Additional information on the Immune System

The immune system of dogs and cats is made up of an organ system that defends a dog or cat's body against a multitude of foreign invaders, such as bacteria, viruses, toxins, parasites, and allergens. While the blood and lymph system are often used interchangeably with the immune system, the truth is that more than 70% of your dog or cat's immune system resides in the intestinal tract. Organs of the immune system include the blood, adrenal glands, thymus, lymph nodes, bone marrow, spleen, lungs, liver, skin, and the intestines. The first lines of defense in the body are the intestinal tract, the skin, and the mouth.

The Immune System of dogs and cats basic functions is as follows:

• Identifying and destroying unwanted substances or allergens. The immune system can distinguish between its own cells and tissues or foreign invaders.
• Protecting the body against foreign invaders such as infectious agents (bacteria, viruses etc.), parasites harsh chemicals, toxins, pesticides, and other foreign invaders, and even strong medications, vaccines, and chemotherapeutic drugs.

Included as part of the immune system is a function termed "The Immune Surveillance Theory" - which was described by two distinguished scientists, Lewis Thomas and Nobel Laureate Sir Macfarlane Burnet. In the late 1950s, Burnet, being influenced by Thomas’ work, proposed that newly forming cancer cells produced a new antigenic substance, which the body would attempt to destroy. This theory defined the basic function of the immune system.

For a healthy day-to-day quality of life, it's important to support your dog or cat's immune system by feeding a high quality natural diet, proper supplements to support the organ of the immune system, and avoiding exposure to harsh chemicals and chronic use of strong medications. When your dog or cat's immune system is compromised, you should add to his or her daily diet natural remedies such as our Immune Support Organic Herbal remedy.