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As a pet owner, you are aware of the value of nutrition in uplifting your furry friend’s immunity. Like in humans, pets’ microbiome also affects the immune system. Going by data, your canine friend’s microbiome contains 70% of their immune system. It is essential to take care of your canine immune system because weak immunity leads to immune-deficiency diseases, making them vulnerable to ailments like viral infections and cancer.
The immune system in your pet fights back the foreign microorganisms and other inner troubles that lead to deficient cell and tissue functions. In its life, the immune system needs to adapt to different physiological conditions and keep any health hazards at bay; as an aware pet parent, you need to ensure surveillance and protection of your pet’s immunity in a careful and controlled way.
Adult and healthy pets have a robust immune system, but it should be adequately maintained with the proper dietary requirement, and that’s where the natural immune booster for dogs kicks in. In this article, we have discussed the immune disease in canines and the immune boosters to keep your pet healthy and keep the aims at bay. You also can roll through the infographic added to get a quick look at the food that helps to boost immunity in your canine.
Insights On The Immune-Deficiency Disease In Canines
Offering a nutritious diet to your pet is vital to keep the immune-deficiency diseases in your canine at bay. Following are a few immunity deficiency diseases seen in dogs.
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Phagocytosis Deficiency
Phagocytes cells help in canine digestion; it also kills foreign health invaders. It further helps the adaptive immune system offer the antigens to other cells in the system. The deficiency of phagocytosis causes your pet’s susceptibility to bacterial infection of the skin, respiratory system, or gastrointestinal tract.
- Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency
The canine ailment is caused due to the absence of an essential receptor on white blood cells. When your pet suffers from these immune-deficiency ailments, the pet repeatedly suffers from severe bacterial infections, besides delayed wound healing.
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Complement Deficiency
Complements are a bunch of immune system proteins that assist the immune system in fighting off infections. When the complement protein is deficient in C3, the pet recurrent bacterial infections cause skin diseases and pneumonia. Wortehmenating that there is yet to be any specific treatment for complement deficiencies. However, Vaccination and antibiotics are used to treat or prevent infections.
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Immunoglobulin (Antibody) Deficiency
Immunoglobulin (antibody) deficiency is caused when the body fails to produce antibodies or immunoglobulins. This disease is seen in canines caused by other diseases, or it can be congenital. The genetic deficiencies of immunoglobulin A, or IgA, usually occur in Beagles, German Shepherds, and Chinese Shar-Peis. It leads to respiratory infections, digestive system disorders, skin disease, or allergies. Besides, this deficiency can occur in puppies if they do not receive adequate antibodies from their mothers. In senior canines, the disease is often caused due to a decrease in antibody production.
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Combined Immunodeficiency Disease
Combined immunodeficiency disease is primarily seen in breeds such as Bassett Hounds, Toy Poodles, Rottweilers, and mixed-breed puppies. The ailment defects both cell-mediated immunity and antibody production. If your pet suffers from the ailment, their life becomes susceptible to bacterial infections.
Sometimes certain immunodeficiencies are caused by viruses in the canine. Especially the distemper virus kills the lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. The diseases affect the antibodies and decrease them to a level making the pet prone to bacterial infections.
Worth mentioning that the immunodeficiency disease can be classified into two categories, i.e., primary or congenital immunodeficiency diseases, which usually develop in puppies less than six months. The second group of immunodeficiency diseases has stimuli such as a viral infection or tumor, and usually, they are seen in adult canines. These diseases can be severe and bring a life health issue to your pet, as it makes any infection a health hazard to your pet, as the ailments deem the body’s defensive shield towards disease resistance.
What Foods To Add In Canines Nutrition To Boost Immunity?
In preventing immunodeficiency diseases, a pet’s nutrition plays a crucial role. Let’s scroll through some of the typical food you can add to your pet’s diet to boost immunity:
1. Fish Oil
Fish oil is rich in omega-3 and fatty acids. It assists in improving your pet’s immunity and helps improve the pet’s skin and coat health. However, rather than promptly adding it to your furry friends’ diet, it is advisable to seek guidance from a vet nutritionist to prepare a diet plan with the correct amount and frequency of offering it. If you go excessively with fish oil, it can significantly reduce the amount of vitamin E in your dog’s system.
2. Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a great immune booster for your pet. The food is high in dietary fiber and a great immune booster packed with vitamin A and vitamin C. It helps in preventing diarrhea and constipation in your pet. Pureed pumpkin or unsweetened canned pumpkin is a suitable treat for your furry friend.
3. Shellfish
Shellfish are another natural immune booster as they are packed with zinc. The food has antioxidant effects protecting against reactive oxygen species—further, shellfish help modulate cytokine release and assist in keeping the skin and mucosal membrane integrity. Besides, zinc has an excellent role in the cellular growth and differentiation of immune cells. You can add shellfish to your dog’s diet bowl and seek your vet’s advice for the addition.
4. Blueberries
Blueberries are a rich food source in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins C and K. They are low in calories and an excellent snack for your pet. You can add blueberries to your pet’s kibble diet. However, it should be provided in a smaller amount, and talk to your vet to determine an amount based on your dog’s age, size, and other factors.
5. Plain Yogurt
Yogurt is another good addition if your pet is not lactose intolerant. It is high in calcium and protein, acts as a probiotic, and brings gastrointestinal health benefits. However, yogurt should be naturally free from any sweeteners when you add yogurt to your pet’s diet. Artificial sweeteners such as xylitol are toxic for dogs. And for safety, consulting a veterinarian is always a wise step before adding it to your pet’s diet plan.
6. Bananas
Bananas are also a healthy treat that helps in boosting immunity in your pet. It is rich in fiber that helps your pet’s digestive system and resolves health issues such as constipation, diarrhea, and some blockages. Besides it containing Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that boosts your dog’s immune system, potassium in the food supports healthy kidney and heart function, regulates fluid levels and helps muscle development. Magnesium promotes healthy bone growth, and the Biotin in it assists in healthy skin and coat quality and supports muscle development. Note that bananas should be added to the diet only in moderation to refrain from over-do them.
7. Rosemary
The herb is rich in iron, vitamin B6, calcium and. It has also proved to be a potent antioxidant. Adding a rosemary supplement to your dog’s diet is beneficial for your pet’s dietary health. Its antimicrobial properties help keep the harmful bacteria that cause gastrointestinal infections at bay and helps to prevent issues like indigestion. However, you should be precise with the portion, as the right proportion depends on your pet’s size, weight, age, and breed.
8. Carrot
Adding carrot to your pet’s diet is a good choice as this low-calorie snack is rich in Vitamin A and high in fiber, and beta-carotene. Beta-Carotene is a carotenoid, an antioxidant, and a precursor to Vitamin A that helps to build a thriving immune system, healthy skin & coat. However, note that do not overdo it, and consult a vet before adding it to your pet’s deity needs.
Insights On The Immune-Deficiency Disease In Canines
Offering a nutritious diet to your pet is vital to keep the immune-deficiency diseases in your canine at bay. Following are a few immunity deficiency diseases seen in dogs.
Phagocytosis Deficiency
Phagocytes cells help in canine digestion; it also kills foreign health invaders. It further helps the adaptive immune system offer the antigens to other cells in the system. The deficiency of phagocytosis causes your pet’s susceptibility to bacterial infection of the skin, respiratory system, or gastrointestinal tract.
Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency
The canine ailment is caused due to the absence of an essential receptor on white blood cells. When your pet suffers from these immune-deficiency ailments, the pet repeatedly suffers from severe bacterial infections, besides delayed wound healing.
Complement Deficiency
Complements are a bunch of immune system proteins that assist the immune system in fighting off infections. When the complement protein is deficient in C3, the pet recurrent bacterial infections cause skin diseases and pneumonia. Wortehmenating that there is yet to be any specific treatment for complement deficiencies. However, Vaccination and antibiotics are used to treat or prevent infections.
Immunoglobulin (Antibody) Deficiency
Immunoglobulin (antibody) deficiency is caused when the body fails to produce antibodies or immunoglobulins. This disease is seen in canines caused by other diseases, or it can be congenital. The genetic deficiencies of immunoglobulin A, or IgA, usually occur in Beagles, German Shepherds, and Chinese Shar-Peis. It leads to respiratory infections, digestive system disorders, skin disease, or allergies. Besides, this deficiency can occur in puppies if they do not receive adequate antibodies from their mothers. In senior canines, the disease is often caused due to a decrease in antibody production.
Combined Immunodeficiency Disease
Combined immunodeficiency disease is primarily seen in breeds such as Bassett Hounds, Toy Poodles, Rottweilers, and mixed-breed puppies. The ailment defects both cell-mediated immunity and antibody production. If your pet suffers from the ailment, their life becomes susceptible to bacterial infections.
Sometimes certain immunodeficiencies are caused by viruses in the canine. Especially the distemper virus kills the lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. The diseases affect the antibodies and decrease them to a level making the pet prone to bacterial infections.
Worth mentioning that the immunodeficiency disease can be classified into two categories, i.e., primary or congenital immunodeficiency diseases, which usually develop in puppies less than six months. The second group of immunodeficiency diseases has stimuli such as a viral infection or tumor, and usually, they are seen in adult canines. These diseases can be severe and bring a life health issue to your pet, as it makes any infection a health hazard to your pet, as the ailments deem the body’s defensive shield towards disease resistance.
What Are The Common Symptoms Of Immunodeficiency Disease In Dogs?
Based on the immune deficiency of your pet, the disease symptoms may differ; however, we have drilled down some of the common signs of immune diseases in your pet:
- Lethargy
- Weakness
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Skin Lesions
- Joint Pain
- Difficulty walking or lameness
- Anemia
- Vomiting
- Seizures
How Can A Vet Help In Diagnosis & Treating Immune Deficiency Diseases?
When you witness any signs of immunodeficiency disease, book an appointment with a vet. You can leverage an online directory such as GreatVet to search for an animal care clinic in your local area. The platform helps you search for a top clinic based on your Zip Code, Metro area, city, or neighborhood. Besides, you can get the clinic profiles and book an appointment at the clinic of your choice via the platform.
Vets diagnose the disease by performing blood work and taking care of the biochemistry profile and urinalysis for preliminary lab work. Vets also sometimes perform a test to monitor the thyroid function in the adequacy of the thyroid hormone. Based on your dog’s breed, the medical practitioners also choose to do genetic testing. Vets will precisely ask you about your pet’s health issue and the current symptoms you have seen to get an overall scenario of the situation and to make a preliminary diagnosis.
Based on the diagnoses and the underlying disease or condition that has caused your dog’s immune-deficiency disease vet’s treatment approach commemorates:
Prescribed Medications
Veterinarians may prescribe medications or supplements depending on your dog’s immune disorder. It aids your pet’s body to fight any infections, allergens, or viruses. Vets also supplement with enzymes and probiotics or other supplements to strengthen their pet’s immunoglobulins; for immunologic diseases such as allergic bronchitis, medical practitioners suggest drugs such as theophylline elixir with potassium iodide or glyceryl guaiacolate or with glucocorticoids.
Nutrients & Dietary Changes
The vet also emphasizes taking a holistic road to strengthen your dog’s immune system. Often they may suggest zinc, vitamin E, selenium, linoleic acid, and vitamin B-6 nutrients. Besides, vets also prescribe other impactful nutrients such as—Vitamin C, A, acidophilus, essential fatty acids, etc.
A medical practitioner may suggest a required dietary change to enrich the immune systems. In contrast, some bets may adhere to a holistic approach and suggest a diet of only fresh foods to boost the dog’s body energy to fight any invasive bacteria or viruses.
Final Thought!
To keep your furry friend healthy, scheduling routine vet visits is crucial as vets can help you with suggestions to prevent illnesses. Besides, you also can get suggestions to enrich your pet’s lifestyle to prevent any infections. Before adding any new food to your pet’s diet, consult your vet and follow their guidance to keep your pet’s immune system boosted & stabilized.
Disclaimer: The content on the site is for educational purposes only, and it does not provide medical advice. The shared information must not be treated as a substitute for or alternative for medical practitioner advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Regarding any concerns about your pet’s health, seeking veterinary guidance is of utmost necessity. Each pet has specific health, fitness & nutrition needs. Do not disregard, avoid or delay pet health-related advice from veterinarians based on reading the information provided on this site.
