Pets Have Immune Systems Too

BOULDER, CO, December 24, 2010 (Press-News.org) When a pet gets ill, it can be a stressful, expensive ordeal for a family. What many don't know is that animals can get weakened immune systems and that many of the same approaches used by humans can be applied in order to prevent illness and quicken recovery time for their furry friends.

Animals are equipped with both innate and acquired immune systems that work to ward off both known and foreign invaders to the body. And, just like humans, stress, cold temperatures and injury can weaken animals' immune systems. This is especially important for young animals when building up immune systems, specifically those coming from shelters and puppy mills, which are known for having immune stress that can cause illnesses such as respiratory infections.

Steve Sanderlin, DVM, a Boulder, Colo. veterinarian who is trained in holistic animal practices, recommends the following to keep your companion safe and healthy this winter:

1. Avoid and identify Hypothermia: Even if your pet likes the cold and snow, Sanderlin recommends monitoring the amount of time they are outside during the winter and that pet owners should be on the watch for hypothermia in the nose and paws. Signs of hypothermia in a pet include blue extremities (if they are not covered in fur), shivering and lethargic or disoriented behavior. If you suspect hypothermia, bring your pet to a local animal clinic immediately.

2. Protect them outdoors: Protect your pet's paws in cold conditions. Snow and ice can cause cuts/lacerations, frostbite and painful accumulation on their toes. It is a good idea to either invest in booties for the pet if they are outside during the winter or check their paws for snow and ice each time they come inside. Lacerations and pain can help can weaken your pet's immune system, making them more susceptible to illness during the winter.

3. Probiotic Immune Supplement: Many pets - dogs, cats, rabbits and even horses - respond well to taking the same probiotic immune supplements their humans take. Your veterinarian can tell you the proper dose for supplements such as Del-Immune V that can be put into their food to support their immune system. Del-Immune V is particular helpful when an animal has an ear infection, eye infection, respiratory infection or a skin condition and has been proven to significantly speed up recovery time.

"We have worked with several large and small pet veterinarians all over the country who have reported success in using Del-Immune to support pets' immune systems," said John Sichel, president of Pure Research Products, the makers of Del-Immune V. "From daily health maintenance to support on serious illnesses such as cancer, Del-Immune V has helped speed up recovery time and increase quality of life."

About Del-Immune
Del-Immune V , manufactured by Lyoferm Inc (Indiana) and distributed by Boulder-based Pure Research Products LLC (PRP), is a probiotic-derived nutritional supplement that provides immediate immune system support. Del-Immune represents the culmination of 30 years of research originated by Cold War-era Soviet Bloc scientists and Russian military bio-warfare troop protection programs. PRP obtained exclusive rights to manufacture, distribute and market the unique Lactobacillus rhamnosus (DV strain) from its Russian partners in 2002. Del-Immune V is used by thousands and recommended by doctors around the world. For more information, please visit http://www.del-immune.com.