Colostrum for Dogs: How It Boosts Your Pet’s Immune System
You may have heard that many people use colostrum for dogs to help their puppies who suffer from allergies. But what are its specific functions?
When animals (including humans and our pets) give birth, their mothers produce milk that contains colostrum. It is crucial because it stimulates the newborn’s immune system and provides essential nutrients for survival in the early stages of life and beyond.
Colostrum has a lot of benefits that are hard to ignore. Because of that, we’ve compiled a list of some reasons to persuade you to feed your dog colostrum.
Table of Contents
- What Is Colostrum?
- Growth Factors
- What Are the Benefits of Colostrum for Dogs?
- How Much Colostrum to Give to Your Dog?
- The Takeaway
- Nutrition Strength Pure Bovine Colostrum for Dogs
Check out our Nutrition Strength Pure Bovine Colostrum for Dogs here.
What Is Colostrum?
Colostrum is an antibody-rich fluid produced by the mother’s mammary glands during the first few days following delivery. Colostrum contains numerous growth hormones and other compounds, such as lactoferrin, for newborns. These antibodies may be absorbed whole by young animals, providing immunity and protection against certain illnesses for several weeks.
Even though older animals can absorb antibodies like younger animals, colostrum may have a local anti-inflammatory effect in the gastrointestinal tract or on surface of the skin.
Colostrum can also boost the efficiency of some immunizations, improve the immunological response to some viruses, promote gut microbiota, improve bone and muscle function in older animals, and treat periodontal disease in dogs and cats as a supportive treatment. The most prevalent source is bovine (cow) colostrum.
Roles of Canine Colostrum
The use of bovine colostrum as a nutritional supplement has a long history, notably in the Indian Ayurvedic tradition. Over the last two decades, interest in colostrum as a nutritional supplement or therapy for medical disorders has grown. One of the general causes is that technological advancements have increased the ability to manage and store it.
Bovine colostrum contains over 250 paramount compounds. They include simple dietary components like protein, lipids, vitamins, and minerals. Lactoferrin, growth factors and immunoglobulins are among the most complex compounds in dog colostrum.
Immunoglobulins
Colostrum contains immunoglobulins (also called antibodies). It improves immunity with IgG, IgM, and IgA.
IgG antibodies provide passive immunity to pups and young animals. That shields them from harm until their immune systems mature. IgG antibodies can neutralize viruses. IgG antibodies can also combat germs and chronic illnesses that have been present for a long time.
The first antibodies produced by babies are IgM antibodies. They activate the immune system’s complement cascade. Some bacteria have developed surfaces to which complement proteins are unable to attach. IgM antibodies can adhere to practically any surface that the pathogen throws its way.
That aids the complement proteins in their attachment to and destruction of the invaders. Antibodies of the type IgM are also the first line of defense against viruses.
Another essential family of antibodies is IgA. Your dog produces this antibody in increasing proportions than any other antibody. In the digestive system, IgA antibodies create a lining. Their role is to prevent germs and viruses from entering the body by coating them in the digestive system.
Foreign invaders will frequently escape the digestive tract if dogs do not have adequate IgA antibodies. Chronic diarrhea and intestinal inflammation will result as a result of this. Alternatively, they can enter the bloodstream and induce allergic symptoms and chronic organ inflammation. As a consequence, dogs must have sufficient IgA reserves in their bodies.
Growth Factors
Growth factors in colostrum encourage the formation and repair of the gut lining in dogs. Development factors also provide other advantages, such as stimulating cell growth and repairing muscles, joints, and bones.
- Lactoferrin has antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic properties that are significant for its functions. It aids in the elimination of microorganisms that cause inflammation. It has anti-tumour properties as well. According to recent researches, it’s also more effective than doxycycline in treating Lyme disease.
- Proline-rich polypeptides (PRP) stimulate or control overactive immune systems, regulate thymus and immunological function. They aid the body’s response to foreign invaders such as germs, poisons, and allergies.
- Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is part of joint supplements. It’s a micronutrient that aids in the healing of wounds. It can help to keep cartilage healthy and relieve discomfort. MSM is also used to treat cancer. In experiments, it decreased the size of breast cancer tumors. It also aided in the treatment of prostate and liver malignancies.
As you can see, one of the colostrum’s key advantages is its capacity to control your dog’s immune system. But first, let’s look at the additional benefits of bovine colostrum for dogs.
What Are the Benefits of Colostrum for Dogs?
Colostrum’s immune-boosting properties have been thoroughly explored, particularly in puppy and human-newborn populations. These effects are now widely employed in adult dog populations.
Not only may colostrum protect against the canine flu, but it can also defend against other viral illnesses. That is due to its high concentration of antiviral immunoglobulins. Colostrum aids in the prevention and treatment of viral infections like kennel cough, Lyme disease, Leptospirosis, and canine parvovirus.
Colostrum is essential to your dog for a variety of reasons. So, let’s make a list of colostrum benefits for dogs.
Allergies
Allergies are the outcome of an immune system that is hyperactive. Colostrum’s PRPs aid to regulate this reaction. Colostrum also helps in the management of inflammation in your dog, which causes rashes, itching, and pain.
Colostrum assists in the regulation of leaky gut in dogs, which is a common cause of allergic reactions. That means colostrum for dogs with allergies is essential for them.
Leaky Gut
When your dog’s gut lining is injured, it causes a leaky gut. That might be due to drugs or other toxins in its surroundings. Undigested food particles can enter through the lining and into the bloodstream if it is damaged. Allergies, stomach difficulties, and arthritis are all possible side effects of these invaders.
Colostrum aids in the healing of the leaky gut. Lactoferrin plays a crucial part in this. It reduces inflammation and functions as a prebiotic to “feed” good bacteria in the stomach.
Diarrhea
Colostrum can also aid with diarrhea, which should come as no surprise. It helps with a variety of diarrhea types. That encompasses both chronic and acute diarrhea, as well as infectious diarrhea. Colostrum might also be beneficial to your puppy litter. Colostrum increased the fecal quality of weaned pups, according to 2004 research.
Oral Health
In small animal patients, periodontal disease is a common veterinary concern. It’s more common in small dogs and frequently results in tooth loss. The majority of traditional veterinarians advise having your teeth cleaned under anesthetic regularly.
That’s a hazardous proposition, and many dog owners are understandably wary. Some vets believe taking colostrum might help reduce the bacteria that cause gum disease. Colostrum contains growth factors that may help to restore damaged tissue.
Gut Damage from Drugs
Have you given your dog any medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) or antibiotics? There are a host of undesirable side effects associated with these drugs. They can also harm your dog’s digestive health in the long run, leading to a leaky gut.
Colostrum has been shown in several trials to aid in the healing of intestinal damage caused by pharmaceutical medications. If your dog ever requires conventional supplements in an emergency, keep colostrum in mind.
Aging
Everyone wants their dogs to have a long and happy life. According to a study, colostrum offers anti-ageing benefits in dogs in some ways. It can assist elderly dogs in retaining lean muscle mass and bone density.
As your dog gets older, this might mean improved mobility and strength. Colostrum also aids in workout recovery and reduces oxidative stress. It may also help to prevent cognitive deterioration, according to research.
Autoimmune Disease
Autoimmune illness is becoming increasingly common in dogs, just as it is in people. Overvaccination, a leaky gut, and exposure to environmental chemicals are just a few causes. Colostrum’s PRPs aid in the regulation of a hyperactive immune system. Growth factors, on the other hand, reduce inflammation.
Both of these factors have a role in lowering the chance of developing an autoimmune illness. Lactoferrin and immunoglobulins also aid by restricting germs and viruses. Autoimmune diseases can be triggered or aggravated by certain infections.
Yeast
Many dogs suffer from yeast-related itching, odor, and discomfort. Lactoferrin and lactoferrin peptides exhibit potent antifungal properties. Along with its immune-boosting effects, colostrum can aid in the treatment of your dog’s persistent yeast infection.
Cancer
Colostrum contains immunoglobulins, which boost your dog’s immune system. They also aid in the battle against viral and bacterial illnesses. Lactoferrin’s anti-inflammatory properties might help in the treatment and prevention of cancer.
Furthermore, the cytokines included in colostrum can aid the body’s fight against cancer by activating white blood cells that can detect and kill cancer cells. Lactalbumin is a unique protein found in colostrum. That is because it encourages apoptosis (cell death) while allowing healthy cells to thrive.
Joint Issues and Arthritis
Controlling your dog’s joint discomfort or arthritis begins with addressing leaky gut and inflammation. On the other hand, colostrum is high in growth factors that help joint tissue recovery. In addition, the MSM in colostrum can help pain management and inflammation. MSM is also necessary for cartilage maintenance.
Respiratory Disease
In veterinary medicine, upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) is one of the most frequent infectious illness syndromes. Bovine colostrum might be helpful as a URTI preventive, especially if administered to animals before and during boarding or other “stressful” situations involving contact with sick animals.
There have been no clinical trials in dogs to address this issue specifically. But in some dogs, there is a link between bovine colostrum supplementation and decreased clinical or subclinical URTI.
The direct action of colostral antimicrobial substances like lactoferrin might be the mechanism of action for this disease-sparing effect. At least, bovine lactoferrin exhibits antiviral properties against feline and canine herpesviruses and caliciviruses.
Alternatively, or in addition, disease-sparing might be the consequence of colostral elements working together to promote or enhance immune function. Increased antibody responses to canine distemper vaccination in bovine colostrum-supplemented dogs vs non-supplemented controls support this statement.
Human literature, particularly that relating to UTRI in athletes, backs up the idea of immunological boosting and points to bovine colostrum as a source of enhanced salivary IgA levels. Importantly, human research suggests that once an animal has a clinical respiratory illness, bovine colostrum may have minimal benefit; hence, the timing of bovine colostrum feeding may be crucial to see a desirable impact.
Skin Problems
Colostrum can be used topically to aid skin restoration and wound healing. Its antibacterial properties may also help in the treatment of skin infections. To treat skin infections, wounds (including surgical wounds), bug bites, abscesses, hot spots, rashes, ear infections, and cysts, make a paste of powdered colostrum and distilled water.
Colostrum for Lyme Disease
Lactoferrin, a milk protein present in colostrum, has been proven to aid in the treatment of Lyme disease in recent research. The survey suggests it to be more effective than the medication doxycycline, the standard treatment for Lyme disease.
The concentration of 80 µg/ml is the most effective. What is the lactoferrin content in colostrum? According to studies, lactoferrin concentrations in colostrum range from 1.5 to 5 mg / mL. The 80 µg / mL effective concentration is converted to 0.08mg / mL. Lactoferrin concentrations are high in colostrum.
If your dog is showing signs of Lyme disease, colostrum is a low-cost, safe supplement that can help your dog battle this persistent bacterial illness.
How Much Colostrum to Give to Your Dog?
A puppy colostrum supplement is often taken orally as a powder or pill. It works best on an empty stomach rather than with meals. To offer it to your dog, you may need to combine it with a broth or plain unsweetened yoghurt.
If using a powder, take 1/16 teaspoon per 25 pounds of body weight once or twice a day. If your colostrum is in capsule form, offer small dogs one cap per day. You can give two caps each day to medium to large dogs.
As you can see, colostrum can benefit your dog with many health issues. Because of its moderate flavor, it is affordable and easy to administer.
There is no need to keep an eye on your pet while it takes this medicine. Your veterinarian may monitor your pet and control the colostrum dosage for dogs to ensure that the drug works appropriately.
The Takeaway
Canine colostrum is a secretion with a unique composition tailored to satisfy the needs of puppies, such as providing passive immunity, energy, and some components necessary for organ growth and differentiation.
The amount of colostrum given to a litter’s puppies may be a limiting factor in their survival. It is yet to be determined how maternal diet affects the quantity and quality of colostrum produced.
Assembling a colostrum supplement for dogs that can provide both immunological and energetic support against canine illnesses would be a huge step forward in minimizing puppy-neonatal mortality from a practical viewpoint.
Nutrition Strength Pure Bovine Colostrum for Dogs
Check out our Nutrition Strength Pure Bovine Colostrum for Dogs here.
Nutrition Strength Pure Bovine Colostrum for Dogs Supplement, Rich in Antibodies to Protect Against Disease, Support for Immune Function, Digestive System delivers 700 mg of colostrum, which is the first form of milk produced immediately following delivery of the newborn.
Colostrum supplies its nutrients to your pet’s organism in a very concentrated low-volume form to help your dogs by:
- Supplying antibodies to help protect your four-legged friends against disease and keep them in optimal shape.
- Supplying a number of growth factors and cytokines — small messenger peptides which control the functioning of the dog immune system.
- Delivering peptides helpful for the treatment of gastrointestinal conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease and drug-induced gut injuries.
- Providing key components of the adaptive and innate immune systems to help keep them strong.
- Helping to strengthen your dog’s natural defenses to keep them healthy and happy.
Our tasty grain-, soy- and corn-free bovine colostrum for dogs tablets contain no artificial preservatives, flavors or colors and are formulated with premium ingredients, including proline-rich polypeptides (PRPs), which have been shown in studies to keep the immune system in balance.
Colostrum is not known to cause side effects. Our colostrum for dogs supplement encourages the colonization of friendly bacteria in the bowel and is suitable for dogs of all breeds and ages.
Image source: Wikimedia / carollindenbr.
