Understanding Your Dog’s Immune System
Your dog’s immune system supports their health much in the same way our immune systems support our health. We are both born with a fully intact immune system that’s purpose is to be our first line of defense against any virus, bacteria, parasite, and more. The stronger our immune system is, the more likely we can live a healthy life.
Common Factors Affecting Dog Immune Health:
- The environment. From the air quality to the level of stress they experience, the environments your dog is regularly exposed to play a role in their immune health.
- Their diet. Everything your dog eats, from their daily meals to their treats can play a role in their immune system. Adding supplements, like Omega-3s, is one way to give your dog a natural immune booster.
- Their age. While puppies are born with a complete immune system, it can take some time for it to be fully mature. Conversely, as dogs age, their immune system will naturally start to decline. Omega-3s support them throughout their life.
As their main decision maker, outside of being trained to always let them outside when they ask even though they were just out there, we are the ones who have the power to ensure we do everything we can to make good, healthy decisions for our dogs.
When we choose a well-balanced diet and supplements that offer additional support, like Omega-3s, we can make a difference. Listening to and understanding your dog is also important. Some dogs love the car. Others would really rather just chase a ball in the yard. Creating an environment where your dog feels the happiest will help strengthen their immune system, too.
What Are Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are composed of three essential polyunsaturated fats. These fats are not produced by your dog naturally but are vital to their health. Let’s break down what each of the fatty acids does and where it is found.
- EPA stands for eicosapentaenoic acid. EPA is primarily found in fish oils and is known for supporting heart health.
- DHA stands for docosahexaenoic acid. DHA is also primarily found in fish oils and is known for supporting brain health and vision development.
- ALA stands for alpha-linolenic acid. ALA is primarily found in plant-based foods, mainly seeds and oils like flaxseed and chia seeds. In order for your dog to benefit from ALA, it must convert it into EPA and DHA. Studies show that it is approximately 90-95% ineffective. Avoid Omega-3 products that have a high concentration of ALA. They won’t provide the boost to your dog’s immune system that a high concentration of EPA+DHA will provide. It’s why Bernie’s Best is so committed to providing the highest concentration of essential Omega-3s for the best immune support.
How Omega-3s Help with Boosting the Immune System in Dogs
Your dog’s immune system is responsible for more functions in their bodies than we can cover. Let’s dig into some of the most common immune-supporting benefits of giving your dog an Omega-3 supplement like Bernie’s OMG!!! Omegas.
Reduce Inflammation
Many conditions our dogs suffer from create inflammation in their bodies. Degenerative diseases, like arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease, produce an immune response that causes inflammation. Omega-3s added to your dog’s daily diet can help reduce inflammation by delivering a message to their immune system to calm down. A lesser immune reaction means less inflammation.
Not only do Omega-3s deliver a message to your dog’s immune system to calm down, but they also help to prevent the spread of inflammation. It’s a double message to ease up and to slow down, both helping to reduce inflammation.
I noticed both of these with my elderly dog, Onyx. He had many issues that put his immune system to work, from atypical Addison’s disease to inflammatory bowel disease to primary liver cancer diagnosed at age 11 ½. Omega-3s were a constant part of his daily diet from a young age, and I have no doubt that they helped boost his immune system, which in turn helped him manage the inflammation caused by his health issues.
Fight Off Infections
A dog’s immune system is the first line of defense against an infection. The stronger the defense, the less likely the infection will become a real problem. Omega-3s support your dog’s immune system by supporting their white blood cells. Your dog’s white blood cells receive a little boost of energy from Omega-3s that promote the activity of the cells to fight off infections. It’s like creating your own little white blood cell superhero crew.
Onyx showed signs of these benefits during our frequent vet visits to manage his liver cancer. His oncologist was always surprised at how well he was doing. Upon his diagnosis, he was given 6-9 months to live. It wasn’t until 22 months later that we said goodbye. By supporting his immune system with Omega-3s, I believe he lived a much happier and longer life than anyone thought possible. Always consult your own veterinarian for your dog’s health issues. I was fortunate to have wonderful relationships with all of his veterinarians.
Omega-3s play a vital role in supporting your dog’s immune system. From easing chronic conditions to strengthening their natural defenses, daily use of Omega-3s can contribute to a healthier, happier life.
Benefits of Omega-3s Beyond Immunity
A strong immune response is an important part of your dog’s health, but not the only part of their health. Omega-3s go beyond boosting your dog’s immune system in many ways.
The benefits of including Omega-3s in your dog’s diet include:
- Heart health
- Brain function
- Vision development
- Skin and coat health
- Joint health
The ability to support your dog’s health in such a diverse way makes adding Omega-3s to your dog’s diet one of the best decisions for your dog.
Incorporating Omega-3s into Your Dog’s Diet
It’s never too late to begin to support your dog’s immune health. Here are 3 things to remember when considering Omega-3 supplements:
First, quality is important. You want to choose a product that is focused on DHA and EPA. If you compare other products to Bernie’s Best, you’ll find Bernie’s OMG!!! Omegas have a higher concentration of Omega-3s (DHA+EPA).
Second, as with adding anything new to your dog’s diet, you want to take it slowly. Begin with half the recommended serving and slowly increase every couple of days until you reach the full serving.
Third, consider their current food sources and whether there are Omega-3s naturally included. As with any health-supportive product, you will provide the best boost to your dog’s immune system by making Omega-3s a part of your dog’s daily diet.
Adding Omega-3s to your dog’s diet is a simple yet powerful way to improve your dog’s immune system. Whether your dog is young and energetic or a senior needing a little extra care, these essential fatty acids are a great way to provide the best immune support for your dog.
