The increase in canine and feline cancer is alarming. Many veterinarians believe that environmental toxins are to blame for not only an increase in cancer, but in skin problems, respiratory disorders and other immune related diseases.

An animal's immune system is like an invisible shield that protects it from invading bacteria and viruses. But the strength of its immune system depends on eating right, getting enough sleep and exercise, and avoiding environmental toxins and stress. 

It’s almost impossible for humans and animals to avoid environmental toxins because of plastics, automobile emissions, and the overuse of insecticides and pesticides—just to name a few.

As dogs and cats struggle to detoxify environment pollutants, their requirements for vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other nutrients increase. Daily nutritional supplementation is their best bet for making sure their nutritional needs are met, as well as supporting their immune health.

If you suspect your pet has a weakened immune system, has frequent bouts of viral infections, skin problems, or respiratory disorders or is battling cancer, read on to see whether your dog or cat could benefit from an immune support supplement such as Immugen, Moducare or Immunity and Liver Support.

How does the immune system work?

The immune system is composed of white blood cells, antibodies (proteins in the blood), and the thymus, spleen and liver, all of which help supervise and control the immune system.  It even has its own network of vessels — the lymphatic system — which drains waste products from tissues, and transports lymph to lymph nodes where macrophages filter out debris.

When a foreign invader enters the body, the immune system counterattacks in two ways: 1) White blood cells, manufactured in the bone marrow and thymus, directly attack the invader.  2) Antibodies either damage the invaders directly or alert white cells to mount an attack.

The daily stresses that your pet encounters—along with the stress of aging—can suppress its immune system’s function. The good news is there are a number of effective botanicals and other nutrients that have been shown to rev up the immune system, in order to help your pet overcome an illness and prevent the development of a chronic disease.

Suggested product for Immune Support:

Immugen

Moducare

Immunity and Liver Support

Read how these herbs and vitamins in Immugen help to support the immune system and protect against disease:

Astragulus Root: Cancer

Echinacea: Viral infections and skin disorders

Reishi Mushrooms: Respiratory disorders, allergies, cancer

N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine: Respiratory disorders, aging, liver diseases, cardiovascular

Thymus:
bacterial and viral infections, parasites, cancer, allergies, dermatitis

If your pet has been diagnosed with any of the following health complaints, illnesses or diseases, an immune support supplement can help provide symptomatic relief, as well as overall immune system enhancement. And remember, if your pet is sick there's almost always an underlying cause … which is most likely due to a weakened immune system.

• allergies
• asthma
• cancer
• chronic infections
• conjunctivitis
• dental problems, including gingivitis
• herpes FeLV
• immune suppression
• skin-demodicosis
• respiratory ailments
• stomatitis
• urogenital problems

The following botanicals in Immugen offer potent immune support

Astragalus Root has been used for thousands of years in China to strengthen Chi -- the building block of all spiritual and physical energy, the immune system and to ward off illness. Native to Mongolia and China, astragalus is also used by modern Chinese doctors to help restore immune function in patients who have had radiation and drug treatment for cancer. Scientific studies have found that astragalus extracts restored the function of the immune cells of cancer patients. The extract also was found to have antitumor properties, inhibiting the growth of tumors in mice.

The extract seems to work best in supporting the immune system when it is taken before an illness strikes, and it is safe to take on a regular basis.

• Several preliminary clinical trials in China have suggested that astragalus can benefit immune function and improve survival in some people with cancer.
• It has also been found to suppress tumor growth and restore immune function compromised by tumor growth.  
• Astragalus reduces autoimmune response, and may offer relief from allergies and other immune disorders.

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Echinacea extract has long been used for infections and as a blood purifier by Native Americans.  Today it is the best-selling herb in America and is used extensively to stimulate the immune system to help fight viral and bacterial infections.  Echinacea has also traditionally been used to heal wounds and skin problems, and reduce inflammation.

Echinacea appears to fight viruses in two ways: It contains three compounds with specific antiviral activity—caffeic acid, chicoric acid and echinacin.  Root extracts of echinacea have also been shown to act like interferon, the body’s own antiviral compound.  In addition, echinacea is an immune stimulant that helps the body defend itself against viral infection more effectively.

• Echinacea's polysaccharide and phytosterol constituents support the immune system by activating white blood cells (lymphocytes and macrophages).
• Echinacea promotes nonspecific T-cell activation, a type of white blood cell important in providing resistance to mold-like bacteria, yeast, fungi, parasites, and viruses. The T cells then increase the production of interferon, an important part of the body’s response to viral infections.
• Echinacea exerts a mild cortisone-like effect, which enhances the adrenal cortex hormones. This action appears to be responsible for Echinacea's direct anti-inflammatory activity.

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Reishi Mushrooms have been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years to combat disease, and to specifically relieve respiratory ailments and treat cancer. When they are combined with vitamins C and E, they are purported to be even more effective in fighting cancer. Reishi also works as an anti-inflammatory and antihistamine to relieve allergy symptoms and asthma.

Reishi mushrooms are rich in proteins, 18 amino acids, polypeptides, polysaccharides, nucleosides, terpenoids, alkaloids, carbohydrates, germanium, vitamins and minerals. They have been found to enhance immune modulators, which are important for fighting viral and bacterial infection, and they also inhibit the growth and proliferation of cancer cells.

Reishi mushroom:

• Helps to promote serum agglutination
• Raises activation of glutathione peroxidase in blood
• Inhibits the growth of cancer cells
• Alleviates asthma symptoms
• Relieves stress

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N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine—known as "NAC"—provides powerful immune support, and has been shown to play a protective role against a variety of toxins including cigarette smoke, auto exhaust and certain herbicides. It is especially beneficial to animals with respiratory problems and to aging animals, since it protects DNA and RNA from free radical damage.

NAC is a precursor to glutathione—one of the most important antioxidants—which is composed of three different amino acids, cysteine, glutamic acid and glycine. Glutathione also neutralizes damaging free radicals and peroxide molecules, and regenerates oxidized vitamin C. Supplementing with NAC is probably the most cost effective way to boost your pet's glutathione levels.

Glutathione:

• Slows down the aging process
• Enhances the immune system
• Helps to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy
• Detoxifies the liver
• Treats blood and liver disorders
• Supports the cardiovascular system

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Thymus extract is derived from the thymus glands of young calves. The thymus is a major immune system gland, and to a large extent determines the health of the immune system.

The thymus is responsible for many immune system functions, including the production of T lymphocytes, which are extremely important to protecting animals from bacteria, fungi, parasites, viruses, cancer, allergies, dermatitis and immune disorders.

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Important Vitamins & Minerals in Immugen provide Immune Support

Research shows that the daily use of vitamins and minerals provides immune-enhancing benefits.

Vitamin A is vital for healthy skin and good eyesight.  It plays an important part in the growth and repair of body tissues and protects epithelial tissues, such as the thin skin of the mouth, nose, throat, and lungs, thereby reducing susceptibility to infection. 

Vitamin C is essential to over-all health. This antioxidant aids in resisting viral and bacterial infections, and reduces the effects of some allergy-producing substances. It helps heal wounds, scar tissue and fractures, and gives strength to the blood vessels, thus preventing hemorrhaging. Its primary function is to maintain collagen, a protein necessary for the formation of skin, ligaments and bones.  Vitamin C also plays an important role in the absorption of iron. 

Vitamin E prevents the fats and fat-soluble vitamin A stored in the body from breaking down and combining with other substances that may become harmful to the body. It is especially important to the health of the cardiovascular system, and has been found helpful in the healing of burns, bruises and wounds, and as preventative in the treatment of cancer and aging.

Minerals

• Zinc deficiency can lead to increased susceptibility to infection.
• Copper deficiency has resulted in impaired antibody production.

Zinc is an essential trace mineral found in most tissues of the body.  The highest concentrations of zinc are in the liver, pancreas, kidneys and spermatozoa. It is important for the health of the blood and circulatory system, brain and nervous system, reproductive system and skin.  Zinc plays a part in the synthesis of protein and nucleic acid, which controls the formation of different proteins in the cell.  It also plays a part in digestion and in the metabolism of phosphorus, and helps protect animals from developing cancer and respiratory illnesses.

Copper is found in all tissues of the body. High concentrations of the mineral are present in the liver, brain, kidneys and heart. Copper assists in the formation of hemoglobin and red blood cells by aiding iron absorption.  It is present in many enzymes that break down and build up body tissue. Copper helps form the cover which surrounds nerve fiber, and it works in conjunction with vitamin C to form elastin, the chief component of elastic muscle fibers throughout the body.

Why should I give my pet an immune support supplement?

Daily nutritional supplementation is your best bet for making sure your pet's nutritional needs are met, as well as supporting its immune health. Our dogs and cats aren't able to wash their hands in order to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses, so we have to help them out.

Give your pet the support it needs to avoid contracting an illness or developing a disease. Provide your pet with the nutrients required for building a strong immune system. You'll soon notice that you don't have to make as many visits to the vet's office—which you and your pet will both appreciate.

Immugen

Immugen's unique formula combines vitamins, minerals, amino acids, botanicals and other nutrients for optimal immune system functioning. It contains natural ingredients to protect animals from bacteria, fungi, parasites, viruses, cancer, allergies, dermatitis and immune disorders. Be sure to read the section on how the ingredients in Immugen support the immune system in dogs and cats.

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Sterols and Sterolins—collectively referred to as phytosterols—are compounds that are found in the membranes of all plants. Since only plants can synthesize these phytosterols, they are essential micronutrients for both animals and humans because they have to be obtained from food. Chemically, sterols and sterolins are very similar to the animal fat cholesterol. Animals make and use cholesterol, but plants use phytosterols.

Sterols and Sterolins have been shown to be important in helping to keep the immune system in balance, and in keeping the body's inflammatory response under control. Supplementation with sterols and sterolins helps maintain an optimum balance of these micronutrients and provides a natural means of supporting your pet's defense system. They also halt the rapid decline of the virus-fighting T-cells in immune defense, and help keep the immune system active, which is crucial to animals that are recovering from illness and disease.

These important plant constituents:

• Produce a modulating effect on the immune system
• Enhance natural killer and T-helper cell activity
• Inhibit overactive antibody responses
• Provide respiratory support

Moducare is a blend of plant sterols and sterolins.  These natural ingredients are found in all fruits and vegetables and are important in the function of the immune system.  They have been found to enhance the development of natural killer and T-helper cell activity, which allows your pet to more easily fight off infections.

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Immunity and Liver Support by PetAlive

Immunity and Liver Support strengthens and improves immune system and liver functioning in dogs and cats. Helps to counter the harmful effects of frequent vaccinations and antibiotic treatment.

To purchase or learn more about Immunity and Liver Support...