How to provide a pet immune boost to keep away disease and illness is a topic most pet parents want to know more about. After all, why give your wallet to your veterinarian if you don't have to!
It is also a fact of life that occasionally we will be unsuccessful at protecting our cats and dogs from disease and illness thus requiring a visit to our favorite veterinarian armed with his extensive stash of antibiotics.
Pet Immune Boost - What are we trying to boost anyway?
According to the Merck/Merial Manual of Pet Health the immune system consists of a network of white blood cells, antibodies, and other substances that work continually to fight off infection and defend against foreign proteins. In addition, the immune system includes several organs. Some, such as the thymus gland and the bone marrow, are the sites where the white blood cells are produced. Others, including the lymph nodes, spleen, and liver, trap microorganisms and foreign substances and provide a place for immune system cells to collect, interact with each other and with foreign substances, and generate an immune defense.
While we may tend to think about our pets immune system as a single entity it actually is a complex intricately woven mechanism which generally does a pretty good job of defending against illness and disease; that is when it is operating at peak efficiency. The downside is that not only does the aging process weaken the immune system but other factors such as lack of exercise, disease such as cancer, poor nutrition, stress, and overuse of antibiotics.
What can we do to provide a pet immune boost at home?
This is complex topic but there are few simple step worth considering.
*Keep them active. Volumes of research confirm the fact that inactive pets are at least three times more likely to become ill as active animals. A simple rule of thumb is to set aside 30 minutes each day for pet exercise and play time.
*Vitamins and other interesting facts. Generally speaking Vitamin C and the entire B vitamin complex play an important role in your pets immune defenses. Additionally, research published in "The Original Dog Bible" suggests that 3 servings of vegetables reduces the risk of certain cancers and may even slow their progression. In cats, glucosamine and chondroitin not only helps with arthritis but may deter bacterial infection as well.
*Reduce stress levels. Surprisingly, stress is one the worst things for your pets immune system. You might even say an unhappy cat or dog will become an unhealthy, unhappy, pet over time.
*Diet is an important piece of the puzzle. Pet foods that contain artificial ingredients are terrible for immune system health. Their bodies struggle to digest this stuff and important organs such as the liver and kidneys are put under pressure to remove the excess toxins they inject into the bloodstream. A good suggestion is to look for foods that are labeled natural, have no artificial coloring, and are specifically formulated for immune defense.
*Two herbs worth considering. We have all heard of echinacea and there is plenty of research supporting its use to boost the body's defenses against disease. Another lesser known herb is Astragalus membranaceous (Huang Qi). Not only does Astragalus help your pet fight off disease it also helps to maintain blood sugar and blood pressure levels, works naturally to maintain regular water metabolism, supports vitality, and help encourage a healthy appetite.
In conclusion, the simple combination of daily exercise, a well balanced natural diet high in Vitamin C and Vitamin B, limiting stress, and herbal remedies containing Echinacea and Astragalus can provide a powerful pet immune boost capable of producing both short and long-term benefits. This simple plan could be just what the doctor ordered to keep your pet healthy and ensure quality of life down the road.
Robert D. Hawkins is an enthusiastic consumer advocate for natural pet health and wellness with over 10 years experience in the field. To discover more about an all natural herbal and homeopathic pet supplement specially formulated to boost immune function and promote cellular health Click Here
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