Baby Pets & Their Immune Systems
A healthy functioning immune system in your baby pet is order to ensure good overall general health. In order to understand how the immune system functions in your baby pet, it is first necessary to understand the general immune system responsibilities and functions.
The Immune System
The main function of the immune system is protection. The immune system is responsible for the identification and destruction of harmful foreign materials. The immune system is broken into two parts based on specific modes of functioning including the innate and adaptive immune systems. There are also two divisions within the adaptive immune system based on particular immune development including active and passive immunity.
Innate Immune System
The innate immune system functions as the first line of defense for your baby pet. The innate immune system is present in nearly all organisms and is non-specific and non-adaptive. This non-specific immunity attempts to block all harmful foreign pathogenic agents and is not capable of adapting. The most common examples of the innate immune system include:
- Skin
- Hydrochloric Acid: Produced by the stomach
- Mucous
- Saliva
- Phagocytes
- Monocytes
- Macrophages
Adaptive Immune System
The adaptive immune system functions as another line of defense for your baby pet. The adaptive immune system is specific to particular foreign agents and is capable of adaptation. Adaptations are possible through exposure to foreign agents. The adaptive immune system is also equipped with memory. This memory storage is used by the immune system to recognize foreign agents that have already presented themselves for quicker and more effective destruction.
Active Immunity
Active immunity is acquired and developed throughout the life of your pet and is generally a long-term effect. Active immunity is typically caused by infection. The infection is destroyed by the immune system and the memory of this particular foreign agent that was cause for the infection is retained for future use. Active immunity can also be obtained through vaccinations. This is why immunizations are critical for your baby pet. There are specific vaccinations for all pets recommended by veterinarians. These vaccinations serve to strengthen the immune system and provide a basis for preventing unnecessary diseases.
Passive Immunity
Passive immunity is acquired not by means of its own development and is typically ?borrowed? as a short term effect. The most common example of passive immunity is the passing of immunity from mother to offspring. The offspring are born with the immunities of the mother, and this immunity continues throughout the beginning months. It is important that your baby pet be allowed to use breastmilk from the mother if at all possible. This milk contains specific antibodies strengthening the immune system while the immune system of your baby pet develops its own capabilities of defense.
Immunity and Nutrient Requirements
The immune system of your baby pet is critical for protection against foreign pathogens. There are specific nutritional requirements for your baby pet to ensure the proper development and maintenance of a healthy immune system. These requirements are typically met through a healthy general diet, but this is not always effective.
In addition to a healthy diet, there are natural supplements available that ensure proper nutritional requirements are met. Immune system requirements vary on the type of pet, as well as genetic and environmental factors. As always, consult your veterinarian about any questions you may have concerning your baby pets health.
References
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&articleid=957
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=1&cat=1352&articleid=956