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Immune
System
Support
by Shawn Messonnier, D.V.M.
One of the most common questions I hear 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.” Sharing 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 is the purpose of this article.
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 purpurea, E. angustifolia,
E. pallida) is the most commonly known
immune stimulant which also functions as an
antimicrobial (antiviral and antibacterial) herb.
For people, echinacea is the number one cold
and flu herbal remedy. There are a number of
classes of pharmacologically 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 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 any time 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 are the final class of supplements
that can be helpful for pets needing
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 these tips to keep your pet
as healthy as possible.
- 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 one of the recipes in The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats) to ensure that your pet is eating the healthiest food possible.
- Minimize vaccines. Most pets do not need annual “shots.” A simple blood test called a titer test can determine which vaccines your pet needs.
- Minimize chemicals. I prefer not to use chemical flea prevention products unless absolutely needed. Monthly heartworm medication is preferred over the six-month injectable heartworm preventive.
- Administer whole food vitamin and mineral supplements, antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids to maintain a healthy body.
- 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 work confidently with your veterinarian
to help your pet maintain a healthy
immune system.
 Shawn Messonnier, D.V.M.,
is the author of The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats,
Prima, 2001.
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