Inflammation and our Pets
Inflammation and our Pets Inflammation and our Pets Our pets are part of our lives; they are like members of our families. It is our obligation to take care of our furry companions and make sure they stay healthy, happy, and safe. Dogs and cats often suffer from inflammation, and it is a common factor that can affect their health and make them sick and unhealthy. Inflammation is basically a complex biological response of the body against any foreign attack. This article will discuss inflammation in pets, where it occurs, how it affects our pets, and what we can do about it. What is inflammation? Inflammation is a response of a healthy immune system to harmful stimuli like viruses and bacteria. It also helps the body heal injuries. When the immune system detects any pathogens or cell damage, the blood flow to that area increases. The extra fluid and white blood cells are sent to the surrounding tissues. Inflammation can occur anywhere on the body with symptoms of swelling, redness, and heat. Inflammation in the gut The gut's natural microbiome is made up of yeast, bacteria, and other cellular organisms that aid in the digestive system's normal functioning. This microbiome also plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy immune system. In certain conditions, this defence system is broken, and the barrier becomes permeable, allowing antigens and pathogens to enter the lining of the intestines. As a result, the immune system triggers a response, and the result will be inflammation and irritation in the intestinal wall. Causes of Gut inflammation Whenever the digestive system is affected, the first thing to do is take a close look at their diet and the gut microbiome. Pet foods that contain meat by-products, high carbohydrate content, artificial sweeteners, flavours, and preservatives are considered poor quality foods. If they are fed a low-quality diet or highly processed dry food, the result will be inflammation in your pet's stomach, poor intestinal mobility, decreased acid levels, and acid reflux symptoms. Some causes of inflammation of the gut in pets are: Unknown parasitic or bacterial infection Allergic reaction to any chemical in processed food or medication Genetic predisposition Defective lymphoid tissue Hyper-immune response Symptoms of gut inflammation The most common symptoms that will appear as a result of gut inflammation are Vomiting Diarrhea Lethargy Weight loss Fever Anorexia Inflammation in the skin The immune system plays a vital role in maintaining the body's overall health. The skin is involved in many immune responses. The different cells present in the skin release substances that widen the blood vessels. As a result, the immune response will reach that area and cause inflammation. Causes of skin inflammation There are several causes of skin inflammation in pets. Most importantly, it occurs due to: Allergic reactions An allergic skin reaction occurs when the immune system overreacts to any foreign material and causes inflammation of the skin. These allergic skins happen when an animal ingests a substance to which they are allergic or when they inhale a substance in the air such as dust and pollen. When animals experience such an allergic reaction, they will lick, rub, scratch, and bite. Immune system dysfunction Sometimes inflammation of the skin occurs when the immune system does not work properly and considers an immune response to be normal and causes severe damage and inflammation. Inflammatory skin disorders and hypersensitivity are the most common problem caused by reactions of the immune system. Viral, Bacterial and fungal infection Sometimes, allergic skin reactions occur due to viral, bacterial, and fungal infections and cause impetigo, dermatitis, and ringworm problems. Poor quality diet Nutrition plays an essential role in maintaining your pet's skin and coat. Most skin allergies occur when your pet is fed a low-quality diet for a long period of time. Similarly, skin inflammation also occurs due to low-quality dry food or incorrectly supplemented pet food. Symptoms of skin inflammation Symptoms and severity of skin inflammation vary depending on the severity of the allergic reaction. But the most common symptoms of skin allergies are: Itching Itchy ears Excessive licking on paws Biting at the skin Hair loss Red, inflamed skin Excessive chewing Visible rashes Swollen face Hives and other bumps Inflammation in the joints Inflammation in the joints means that your pets have arthritis. Joint inflammation is a prevalent problem in pets, especially when injured or during old age. Mostly, pet owners can easily identify joint inflammation because its symptoms are similar to those of arthritis in humans. Any damage or change of cartilage within a joint leads to inflammation in their joints. Inflammation occurs when the surface of the joint rubs against each other or when the joint becomes rough. Movement of the joint becomes limited due to stiffness caused by inflammation. Usually, joints are lubricated with fluid, and the bones are covered with a thin layer of cartilage. The normal joint glides freely and smoothly without discomfort or friction. Causes of joint inflammation Inflammation in the pet's joint is caused by many reasons, including congenital disorders like luxating patella. Obesity puts unnecessary stress on the joints of dogs and cats that also contribute to inflammation. If the joint is injured, it will not work correctly and can also lead to joint inflammation. As mentioned above, when counting the causes that provoke inflammation, we cannot neglect a poor quality diet. Poor quality diets affect the health of pets and cause weakness and inflammation of the joints. Signs and symptoms of joint inflammation Joint inflammation in pets is the same as arthritis in humans. The pet will experience the same signs and symptoms in inflammation as a human in arthritis. If you see your pet in pain or slowing down, talk to your vet. Symptoms of inflammation include: Stiffness Swelling of the joint Pain Unwillingness or unable to stand up Lameness Mood changes Licking the affected joints Remedies for inflammation in pets Many types of anti-inflammatory medications are used to cure inflammation in pets. Still, mainly the treatment of inflammation depends on the cause of the inflammation. Antihistamines, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteroids are the common vet-prescribed medications. Certain prebiotics and probiotics are also used to treat inflammation in pets. In intestinal inflammation, different types of prebiotics and probiotics are added to pets' diets. The positive results obtained are a better intestinal microflora, better digestion of food, a higher feeding efficiency, a better weight gain, and a better effect of the medicine. In natural sources, probiotics are present in kefir or goat milk. In case of skin inflammation, you can add salmon oil to their diet. It will improve your pet's immune system, decrease inflammation, and the omega 3 present in salmon oil will keep their skin and coat healthy. If your dog or cats suffer from joint inflammation, you can also add chondroitin, glucosamine, and salmon oil to their diet. Naturally, chondroitin and glucosamine are present in the green-lipped mussel. These supplements can improve the health of tissues and cartilage and improve the health of their joints. Conclusion Inflammation can affect your pets' health and cause serious damage to their skin, joints, and intestines. However, these problems can be prevented by using high-quality food and supplements like prebiotics, probiotics, salmon oil, glucosamine, and chondroitin in their diet. If you have any questions about inflammation, we are here to help. KORNA Natural Pet Supplies LTD.