Healthy immunity is one of the foundations of wellness for your dog. Here are the seven ways you can naturally support his immune system.
You probably know that the immune system is responsible for protecting your dog’s body — and your own! — from infections. But it does much more than that. The immune system also regulates inflammation (the source of all chronic disease), suppresses cancer cells, and helps identify and rid the body of chemicals, toxins, germs, etc. Clearly, it’s important to make immune care a big part of your dog’s wellness regimen.
What you may not know is that your dog’s capacity for a healthy immune system actually starts in his gastrointestinal tract. In fact, it is estimated that the majority of the immune system is based in the gut! This means your dog will be heartier, healthier, and more resilient to all kinds of diseases if he has a healthy gut. Another important goal is to minimize his exposure to the common offenders that can suppress immune system function. This article highlights seven ways to naturally support your dog’s immune system so that he stays as strong and healthy as possible.
1. Feed your dog a balanced, fresh, or low-processed diet that contains species-appropriate ingredients. Heavily-processed foods that contain high carbohydrate percentages (i.e. many commercial pet foods) alter the gut microbiome and cause inflammation, which can lead to leaky gut syndrome, digestive problems, immune system compromise, etc. Processed pet foods also contain a lot of additives and preservatives, in addition to the glyphosates/herbicides used in growing the ingredients.
2. Provide a trace mineral supplement, such as in the form of kelp or seaweed powder. Trace minerals are typically deficient in all diets, yet are strategically important in immune health, endocrine health, digestion, and all organ system function. This group of minerals includes magnesium, selenium, zinc, potassium, and iodine.
3. Minimize ingestion and exposure to toxins. Offer purified versus tap water.
Don’t spray your lawn or yards with pesticides. Limit the use of flea products and other chemicals as much as possible. Toxins can cause significant damage to your dog’s gut (and the rest of his body), leading to leaky gut syndrome, immune challenges, and numerous other health issues.
4. Add a digestive enzyme supplement to her meals every day. The ancestral diets of dogs were not cooked, especially not at the high temperatures used in modern-day commercial pet food processing. Enzymes are destroyed at temperatures above 115°F so adding digestive enzymes to your dog’s meals can support improved digestion and gut health.
IMMUNE FUNCTION IN THE GUT RELIES ON TWO FACTORS
GUT BARRIER INTEGRITY
The gut barrier is essentially the inner surface lining of the intestines. When the gut is healthy, this lining is an effective layer of protection for the rest of the body, allowing appropriate things to be absorbed across the intestinal wall, and keeping other things from permeating through. In fact, this layer is termed the intelligent barrier, because it has the innate intelligence to allow nutrients to absorb while preventing harmful agents from gaining access to the circulatory system and the rest of the body. This intelligent gut barrier also protects the GALT (gut-associated lymphatic tissue), which comprises 60% to 70% of the immune system and creates up to 80% of antibodies.
MICROBIOME BALANCE AND DIVERSITY
The microbiome refers to the vast ecosystem of beneficial microbes living inside the body, which encompasses a wide collection of beneficial “bugs”, including numerous types of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. To give you some perspective, the number of organisms in your dog’s microbiome greatly exceeds the numbers of host cells in his body. Technically speaking, that means your dog is more bacteria than canine! Clearly, these microbe entities must have some significant purpose and impact within the body. The microbiome plays a critical role not only in the body’s immune system function, but also in the control of inflammation, digestion, brain performance, and even mood and behaviour.
5. Add a daily medicinal mushroom supplement to your dog’s food. Mushrooms such as Reishi, Shiitake, Maitake, Cordyceps, Turkey Tail, and Lion’s Mane qualify as “superfood” supplements, as they provide numerous health benefits. They are most recognized for immune modulation and anti-cancer properties, but also provide minerals, antioxidants, prebiotic fibres, and vitamin D.
6. Give a broad-spectrum probiotic or daily serving of fermented foods to your dog. Fermented food options for dogs include kefir/raw fermented dairy, small quantities of fermented veggies, fermented fish stock, etc. vaccines provide protection for several years. Discuss best vaccination practices for your dog with your veterinarian, considering age, lifestyle, geographical location, etc.
7. Avoid overuse of medications, such as antibiotics, antacids, and pain meds, as well as over-vaccination. Many core vaccines provide protection for several years. Discuss best vaccination practices for your dog with your veterinarian, considering age, lifestyle, geographical location, etc.
AUTHOR PROFILE
Dr. Katie Kangas graduated from the University of Wisconsin Veterinary College in 1993. She achieved her CVA certification at the Chi Institute in 2008, followed by additional training in Advanced Acupuncture, Food Therapy, Herbal Medicine and Veterinary Orthopedic Manipulation. Dr. Kangas owns Integrative Veterinary Care in San Diego, California. Her areas of special interest include nutrition/food medicine, dental health and pain management.
