Autoimmune Disease in Dogs

Autoimmune disease in dogs occurs when one or more components of the dog's immune system becomes overactive and the ability of the immune system to distinguish between "self" and "foreign" is lost. This page looks at the common causes and symptoms of canine autoimmune diseases, as well as using natural remedies such as herbs and supplements to help dogs with autoimmune diseases.

To understand autoimmune disease in dogs, first we should have a general understanding of what the immune system is and how it works.

The immune system is a marvelous yet complex composition of white blood cells, antibodies, and other substances, all of which cooperate in an interdependent effort to fight off infections and reject foreign proteins. It is an army patrolling and guarding the body from "invasions" by foreign substances.

Different body organs and tissues play different roles in this self defence effort. For example, the liver and kidneys are responsible for filtering toxins and waste from the blood. The skin is the first line of defence against bacteria and other environmental threats. The blood carries antibodies, oxygen and nutrients to where they are needed to fight against invasions. After fighting, the spleen filters the blood and traps those remaining foreign bodies not killed by the body's army. The lymphatic system cleanses and nourishes cells and tissues and transport the "immune army" to those parts of the body that cannot be reached effectively by the blood.

This page focuses on the following:

What is Autoimmune Disease?
What are the Causes?
What are the Symptoms of Canine Autoimmune Disease?
Prevention of Dog Autoimmune Disease
Natural Remedies for Canine Autoimmune Disease

What is Autoimmune Disease in Dogs?

Canine autoimmune disease occurs when one or more components of the dog's immune system becomes overactive and the ability of the immune system to distinguish between "self" and "foreign" is lost. That is, the system cannot tell whether some proteins are part of the dog's body tissue or organ, or whether they are from the outside. As a result, "mistakes" occur - the immune system produces antibodies that attack and destroy the body's cells and organs, instead of producing antibodies to defend the body against foreign proteins such as bacteria and viruses.

Autoimmune disease may be restricted to a single organ or region or the whole animal.

Some examples of autoimmune disease in dogs resulting from an overactive immune system are:

Autoimmune diseases of the skin such as Pemphigus Vulgaris
Addison's disease
Canine inflammatory bowel disease
Canine systemic lupus
Rheumatoid arthritis
Allergies (a hypersensitive immune system)

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Causes of Autoimmune Disease in Dogs

The exact causes of autoimmune disease in dogs are not known, but many holistic veterinarians believe the following are likely culprits:

Overuse of vaccines, antibiotics, and steroid drugs
Environmental pollutants
Food preservatives such as ethoxyquin
Chemicals found in pesticides, chemical flea and tick treatments, etc.

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Symptoms of Autoimmune Disease in Dogs

Autoimmune disease has multiple symptoms depending on the organs and/or body systems that are being targeted. Diagnosis is difficult since most of the symptoms tend to mimic other conditions. If you suspect that your dog is suffering from some type of immune-mediated disease, be sure to see a vet for a proper examination.

Some of the symptoms in dogs, reported prior to diagnosis, include:

Diarrhea with or without blood
Lethargy and depression
Weakness and intolerance to exercise
Skin lesions and ulceration
Nasal, oral, and anal lesions
Stiff joints and lameness
Anemia
Seizures
Loss of appetite
Body odor
Weight gain (if thyroid is affected)

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Prevention of Autoimmune Disease in Dogs

Holistic veterinarians believe that the key to a strong immune system and hence autoimmune disease prevention is a natural, nutritious diet, together with herbs and other natural supplements that can support or balance the immune system. Some essential supplements that are effective and should be part of every dog's daily diet include:

Essential Fatty Acids

EFAs are beneficial not only to the skin but also the gut. Since the skin and the digestive system are the first line of defense for the immune system, adequate supplementation of EFAs is vital to help dogs with autoimmune diseases.

Digestive Enzymes and Probiotics

These supplements (digestive enzymes and probiotics) are essential in that they help with food digestion and absorption. Moreover, probiotics are vital in keeping the digestive system strong by maintaining a healthy balance of gut microflora.

At the same time, eliminating stress from our dog's life is also important as stress can weaken the immune system. Similarly, removing toxins and pollutants from our environment is equally important in the prevention of autoimmune disease in dogs.

Many holistic veterinarians have experienced the amazing recovery of many dog patients without further intervention once the foundations of diet, exercise, minimal exposure to toxins and stress have been addressed.

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Natural Remedies for Autoimmune Disease in Dogs

Although prevention is better than cure, some dogs are just too weak after being sick for a long time: they badly need some assistance to help their immune systems which have gone haywire to be functioning and well-balanced again. To this end, natural remedies such as herbs, vitamins, and other natural supplements can be used. Natural supplements have been proven to be safer and more effective than conventional medication.

However, one thing to bear in mind is, before using natural supplements that can affect the immune system, we need to have a proper diagnosis of the immune-related problem.

For many autoimmune disorders resulting from an overactive immune system, instead of using herbs or supplements to stimulate the immune system further, supplements should be used to calm or balance the system.

Plant Sterols and Sterolins for Autoimmune Disease in Dogs

Useful natural supplements for autoimmune disease in dogs are plant sterols and sterolins, which are natural substances found in all fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. These plant nutrients have many unique health benefits and can calm an overactive immune system.

An Effective Remedy to Balance the Immune System
Only Natural Pet Immune Balance Liquid Herbal Remedy

This remedy contains plant sterols and sterolins and is extremely effective in moderating an overactive immune system.

Antioxidants for Autoimmune Disease in Dogs

Antioxidants help strengthen the immune system because they are free radical scavengers. They help reduce oxidative stress without directly stimulating an immune response. Specific antioxidants that are effective against the effects of some autoimmune diseases include alpha-lipoic acid, coenzyme Q10, green tea, and systemic enzymes.

An Antioxidant Blend for the Immune System
Only Natural Pet Whole Food Antioxidant Blend for Dogs

This compound contains a combination of various powerful and effective antioxidants such as alpha-lipoic acid, herbal extracts of turmeric, milk thistle, and green tea, as well as extracts of fruits rich in antioxidant properties such as acai, raspberry and black cherry.