Due to the epidemic and subsequent lockdowns, the significance of dogs in many of our lives has been emphasized prominently in recent years. Despite the tight social distance laws, many individuals went out and acquired dogs to assist them to maintain a feeling of normality during the lockdowns. However, the amount of effort that goes into dog ownership, as well as the responsibility that the owner has in terms of the dog's health, is not reflected in its popularity.
The immune system is a buzzword that has been abused by numerous alternative medicine firms in recent years. The capacity of the body to fight infection and sickness is what most people think of when they hear it, and although this is true to some extent, most products will struggle to increase it even slightly.
When it comes to our four-legged pals, several types of food promise to give immunological support for dogs, aiding allergies for example, but it's important to know what that implies.
Here's a quick rundown of your dog's immune system, as well as some methods you may help it out.
Before we look into dogs, it's important to grasp what the immune system of any animal entails. According to the National Cancer Institute, the immune system is:
“A complicated network of cells, tissues, organs, and the chemicals they produce that aids in the body's defense against infections and other ailments. White blood cells, as well as organs and tissues of the lymphatic system, such as the thymus, spleen, tonsils, lymph nodes, lymph arteries, and bone marrow, are all part of the immune system.”
Most animals have some defensive mechanisms built-in, but vertebrates have a far more comprehensive immune system that aids in the protection of their bodies. Dogs, like humans, have many identical organs, tissues, and cells that function in the same manner. Its significance is emphasized by the fact that it is their strongest line of defense against a multitude of possible dangers.
White blood cells are the initial responders and frontline workers of our immune system and are often represented as aggressive defenders of the body. Neutrophils are one of the numerous kinds of white blood cells present in dogs, and they are formed in the canine bone marrow. Neutrophils are important for battling an infection. As their owner, you should keep a lookout for indicators of low white blood cells in your dog, which include the following symptoms:
Fever, diarrhea, lethargy, pale coat and nose, vomiting, and wounds that are constantly bleeding.
If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms, take them to the doctor; alternatively, have a blood test to determine the amounts of their various white blood cells.
Arthritis is a common ailment for some dog breeds.
While you can't immediately raise your dog's blood cell production, several nutrients can aid in the long run. Look for immune support for dogs that include Coenzyme Q10 (CO Q 10) to assist enhance cellular energy supply, which is a critical component of the immune response system.
The lymphatic system collects and transports tissue fluids from the intercellular gaps in all of the body's tissues and returns them to the blood system's veins, acting as a type of surveillance system. During these processes, the immune system transports infections to the lymph nodes, where white blood cells basically 'eat' the danger. Any issue with a dog's lymphatic system might jeopardize their whole immune response, so keep a lookout for indications of lymphoma or lymphedema in Fido.
The lymphatic system also helps in the absorption of lipids and fat-soluble vitamins from the digestive system, as well as their transport into circulation. Despite the existence of certain fats or fat-soluble vitamins in the dog's food, a lack of them might suggest a problem with the lymphatic system.
It may be difficult to directly enhance the operation of your dog's lymphatic system, just as it is tough to increase white blood cell count since there are so many factors that might affect it (breed, upbringing, hereditary, etc.). Although, by consuming Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA), which is found in blue-green algae such as spirulina, one may enhance the components used by the lymphatic system, such as the macrophage, whose response can be improved. Other substances to look for in immune-supporting products for dogs include:
Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is a compound that increases mitochondrial count and interacts with CO Q 10 to promote oxygen usage, both of which are important for immunological function.
Arabinogalactan, which is actively fermented by intestinal microflora and interacts with the immune system by producing short-chain fatty acids that alter inflammatory response through leukocyte activity and cytokine synthesis.