarrhea). Other than that, I would just recommend a high quality diet and lots of fresh water. He may be more comfortable with canned food or softened food for a couple days. Glad he's alright!

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