Holistic health care strongly focuses on the advantages of preventing disease. Fundamental to this goal for our pets is supporting their body’s own defense: the immune system.
On a physiological level, the immune system is ground zero for disease prevention. Animals and people evolved with the ability to fight disease and survive with resiliency.
But the immune system’s ability to respond to disease is often weakened because of cell oxidation, nutritional deficiencies, and an overabundance of toxics in the pet’s environment.
Many holistic veterinarians feel the main reason pets get sick is that something is interfering with the body’s natural power to heal itself.
Exposure to toxins and a diet of processed and nutritionally deficient food are prime suspects. One of the best ways to strengthen the immune system is to ensure that your pet’s nutritional needs are being met – either through a high quality diet or by immune support supplements. To learn more about specific vitamins, minerals and botanicals that support immune health, visit our webpage, Immune Support for Dogs and Cats.
Nutritional Supplements for Sick Dogs and Cats
Nutritional supplements can support the immune system at times of illness. Your vet may prescribe or suggest you use immune support supplements to help with the following problems:
- Infectious disease, such as feline respiratory disease, kennel cough, distemper
- Cancer
- Chronic infections
- Mange
- Unusual listlessness or undefined illness in older pets
Maintaining a Healthy Immune System in Pets
You can help prevent illness in your pets by maintaining a healthy immune system. Follow these steps to counter the effects of inadequate diet and exposure to toxins:
- Feed your dog or cat a natural diet as much as possible. Avoid foods with chemical preservative and animal and plant by-products. When you have the chance, prepare fresh food that includes meats and vegetables.
- Minimize the use of vaccines and antibiotics. Ask your vet to do a blood test to determine necessary vaccines instead of getting annual shots. If your dog or cat requires antibiotics, follow up with a probiotic supplement to replace healthy bacteria the antibiotics destroy.
- Minimize the use of chemicals such as chemical flea protection products and harsh household cleaners
- Provide nutritional supplements specifically for the immune system that contain antioxidants, healing botanicals and/or omega-3 fatty acids.
And as always, exercise your pets and give them plenty of love. Overall fitness and stress levels play a part in maintaining a healthy immune system.Visit HolisticPetInfo.com for information on natural pet products that can improve the health of senior dogs and cats.
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