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The immune system is a very broad and complicated subject that can baffle most brains (mine included)
as you delve into the complexities of the system.

Luckily though, the basic concepts are fairly straight forward and should give you some
understanding as to why you need to look at your pets health from the pet’s point of view
and not yours!

We can start by saying that, in our case (i.e. dealing with animals) the immune system is what
protects the animal’s body from harmful substances. These may be bacteria, viruses, fungi, toxins
or even, in the case of cancer cells,products of the animal’s body.

For a simple illustration, imagine that the animals body is a country, then the immune system would include
customs and passport control at the border posts, the army patrolling the borders to prevent

illegal entry or an invasion, and the police within the country working on crime prevention.

The border itself represents a barrier to entry as do the skin and mucous membranes of our
pet. A lot of potentially harmful substances get stopped right there. Those that have the right
passport and visa are allowed in (food, water, oxygen etc). However, some insurgents(infections) might
bypass the border control, or have false passports and it is the patrolling army’s job to
find these and arrest them.

Similarly, some inhabitants of the country might indulge in criminal activities (e.g. cancer cells)
and it is up to the police to identify these and get rid of them.

Now remember that the country (the animal) is under constant threat from outside sources (infectious agents)

and from internal criminal activity (production of undesirable cells).To cope with this situation and survive,
the passport and customs officials, the army and police have to be constantly ready for action. They have to be well
equipped, well trained, fit and motivated!Any slip, and the door is opened for something
to go wrong (disease).This is why it is so important that you get the basics of petcare right because these factors
support the development and maintenance of a competent and primed immune system!

In addition to the “frontline troops”, the immune system also has a massive “administration” system in place that deals with
functions such as provisions, logistics, recruitment and so on.

For example. When an “intruder”(possible infectious agent) slips across the border(enters the body) and is caught by the patrolling army (a branch of the
immune system), the prisoner is taken to a safe place (another part of the immune system) for questioning.The authorities (immune system) go through
all their files to see if they recognise this intruder.They also have to decide what sort of threat, if any, this intruder poses to the country (the animal).

If they can identify the intruder and decide it is a risk,then they know what they are dealing with and can alert
all patrols, border personnel etc to be on the look out for this type of intruder.

If however they do not recognise this intruder (a new infectious agent), then they first have to study the intruder, find out how
it operates, train personnel to deal with this new threat, and then get that knowledge out
through the organisation. This obviously takes longer to do and involves a lot of “paper work” and “personnel” other than
the front line troops.

What we have described above is also the basic theory supporting vaccinations. By vaccinating your pet, you challenge the immune system.
The first vaccination makes the immune system aware of the potential threat and allows it to prepare and train it’s defences. The
second and subsequent vaccinations allow the immune system to test that training by activating the defence mechanisms it has prepared.
It also serves as a reminder to the front line troops as to which intruders they need to be on the lookout for.

Unfortunately, the immune system is not a full proof system. Like any other system it can develop glitches and malfunction
or it can simply be overwhelmed. When this happens, disease results and we look to other resources (surgery, medication etc)
to help the immune system win the battle.

Ironically, in some cases the immune system can work against a happy outcome. Organ transplants are an example. Here, although
the new organ is obviously vital for the survival of the recipient, the immune system will go all out to get rid of it because it
is perceived as being an intruder! Thus the need for a host of drugs to suppress the immune system and allow the new organ
to function in the new body.But of course, the immune system is then operating less efficiently and this opens the door for other
“insurgents” to invade the body.

The immune system is a complex, amazing system that we still do not understand fully. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t
do our best to ensure that it is in the best possible shape throughout a pet’s lifetime by applying sound basic pet health
principles.

Keith Perrett is a Veterinarian.
http://www.pet-health-for-humans.com

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To many people, pets are like members of the family. For this reason, your pet’s health is a huge priority. If you want to keep your loved one around for a long time, you’ll devote the time and attention needed to ensure that they remain healthy.

The fact that your animal is growing older is inevitable. If your pet has become tired and a bit lazy, it doesn’t mean that he doesn’t need to keep moving and keep his joints active. This is just one way to ensure your pet keeps good health.

Aging is to be anticipated, and it is something you have to deal with. Don’t pretend to yourself that your beloved pets will stay forever young. Just as humans do, they get older. Since aging is inevitable, you need to watch your pet’s health. When your child gets sick, what will be your first action? Of course, you will bring him to the doctor. The same is true for your pet. They need care and attention when they are not in the best of health. Your pets need to have an annual visit to the veterinarian in order to set the tone for a healthier and greater program. You need to provide your dogs the proper nutrition. Although aging is unavoidable, we can prevent our pet’s aging teeth through regular teeth cleanings to prevent gum diseases. Checking ears for dirty wax and odor will prevent the cause of infection.

Regular grooming is also important so that your pet will smell great and look great. Your kids are often the ones that get to play with your dogs, so that makes it especially important to keep them clean. You would hate to spread germs and possibly illness to your children. Buying pet products like pet shampoo is essential for grooming. It rids your pet of flees and other insects that spread illness. Regular bathing should be practiced so that they will stay healthy and clean. Brushing their hair can also be helpful in order to keep the strands healthy and untangled.

When your pet is asleep, make sure that you do not make unnecessary sounds. If you do so, make sure that they are aware that you are in the rooms that they will not be startled. Their hearing and sight may get a little dim so keep it slow so that you will not frighten them. A frightened dog may bite or snap you. The same is true for cats. So when you are entering a room, you can start calling them or talk to them as you enter the room so they will be aware that you are getting near.

Annual vaccination is necessary to a preventive health care. If a dog is older, his immune system may not be as efficient as that of a younger dog which makes older dogs more susceptible to possible diseases. Vaccines are useful in maintaining pet health. Some pet owners will only have their pets vaccinated with the present diseases. You should make sure that your dog has all the allowed vaccination. Taking care of your pet isn’t difficult, but it’s very important and should be treated that way.

Simon Oliver has an interest Recreation & Hobbies related topics. To access more information on pet health or on pet health insurance, please click on the links.

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Therapy dogs are dogs that are canine good citizens and are well trained and of a nature that is suitable for interaction with humans who are unwell. Studies have shown that interaction with pets and the special bonding it brings, helps the sick heal faster and trauma patients are known to come out of silence, grieving, or shock by interacting with pets.

An innovative program set up by Therapy Dogs International is “children reading to dogs.” Handlers and their dogs visit libraries and schools regularly and interact with children who have trouble reading. The dogs make friends with children who are encouraged to read the dog a story. The friendship and bonding between the child and dog as well as the non judgmental attitude of the happy animal encourages the child to read aloud to the dog who sits with a smile on his face and a wag in his tail. The interaction instills confidence in the child as well as improved learning.

Therapy dogs also provide valuable relief during disasters by helping affected families and persons as also relief workers. The animals provide comfort and an understanding that is invaluable in sad situations. Petting and hugging or grooming the dogs provides release of anxiety and stress. Dogs help heal and overcome problems and grief. It is unbelievable the kind of understanding a dog can show. So, dogs regularly work at bombing sites, earthquake affected areas as well as places whether flood or hurricanes have struck.

There are therapy dogs who regularly visit hospitals, old age homes, and nursing homes to help heal. The interaction with dogs brings a smile to face of patients and many dogs participate in physical therapy programs as well as in children’s wards where there are many children fighting illnesses. The dogs instill a positive attitude in patients and many look forward to the visit each day. Patients are encouraged to talk to the dogs, pet them, or even groom them. Bonding with the dogs speeds up healing and brings happiness. Many of the dogs are natural clowns and perform tricks to entertain the sick.

To be a therapy dog, both the handler and dog have to undergo special training, be of good health, be well groomed, and be dedicated to the cause. The dog must have a clear health certification and not be shedding his coat or have any allergies. The dog needs to be calm and obedient as he will have to take hospital activities and noise in his stride. The handler will need to devote time in training the dog, enjoy the work, and take insurance against unforeseen accidents. Owners interested in pet-therapy work will need to register with a group in the area where they live and find out from their dog club or trainer whether the dog they have is of a suitable nature and breed to be a good and successful therapy dog.

Therapy dogs show great patience, love, and understanding and the interaction is magical as even terminally ill patients are known to get better. Dogs boost morale, provide affiliation and touch, encourage love and communication, stimulate activity and exercise, help patients deal with depression, loss, and grief, and lower hypertension as well as blood sugar levels.

Paul Wilson is a freelance writer for http://www.1888Discuss.com/pet/ , the premier REVENUE SHARING discussion forum for Pet Forum including topics on pet health, pet care and nutrition, grooming pet at home, dog, cat’s health issues and more. He also freelances for the premier Web Directory site http://www.1866Webdirectory.com.

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