A cat or dog immune system is the fortress against disease, cancer, and infections. It is the system that identifies what is considered normal and what should or shouldnt be allowed in the body.
Unfortunately, there are times when a pets immune system might fail in a number of ways. First, the immune system may weaken to the point where it does not recognize a foreign body, like cancer. Second, it might mistake something that is perfectly normal for something abnormal and work to destroy it.
Immune system problems surface in a many ways:
Auto-immune: Occurs when the body basically attacks itself. Auto-immune hemolytic anemia is a good example. This is where the body fails to recognize normal, healthy red blood cells and begins to destroy them. This causes lethargy, weakness, and depression among other problems for afflicted dogs.
Neoplasia: Cancer. Cancer occurs when a cat or dog immune system fails to identify defective and uncontrolled cell growth. Cancerous cells go undestroyed and are allowed to grow and circulate.
Immunodeficiency: This occurs when a pets body simply does not respond above the required threshold to fight off infections. Immuno-deficient pets are afflicted with illness at a higher rate. Once ill, they have a much harder time ridding the body of the infection. Feline Immunodeficiency Virus in cats is an excellent example. This is similar to human HIV. The virus is not what kills the cat. Rather it is the suppression of the immune system that causes death because the cat cannot fight off illness.
Hypersensitivity, particularly skin related: Allergies stem from the bodys immune system going into overdrive. A dog with severe allergies has a dog immune system that is responding to multiple stimuli, and allergies can often be difficult to decipher.
How a pet develops an immune problem is debatable. There is certainly some level of inheritance. Environmental stress factors like poor diet and poor living conditions could be contributing factors. Many holistic veterinarians feel that too many vaccinations might be the culprit in numerous immune problems, like cancer. And it must be remembered that as any pet ages, its immune systems ability to protect the body decreases.
Dr. Shawn Messonnier, author of The Natural Health Bible for Dogs and Cats, suggests that the best solution is to provide immunity support throughout the pets life. In his article Immune System Support in Pets, Dr. Messonnier offers a few suggestions to help maintain a healthy immune system in ones pets.
1. Minimize vaccinations and do blood titers to find levels rather than just doing annual vaccinations.
2. Try to use natural methods for flea control and limit the use of chemicals.
3. Feed a high quality, natural diet free of preservatives, or make a researched homemade diet.
4. Use vitamins, minerals, and supplements for support.
Responsible dog and cat lovers should not to wait until a pet is ill or advanced in age to care for its immune system. Instead, take actions throughout its life to ensure the highest level of immunity support possible. A cat or dog immune system can only be as good as the vessel it is in
, so it is imperative that the pets whole body be looked after.
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