The Immune System in Pets
Bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens constantly surround us and our pets. The immune system is responsible for protection against disease and overall well-being.
White blood cells within the immune system are responsible for searching for invasions within the body and eliminating them as quickly as possible. White blood cells, or leukocytes, are divided into the following groups:
- Lymphocytes (B cells and T cells): Destroy foreign bodies and develop memory cells to remember how to combat previous attacks.
- Phagocytes: They essentially ‘consume’ the foreign bodies.
The immune system is also essential for attacking our own ‘bad’ cells. They are responsible for a process known as apoptosis, or cell suicide, to prevent tumors. When the apoptosis ‘switch’ is turned OFF, that’s when cancer begins to develop. It’s the responsibility of the immune system to keep that switch in the ‘ON position’ to maintain homeostasis. If there is an excessive amount of cell death, that’s when autoimmune diseases occur. If there’s not enough, the body becomes the perfect host for cancer.
The Endocannabinoid System & the Immune System
The immune system is a delicate system with the goal of maintaining balance, or homeostasis, in our bodies. Constant communication among our immune system, tissues, and organs is critical. The ECS, or endocannabinoid system, is also responsible for homeostasis and encourages communication among various parts of the body.
Homeostasis is a balance within the body. If your body strays away from its usual, healthy self, it will be rebalanced through a series of mechanisms by the immune system and the endocannabinoid system. Homeostasis keeps everything in the body stable and working as effectively and efficiently as possible.
The ECS is responsible for maintaining physiological homeostasis using various mechanisms including, but not limited to, managing inflammation and maintaining balance within the immune system.
Medicinal Mushrooms and the Immune System
Perhaps even more ancient than hemp, medicinal mushrooms have been utilized for centuries for their immune system benefits. Scientific data has shown mushrooms to be potent immunomodulators due to their beta-glucan content.
Let's explore some of the most powerful mushrooms for supporting your dog's immune system:
Turkey Tail Mushrooms: One of the most well-known immune activators and cancer fighters, Turkey Tail mushrooms boost immune cell production, contain antiviral components, and prevent inflammation, especially of the upper respiratory, urinary, and digestive tracts. MycoDog’s Vitality blend harnesses the power of Turkey Tail to support your dog’s health.
Reishi Mushrooms: Known as the “mushroom of immortality,” Reishi mushrooms have anti-aging properties, inhibit histamine release, induce apoptosis, improve cognitive function, and help to calm stressors. Reishi is featured in MycoDog’s Clarity blend, which supports cognitive health and emotional balance.
Shiitake Mushrooms: Shiitake is an immunomodulator, great liver protectant, provides cardiovascular support, and has potential cancer-fighting properties. It’s part of the Vitality blend, aiding in overall immune support.
Maitake Mushrooms: Maitake shows benefits for lowering blood glucose levels, enhancing immune function, and containing antioxidants. It’s also in the Vitality blend, providing comprehensive immune support.
Chaga Mushrooms: Used for centuries to protect the heart and as an anticancer remedy, Chaga has antibacterial properties and antioxidant effects. It’s another key ingredient in the Vitality blend.
Artist Conk and Red Belted Conk Mushrooms: Both are immunomodulators with anti-inflammatory properties and cancer-fighting potential, supporting liver health and more. These mushrooms are integral to the Vitality blend.
Lion’s Mane Mushrooms: Known for stimulating nerve regeneration and supporting cognitive function, Lion’s Mane is a key ingredient in the Clarity blend, helping to enhance memory and mental clarity.
Combining Hemp & Mushrooms for the Immune System
Combining hemp and medicinal mushrooms provides a powerful, holistic approach to supporting your dog's immune system.
Hemp interacts with the endocannabinoid system, helping to regulate immune responses, reduce inflammation, and promote overall balance in the body. Meanwhile, medicinal mushrooms like Turkey Tail, Reishi, Shiitake, and Maitake contain bioactive compounds including beta-glucans, which are known to enhance immune function, fight infections, and inhibit tumor growth.
Together, hemp and mushrooms offer a synergistic effect, maximizing their individual benefits and providing comprehensive support for your dog's immune health. This combination not only helps to maintain immune system balance but also aids in managing stress, improving gut health, and supporting cellular health.
By integrating these natural plant and fungi into your dog's regimen, you can help ensure your dog’s immune system is robust and resilient. Providing natural ways to support your dog's immune system and boosting overall immune resilience.
Give your furry friend the ultimate health boost with a dynamic combo of Hemp Dog Health's Heal tincture and MycoDog’s Vitality mushroom blend. Combining the benefits of hemp with Vitality’s blend of Turkey Tail, Reishi, Shiitake, Maitake, Chaga, Artist Conk, and Red Belted Conk, with Astragalus Root and Ashwagandha; it’s your canine’s wellness dream team!
Best Mushroom Extract Blend for the Immune System
Our favorite blend of immune-modulating mushroom extracts comes in MycoDog’s Vitality tincture, specially formulated for dogs with autoimmune disease and cancer. We recommend a dose of 1 full dropper twice daily for support or 2 full droppers twice daily for more acute/severe/advanced cases.
While Vitality is our top recommendation for immune support, all of our MycoDog extract blends are formulated to support healthy immune system function. Additionally, rotation of all of our mushroom blends, such as Breathe and Clarity, will ensure your dog gets the “Full Spectrum” effect of medicinal mushroom benefits, as each blend has significant properties unique to each mushroom.
