How Does A Dog’s Immune System Work?

Feb 14, 2023 | Pet Health, Pets

Happy Wednesday everyone!  Today on the blog we are answering questions on How Does A Dog’s Immune System Work?  I found this topic particularly interesting because every time I would take Jake And Maggie to their yearly exams, my vet would ask me if I give them Vitamin C.  I had never really thought much about it until he explained all the health benefits.

 
Vitamin C is an important antioxidant for dogs that can help reduce potentially harmful free radicals in your pet’s body, support healthy aging, and reduce inflammation. Vitamin C can also support your dog’s immune system, improve energy, and provide relief to dogs who suffer from UTIs.
 

Maggie's Day Out With Me Running Errands

The first picture shows Maggie listening to me tell her what our plans were for that day.  We went to Lowe’s to buy paint and walk around.  Then home to play in the yard.  Maggie loves going for rides in the car while her brother Jake loves to stay home.  

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HOW DOES A DOG’S IMMUNE SYSTEM WORK?
 
A dog’s immune system is made up of red blood cells, white blood cells, antibodies, as well as organs, glands, and other tissues that support it.
 
The immune system protects against bacteria, fungi, and toxins to keep your dog healthy. In short, any time the body detects anything that’s not its own, it triggers a response to send white blood cells to engulf and defeat the disease-causing germ.
 
Your dog’s immune system also has a pretty good way of remembering all the germs it has encountered in the past, so once it faces it again, it can defeat it more quickly.
 
WHAT CAUSES A DOG’S IMMUNE SYSTEM TO ATTACK ITSELF?
 
After certain viruses or infections, the body can mistake healthy cells for dangerous ones and launch an attack against them.
 
High stress of a body part due to injury can trigger an autoimmune response like inflammation.
 
Although the specifics are still being tested, scientists understand that there’s a genetic component to developing an autoimmune disorder.
 
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WHAT CAUSES A DOG’S IMMUNE SYSTEM TO WEAKEN?
 
Dogs with weakened immune systems will get frequent viruses or infections, have poor growth, and may be lethargic and lack an appetite.
 
A weakened immune system can be caused by:
 
A congenital immunodeficiency disorder (being born with it)
 
An experience with a severe virus or infection
 
Allergies
 
Poor nutrition – While there are certain circumstances where the condition is hereditary and can’t be prevented, the good news is that more often than not, there are things you can do to help boost your dog’s immune system and prevent it from weakening.
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THE MOST COMMON AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES IN DOGS:
 
1. Hypothyroidism
2. Lupus
3. Immune-Mediated Polyarthritis (IMPA)
4. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
5. Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA)
6. Immune-Mediated Thrombocytopenia (IMT)
7. Diabetes
8. Myasthenia Gravis
9. Rheumatoid Arthritis
10. Addison’s Disease (Hypoadrenocorticism)
11. Bullous Autoimmune Skin Diseases
12. Periodontal disease
 
CAUSES OF AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE IN DOGS:
 
1. Leaky Gut Syndrome
2. Environment
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HOW DO YOU BUILD A DOG’S IMMUNE SYSTEM?
 
1. Get Active
 
Keeping your dog fit and active improves just about every area of health, including the immune system!
 
Physical activity gets rid of excess fat, which controls inflammatory hormones that are detrimental to immune health.
 
2. Make sure their diet is nutritious
 
Feed a whole food, raw meat diet with quality proteins and healthy fats. Include fruits and vegetables, organically grown if possible, for antioxidants. 
 
Add probiotics to balance the beneficial bacteria in your dog’s microbiome and maintain a healthy immune response.
 
Include foods that support immunity, like medicinal mushrooms for dogs and omega-3 fatty acids. 
 
Use inflammation-reducing add-ins like turmeric and ginger.
 
Limit your dog’s exposure to chemicals and toxins. Minimize medications, avoid pesticides and chemical products in your home and yard.
 
3. Give your pup the right vitamins
 
Biotics (to support the gut)
Taurine
Digestive enzymes
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I’m a big believer in us taking our vitamins and I take comfort in giving Jake And Maggie probiotics and the right vitamins to keep them healthy.  I hope you enjoyed this post.  If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask.  I hope everyone enjoyed Valentine’s Day and have some fun plans for the rest of the month.   To celebrate February and Valentine’s Day, I’m giving away a free 4 oz tin candle with 1 purchase of our 8 oz tin candle in a scent of your choice.  I’m also offering free shipping on all domestic orders.  When you place your order, I will fill it and include the 4 oz tin with your order.  Check out our store at https://twoadorablelabs.com/our-shop/
 
Stay tuned for next week’s post on Jake’s surgeries, our trip to Columbus, and an update on our store!
 
References:
 
 

I’m Bobbi Jo, a lab-lover who took my passion for animals and dogs and turned it into something bigger.  When I adopted Jake and Maggie, my love for them became the driving force behind Two Adorable Labs, and my blog was born.  My hope is to not only share them with the world, but to help educate others on the importance of animal health and well-being. 

I love hearing from all of you and do my best to respond to each and every one of you.  I always enjoy your comments, feedback, and suggestions so keep them coming!  If I’ve posted a recipe (for our human and our furry friends) and you try it, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @twoadorablelabs and use #twoadorablelabs​.

If you do try and love my recipes, I would greatly appreciate a comment and rating.  I read every single one and respond to them.  It also lets Google know that the website contains quality content.  The more comments and 5-star ratings, the more Google will show my blog in search results!  Thank you so much! 

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Our mom loves cooking for us and our dad so much that she started a brand new food blog called www.magnoliadelights.com.  

Jump over and check it out!

Love, Jake and Maggie

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