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IMMUNE SYSTEM SUPPORT IN PETS
By Dr.
Shawn Messonnier, DVM
One of the most common questions
I get is this: "What do you recommend to boost my pet's immune
system?" Using nutritional supplements to boost the immune
system in times of illness is very important for any sick pet. While
supplements can be used to support the immune system during any
illness, I am most often asked to prescribe something for pets with
the following problems:
* any infectious disease (especially
feline respiratory disease, kennel cough, distemper;)
* cancer
* mange
* and any condition in older pets that just "aren't acting
quite right."
In this article, I'll discuss some of the more
commonly used immune-boosting supplements, along with recommendations
on how to keep your pet's immune system acting as healthy as possible
all year long.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are among the most commonly used supplements to help
pets with a variety of medical disorders. Antioxidants are specific
vitamins (such as vitamin C and vitamin E) and plant and animal
compounds (bioflavonoids such as grape seed extract, quercetin,
coenzyme Q-10, ginkgo biloba) that are responsible for maintaining
health. Technically, they do not boost the immune system (although
proanthocyanidins appear to potentiate the immune system via enhancement
of T-lymphocyte activity and modulation of neutrophil and macrophage
responses) but rather clean up the products of cell damage (oxidizing
chemicals.) Antioxidants also decrease various chemicals (histamine,
interleukin, tumor necrosis factor) that cause cell damage. Because
antioxidants minimize damage to cells, they are useful whenever
disease is present and immune support is needed.
Echinacea
Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea, E. angustifolia, E. pallida) is
the most commonly known immune stimulant which also functions
as an antimicrobial (antiviral and antibacterial) herb. In people,
echinacea is the number-one cold and flu herbal remedy. There
are a number of classes of pharmocologically active chemicals
in echinacea, including polysaccharides, flavonoids, caffeic acid,
essential oils, alkylamides, and polyacetylenes. Currently, to
prevent long term immune system problems, most doctors recommend
using echinacea for a short period of time (3-4 weeks) followed
by a resting period (3-4 weeks) before the herb is resumed.
Arabinogalactans
Arabinogalactans are polysaccharides mainly derived from larch
tree (Larix occidentalis.) Studies have shown that these compounds
may enhance natural killer cells and cause a release of interferon
gamma. Arabinogalactan has strong immunostimulating and anti-inflammatory
properties. Arabinogalactans can be used as part of the integrative
approach to cancer treatment and anytime immune stimulation is
needed (viral, bacterial, or fungal diseases.) The product ImmunoSupport
by RX Vitamins for Pets is the only arabinogalactan product currently
available.
Purine Nucleotides
Purine nucleotides are the final class of supplements that can
be helpful for pets needed immune system support. These compounds
are involved in virtually all cellular processes and play a major
role in structural, metabolic, energetic and regulatory functions.
Like arabinogalactans, they have been shown to stimulate the activity
of natural killer cells.
Purine pyrimidine complexes are the active
fractions found in colostrum, the first milk produced by mammals.
Colostrum contains cytokines and other protein compounds that
can act as biological response modifiers. Research supports its
use in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis
as well as other autoimmune conditions. Nucleotides also may play
an important role in essential fatty acid metabolism, and may
have a positive effect on the functions of the gastrointestinal
tract and the liver. Nucleotides are usually given to pets in
the form of colostrum or a product called Transfer Factor.
Maintaining a Healthy Immune System
While supplements can be used in times of illness,
maintaining a healthy immune system is important in decreasing the
incidence and severity of disease. Follow the following tips to
keep your pet as healthy as possible:
1. Feed the most natural diet
possible. Learn to read a pet food label and avoid foods with
chemical preservatives (BHT, BHA, ethoxyquin) and animal and plant
by-products that can damage a pet's immune system and do not help
maintain health as much as foods with natural preservatives and
no by-products. When possible, prepare and feed a homemade diet
(using on of the recipes in The
Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats) to ensure that your
pet is eating the healthiest food possible.
2. Minimize vaccines. Most
pets do not need annual "shots." A simple blood test
called a titer test can determine which vaccines you pet needs.
3. Minimize chemicals. I prefer
not to use chemical flea prevention products unless absolutely
needed. Monthly heartworm medication is preferred over the 6 month
injectable heartworm preventive.
4. Administer whole food vitamin
and mineral supplements, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids
to maintain a healthy body.
5. Administer choline supplementation
to prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease (cognitive
disorder) in dogs and cats 10 years of age and older.
By following the ideas presented here, you will
be able to confidently work with your veterinarian to help your
pet maintain a healthy immune system.
Notes from Dr. Shawn:
 
My new book, The Natural Vet's Guide to Preventing and Treating
Cancer in Dogs, is now available! Read about this now at www.petcarenaturally.com
Make sure you read the appendices about my program to minimize
the chances of your healthy pet getting cancer. Also included
in the book is information about the proper diet to feed pets
with cancer, supplements that can help prevent and treat cancer,
supplements that make chemotherapy more effective and safer, how
and when to use conventional cancer therapies safely, common cancers
and their treatments, and how to control pain in the pet with
cancer.
My currently recommended book for you to look at on my site is
one of my favorite books that I have written called The
Allergy Solution for Dogs. It's now the start of allergy
season, and the strategies I've outlined in the book (using supplements,
herbs, fatty acids, antioxidants, and bathing) will help you say
NO to drugs this year. Start now BEFORE your dog or cat (yes,
cat lover's can find tons of helpful hints in the book as well)
itches! You can check it out, along with all of my recommended
books at www.petcarenaturally.com/books.php
Be sure to listen to my show,
Dr. Shawn-The Natural Vet show, on Martha Stewart Radio Sirius
Channel 112, live every Tuesday night at 7-9 PM CST.
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Dr. Messonnier,
a 1987 graduate of Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine,
opened Paws & Claws Animal Hospital in 1991. His special interests
include exotic pets, dermatology, and animal behavior. Dr. Messonnier
is a well-known speaker and author. In addition to serving clients,
he is a regular contributor to several veterinary journals, sits
on the advisory board of the journal Veterinary Forum and regularly
consults with veterinarians across the country and is a holistic
pet columnist for Animal Wellness, Body + Soul, and Veterinary Forum.
He is the author of several books, including The
Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats, The Allergy Solution for
Dogs, The Arthritis Solution for Dogs & Cats, The Natural Vet's
Guide to Preventing and Treating Cancer in Dogs and 8 Weeks to a
Healthy Dog .
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