Cat & Dog - Immune Boosters

What are immune boosters?

Immune stimulants, or immunostimulants, are herbs or neutraceuticals (nutritional supplements) that have a beneficial effect on the body’s ability to fight infection, disease and injury.

For serious infections, conventional treatment is always warranted, but for resistant infections, recurrent infections or vulnerability to infections, immune boosters can be very helpful.

They include herbal therapy, dietary modification and supplements. Acupuncture is also a valuable therapy. There are many immune boosters available, here are just some to consider.

Herbs

Echinacea from the daisy-like purple cornflower, has been used in healing for centuries. It has nine different species, but a blend containing E. purpurea herb and E. angustifolia root is considered to be most effective. It has non specific immune supporting properties. The plant is available as tincture, herb, liquid, capsule or tablet form. It is especially used for respiratory infections and for helping to fight infections in the bladder, lung and wounds in the skin.

Goldenseal, Hydrastis canadensis has strong antimicrobial properties particularly for gastrointestinal infections. Its root has long been used to sooth mucous membranes and promote general healing. Like echinacea, it is available in many treatment forms. Its effects are for general immune support, sinusitis, mouth ulceration, inflammatory bowel conditions and eye infections.

Licorice, Glycyrrhiza glabra has antiviral activity and reduces the bad effects of stress.

Ginseng, Panax ginseng can also reduce the effects of stress and therefore vulnerability to infections.

Astragalus membranaceus is a herb that can be used to enhance the immune system as well as to prevent the recurrence of chronic infections. Several mushrooms contain polysaccharides that improve immune function. Reishi, Ganoderma lucidium, shitake, Lentinus edodes and maitake, Grifola frondosa strengthen the immune system and help resist infections due to their anti-microbial properties.

Dietary modifications

Improving the plane of nutrition is essential to improve immunity. Adding fresh foods that are full of antioxidants and phytochemicals can make a difference to overall health. A higher protein diet can assist with improving the immune system. Supplements can also improve immunity.

Supplements

Bioflavinoids, also known as proanthocyanadins, flavinoids and pycnogenols are a large group of plant derived compounds found commonly in herbs and known to enhance immunity, reduce inflammation and act as antioxidants. They are often used as part of a natural anti-tumour regime. Herbal formulas are ideal, or extracts from plants in powder or capsule form can be added to food.

Dimethylglycine, or DMG, is known as a ‘metabolic enhancer’. It has been used over the last 20 years, without much scientific support, in the equine and small animal field in seizure management, respiratory and allergic conditions and long-term inflammation such as chronic gingivitis in the cat.

Co-enzyme Q10, is a metabolic cofactor essential to energy metabolism in the body. As such it has been used most extensively for cardiac support in conditions such as cardiomyopathy and chronic heart failure in dogs and cats. Other uses include chronic periodontal disease in cats, reduced vitality in older animals and immune problems.

Vitamin A, retinol, is essential to the eye (cataracts, glaucoma and conjunctivitis), integrity of mucous membranes such as the surface of the eye and has immune-enhancing effects. Although potentially toxic in excess, it can help boost immunity. Liver and liver treats are a good source of natural vitamin A, and other products are available.

Vitamin C, ascorbic acid, is essential to connective tissue and cartilage function, the body’s production of steroids, iron absorption and general immunity. Favoured forms of the vitamin are sodium ascorbate and Ester-C. For immune-boosting, dose at 50-200mg per kg. An excess of the vitamin can cause a temporary diarrhoea.

Vitamin E, tocopherol, supports internal membranes such as red blood cells, heart, liver, fat and brain tissue. It is a potent antioxidant. Vitamin E has a beneficial effect on skin health, too. For immune boosting effects, dose at 10-20 mg per kg bodyweight daily.

Please note that vitamins A and E can be toxic if used at moderate to high dose over long periods (months). Only use these or any of the products mentioned in this handout under veterinary advice.

Acupuncture

A course of acupuncture to stimulate immunity and general wellbeing can be very beneficial where healing and disease resistance needs to be enhanced. Talk to the practice about a referral to one of their recommended veterinary acupuncturist colleagues.

Sources

We can guide you in choosing effective and reputable products. A prescription is not needed for any of the supplements mentioned. Please do talk to one of our vets.