It’s a common belief that a weaker immune system leads to a higher risk of diseases; however, did you know that an overly strong immune response can actually attack healthy cells, mistaking them for invaders and triggering autoimmune diseases such as lupus and autoimmune hemolytic anemia?
Therefore, aiming for a ‘stronger’ immune system is not the pathway to health; maintaining a balanced immune system is crucial. This article will guide you through nurturing and maintaining an immune balance for your pets.
Pet Immune System Development
Building a strong constitution starts from birth! The early months can be roughly divided into the neonatal period, weaning period, and growth period, each requiring different immune-nurturing approaches.
Neonatal Period (First 3 weeks)
Newborn pets usually stay close to their mother, primarily feeding on breast milk rich in antibodies crucial for healthy growth. Ideally, allowing pets to consume mother’s milk is best. However, for adopted pets without a mother, formula milk closely resembling mother’s milk is also a good option.
Weaning Period (4-8 weeks)
During the weaning period, pets gradually lose the antibody protection from their mother’s milk. Given that their immune system is not yet mature, leading to an “immune window period”, they are at a higher risk of infection. It’s not recommended to vaccinate during this period as their bodies are still too fragile to handle live vaccines. Moreover, their bodies might still have a significant amount of antibodies that could neutralize the vaccine-induced antibodies. Instead, ensure the pets get plenty of sleep and easy-to-digest food while their immunity matures naturally.
Growth Period (2-4 months)
As pets enter a rapid growth phase, discuss the appropriate timing for vaccinations with a veterinarian. To maintain a healthy immune condition post-vaccination, considering nutritional supplements like low molecular weight fucoidan, vitamins C and E, or probiotics with your vet is advisable.
*For pets that are adopted midway, a comprehensive vaccination after veterinary examination and diagnosis can help to establish or strengthen the body’s immunity.
Causes of Immune Imbalance and Methods to Maintain Balance
Before preventing immune imbalance, it’s essential to understand its causes. Besides genetic factors, three common reasons include:
- Unbalanced Nutrition: A lack of dietary variety can lead to nutritional deficiencies and immune dysfunction.
- Insufficient Sleep: The inability of the body to repair through sleep can lead to decreased immunity and increased infection risk.
- Lack of Exercise: Decreased metabolism and muscle mass, along with accumulated stress, can ultimately lead to immune imbalance.
Besides avoiding unbalanced nutrition, inadequate sleep, and insufficient exercise, the following methods can help maintain a healthy immune system and prevent serious diseases:
- Regular Vaccination and Deworming: Vaccinations and deworming can effectively prevent pets from falling ill and maintain immunity.
- Maintaining a Clean Environment: A clean environment reduces the chances of bacteria and insects, providing a safe sleeping space for pets.
- Supplementing with Health Products: For older pets or those with inherent immune issues, discussing suitable health supplements with a trusted veterinarian is advised. Examples include health products containing low molecular weight fucoidan, lactoferrin, and probiotics.
