Furthermore, pregnancy hormones (progesterone and 17β-estradiol) have immune modulatory properties, acting on several immune cells and influencing cytokine production [ 25]. Indeed, it was observed an elevation of serum concentrations of anti-inflammatory IL-4 and IL-10 during early gestation, probably induced by progesterone, a potent inhibitor of pro-inflammatory response. Between 30 and 40 days of gestation, the concentration of anti-inflammatory cytokines decreases as a consequence of high levels of prolactin, which possesses immune regulatory properties. Also, during the third phase of gestation, an increase of IL-10 was again detected, probably mediated by 17β-estradiol. The concentration of inflammatory IL-12A (IL-12p35) remained persistently low throughout canine pregnancy, pointing towards a Th2 polarization of the immune response [ 26]. Another key component of colostrum is transfer factors. These are small molecules that transfer immunity information from one animal to another. In effect, they transfer immunity “memory” that gives your dog instant resistance to a number of diseases. Don’t allow them on the ground in public places – it’s fine to take them out, but make sure you carry them. Older dogs commonly present an impairment of immune responses to novel antigenic challenges, such as infections and vaccines, which probably is related to the reduction of the peripheral pool of naïve T cells and low diversity of the repertoire of T cell receptors [ 95]. Indeed, first-time rabies vaccination of older dogs revealed a significant decrease in antibody titers and an increase of vaccination failure, suggesting that the elderly can compromise the primary response to vaccination [ 106]. Prescription hypoallergenic food trials (similar to an elimination diet) may be advised for 6-8 weeks to feed your dog to test for food allergy or intolerance. These diets can be used for longer-term management if they help to control the itching.

Seeking a veterinary opinion in the early stages of skin disease may help to prevent the signs worsening, avoid suffering and ultimately reduce the amount of treatment required.

Can my puppy meet other dogs after their first vaccination?

Echinacea (purple coneflower) was “discovered” in the late 1800s by a traveling salesman named Joseph Meyer. He learned about it from the Plains Indians while traveling out west. He and researchers have since found it provides excellent immune system support ( 1).

Decaro N., Campolo M., Desario C., Elia G., Martella V., Lorusso E., Buonavoglia C. Maternally-derived antibodies in pups and protection from canine parvovirus infection. Biologicals. 2005; 33:261–267. [ PubMed] [ Google Scholar] weeks Canine parainfluenza virus 5 weeks Inactivated Leptospira interrogans 2 weeks serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae canine parainfluenza type 2 virus strain CPiV-2 Bio 15, Leptospira interrogans serogroup Australis serovar Bratislava strain MSLB 1088, L. interrogans serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae, strain MSLB 1089, L. interrogans serogroup Canicola serovar Canicola strain MSLB 1090, L. kirschneri serogroup Grippotyphosa serovar Grippotyphosa, strain MSLB 1091, Inactivated rabies virus strain SAD Vnukovo-32 Probiotics produce the short-chain fatty acids lactic acid and acetic acid ( 15). These discourage the growth of pathogenic bacteria. This means less chronic inflammation in the body. Reducing chronic inflammation is a big step in disease prevention … including cancer risk. Brown DC, Reetz J. Single agent polysaccharopeptide delays metastases and improves survival in naturally occurring hemangiosarcoma. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:384301. doi:10.1155/2012/384301Colostrum is the clear, yellowish, pre-milk fluid produced from mother’s milk the first 72 hours after birth. It provides both immune and growth factors. And these are essential for the health and development of the newborn. Sohretoglu D, Huang S. Ganoderma lucidum Polysaccharides as An Anti-cancer Agent. Anticancer Agents Med Chem. 2018;18(5):667-674.

About 90% of your dog’s immune system comes from his gut. So probiotics are important in supporting immune health. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria such as bifidobacteria ( 12) and L. acidophilus ( 13). These good bugs compete for space and crowd out the pathogenic bacteria that enter the gut..The recommended dose for dogs is 1/2 ml for every 15 lbs of body weight. Give just before feeding, up to 3 times daily.

Day M.J. Immune system development in the dog and cat. J. Comp. Pathol. 2007; 137:S10–S15. [ PubMed] [ Google Scholar] Overall, maitake protects healthy cells from becoming cancerous. This helps prevent the spread of cancer (metastasis) and slows or stops the growth of tumors. Day M.J. Small animal vaccination: a practical guide for vets in the UK. In Pract. 2017; 39:110–118. [ Google Scholar] Kennel cough – recommended if your dog mixes with a lot of other dogs, or has a health condition that could make kennel cough more serious. It’s usually a requirement if your dog spends time in kennels, doggy day care, has a dog walker, or attends dog events and shows. Kennel cough vaccination should be given each year your dog is at risk.Inactivated Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato: Borrelia garinii, Borrelia afzelii, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto The spleen. This organ is located in the upper left quadrant of the abdomen. It filters and traps antigens directly from the blood stream. Cao QZ, Lin ZB. Antitumor and anti-angiogenic activity of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides peptide. Acta Pharmacologica Sinica. 2004 Jun;25(6):833-838. PMID: 15169641.. Immunoglobulin concentrations in canine mammary secretions are elevated during the first two days post-partum compared with later in lactation, defining this period as the colostral phase in the canine species. Three immunoglobulin classes are present in the canine colostrum (IgA, IgM and IgG), IgE remaining at undetectable concentrations ( Chastant-Maillard et al., 2010).