Pets are more than just animals. For many of us, they are family members and an important part of our lives. In fact, 98% of pet owners consider their pet as part of the family or a close companion1. Our furry and feathered friends can reduce loneliness, give us a sense of purpose and even add to a child’s emotional development. In addition to giving us a lifetime of love, studies suggest that pets can improve our health by lowering our blood pressure and reducing anxiety2.
Just like their human best-friends, our pets need a well-functioning immune system in order to lead a healthy life. The immune system is made up of cells, tissues and organs that work together to protect the body. When the immune system is compromised, infectious organisms, viruses, pathogens and other invaders can slip through the cracks and wreak havoc on our pet’s well being.
When your pet’s immune system isn’t working properly, chronic inflammation can occur. Inflammation can lead to certain heart and liver problems along with Diabetes, osteoarthritis, asthma and even cancer3.
While there is no magic bullet for our pets, just as there is not one for us humans, there are things you can do to naturally support your pet’s immune system.
ENCOURAGE PLAY
Most pets, especially dogs, love to play. Frequent exercise is a wonderful way to strengthen their muscles and keep their body fat and weight in a healthy range. Of course, putting your pet on a treadmill isn’t the type of exercise they’ll enjoy. Pets love to play with their owners and share camaraderie with them. However, not all cats will be active participants in regular playtime. Many felines prefer to play on their own. For those cases, cat trees, scratching posts and even a ball of yarn will help provide a stimulating environment.
Of course, with any exercise regimen, consult your veterinarian first to make sure your pet is healthy enough for any planned physical activity.
MASSAGE YOUR PETS
Many of us unknowingly do this already when we pet and have snuggle time with our animals, but moderate pressure massage could actually be doing their immune system a world of good as well. An article written in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice (vol. 20, issue 4) states that moderate pressure massage in humans contributes to many positive effects, including enhanced immune function. While research isn’t complete with regards to the effects in animals, it isn’t a far reach to think that the same benefits could be felt in our four-legged friends as well. Plus, the power of touch promotes relaxation and happiness in our pets, so why not give it a try? Not to mention that massaging our pets can be relaxing for us, reducing stress and anxiety4.
ADD FISH OIL TO THEIR DIET
While there are many supplements on the market, your pet probably needs just a few to complement their regular diet if you are feeding a high-quality food. One supplement to consider is fish oil. Both dogs and cats can benefit from omega-3 fatty acids which could fight inflammation of the heart, kidneys, skin and joints, resulting in longer lives and increased cardiovascular health5. It may also ease inflammation due to allergies and reduce itchy skin. Another benefit of fish oil is that it promotes a shiny, healthy coat for your pet.
CONSIDER PROBIOTICS FOR HEALTHY GUT SUPPORT
To help support your pet’s gastrointestinal health, probiotics may be used as a boost to their diet. Probiotics are good bacteria that live in your pet’s body and keep a balance of beneficial bacteria, which helps to reduce inflammation and keeps their immune system functioning like it was meant to. There is strong pre-clinical evidence, from in vitro and lab animal studies, suggest probiotics could have significant beneficial effects6. There are a lot of probiotics on the market and not all may be right for your pet. We strongly suggest you talk to your veterinarian to see what is right for your situation.
HI HO SILVER!
Silver, which occurs naturally in mushrooms, whole grains and mammalian milk, has been used for centuries to safeguard human health. In 400 BC, Hippocrates, the father of medicine, taught that silver supports healing processes and in the Middle Ages wealthy families fed their children with silver utensils. That’s where the phrase “born with a silver spoon” actually comes from. NASA even uses silver on the International Space Station to purify water. In recent times, colloidal silver is having its resurgence for immune support* – for humans and animals alike.
You can help to support your pet’s immune health with a daily dose of Sovereign Silver Bio-Active Silver Hydrosol for Pets, an easy and safe* way to add immune support* for your furry and feathered friends. Sovereign Silver ensures the best absorption in a particle size that your pet can naturally and easily process7, making it a modern take on the ancient wisdom of silver.
Dosage amount for Sovereign Silver for Pets is determined by your pet’s weight.
AVOID USING CHEMICAL FLEA TREATMENTS
Pet treatments designed to control flea and ticks usually contain toxic chemicals that can be dangerous to animals and humans alike. There are other ways to control these pests on your cats and dogs like frequent combing, bathing your pet with gentle shampoos and utilizing the above tips to strengthen their immune system, which in turn may lead to your pet being more resistant to fleas. Talk to your veterinarian about other natural ways to control fleas and ticks on your pets.
Keeping your pet healthy and happy is something we all want to do. By introducing these six ways to naturally support your pet’s immune system, you’re taking steps so that your four-legged family member can have a long and healthy future ahead of them.
References:
- US Pet Ownership & Demographics Sourcebook, American Veterinary Medical Association, 2012
- Beetz, A. et al., “Psychosocial and Psychophysiological Effects of Human-Animal Interactions: The Possible Role of Oxytocin.” Frontiers in Psychology 3 (2012): 234. PMC. Web. 11 June 2018.
- Tudor, K. “Natural Ways to Improve Your Dog’s Immune System” https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/natural-ways-improve-your-dogs-immune-system (accessed 6/19/18)
- Slupe, J.L. et al., “Association of Body Weight and Body Condition with Survival in Dogs with Heart Failure.” Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine (2008), 22: 561–565. doi: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.2008.0071.x
- LeBlanc CJ1, et al (2008) “Effects of dietary supplementation with fish oil on in vivo production of inflammatory mediators in clinically normal dogs.” Am J Vet Res. (2008) Apr;69(4):486-93. doi: 10.2460/ajvr.69.4.486.
- McKenzie, B. “Probiotics and today’s pets.” https://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/probiotics-todays-pets/ (accessed 6/11/18)
- Wilding, L.A., et al., Repeated dose (28-day) administration of silver nanoparticles of varied size and coating does not significantly alter the indigenous murine of gut microbiome. Nanotoxicology, 2016. 10(5): p. 513-20.