Strengthen Your Dog or Cat’s Immune System: Key Tips and Products

From birth, our pets face pathogens that can put their health at risk. The best thing for our dogs and cats is for their immune system to be as strong as possible, and we can help them with that...

Why is the immune system so important?

The immune system is the body’s most effective defence weapon. It is made up of cells, proteins and specific molecules that work to protect our pet from external agents (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites). The immune system is so precise and effective that its defensive action takes place at 3 different levels.

The immune system is influenced by different factors such as age, genetics, stress, nutrition and environment.

A weakened immune system makes our dog or cat more likely to catch illnesses or suffer infectious processes. A strong immune system speeds up our pet’s recovery.

If, as our pets’ best friends, we understand the factors that affect their defence system and work on them, we will be able to strengthen our furry friends’ immune system.

Levels of defence

Our pet’s immune system has 3 levels of defence or immune response:

1. Physical barrier: this includes the skin, mucous membranes (and their secretions), saliva and gastric pH. It is the first line or barrier that a pathogen encounters when trying to enter the body. If this pathogen gets past this barrier, the second level of defence is activated: innate immunity.
2. Innate immunity: this responds quickly and protects in a non-specific way (whether it recognises the pathogen or not). If this is insufficient, the third level of defence is activated: adaptive immunity.
3. Adaptive immunity: this generates a more specific response, as it recognises the pathogen. It is the one that creates long-term memory.

Improve their defences, improve their health

Expert pharmacy recommendation

To protect our pets, the greatest gift we can give them is to provide active ingredients in the form of vitamins and minerals that stimulate their immune system, keeping it alert and active to attack any pathogen that appears, which translates into better health for our dog or cat.

To strengthen our pet’s health, a food supplement is essential to help keep not only their immune system active, but also their intestinal mucosa in perfect condition so it can continue performing its defensive role. That is why we recommend Impromune, with formulas designed to improve our pet’s defensive response:

• Impromune tablets: Strengthens the immune system and the body’s response in dogs and cats, increasing the innate and adaptive immune response. With nucleotides and probiotics. It is available in packs of 20, 40 and 200 tablets. How to take it: 1/2 tablet for <10kg; 1 tablet for 10-25kg; 2 tablets for <26kg.
• Impromune paste: Supports the health of dogs and cats by activating their immune system and improving the immune response. With nucleotides and probiotics. It is applied with a syringe in a single dose, preferably with food. It has a very pleasant flavour. How to take it: 2ml for <10kg; 4ml for 10-25kg; 8ml for <26kg.

Other tips for a healthy, strong immune system

• Diet and nutrition: foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals are very beneficial.
• Regular physical exercise: it is good not only for their physical health, it also has a major impact on the condition of the immune system and its response. Physical exercise reduces stress in our pets and causes endorphins to be released, hormones that stimulate the immune system.
• Reduce stress: establish routines (feeding, sleep, walks), play with them, make sure they get regular exercise, ensure they sleep and rest well, and create a calm and safe environment for your pet.
• Show them affection, and spend quality time with them.
• Vet visits and vaccinations: veterinary check-ups are essential for our friend’s wellbeing and health, so any problem can be detected and treated in time. Vaccinations are also essential, as they help prevent illness.

Helping the immune system stay strong will help your dog or cat live longer and enjoy a better quality of life. It is all in our hands: affection, love, care, good nutrition, veterinary check-ups, vaccinations and food supplements... everything to make sure we can keep enjoying life together!