Hi Laura,

Immunity given long-term (6 months or more) supports a more balanced and less reactive immune system. And where this is successful, sensitivity to dietary and environmental allergens is gradually reduced, along with itching and irritation of the skin.

It is important to be aware however, that helping pets with multiple allergies is difficult because most have a genetic predisposition for the immune system to overreact to a range of airborne and food substances (allergens). These include house dust, dust mites, pollen, fungal spores, human dander and a wide range of ingredients in the diet.  And as many of these allergens are widespread, constant skin inflammation is the result.

Conventional veterinary treatment largely relies on the use of antibiotics to combat infections and immunosuppressive drugs (typically steroids, Apoquel, Atopica, Cytopoint and others) to stop inflammation. Although this can provide relief, it does carry the risk of significant and potentially serious side-effects if continued long term.

Nutritional support can significantly improve quality of life of many of these pets (not all), by calming and balancing the immune system over time. However, even when successful, it can take 6 months or more, and requires perseverance and close attention to detail.

If supplementing with Immunity alone doesn't help therefore, the next step is to take a whole diet approach, using one of the options below:

1. Apoquel Reduction - Raw Diet
2. Apoquel Reduction - Home-cooked Diet

Additional information:

1. Apoquel - Has Your Vet Told you This?
2. Apoquel and Steroids - Why Is It So Hard To Help Itchy Dogs Without Drugs?

Hi Beverley, 

Immunity is the supplement of first choice whenever any kind of growths appear in the body, as it provides invaluable support to the immune system and helps maintain quality of life for as long as possible - as in Lexi's case.

In these circumstances it is best to give half the suggested amount daily, divided between meals for the first 7 days. If the stools remain formed and health otherwise good, this can be increased to the full amount in week 2. Then, if the stools remain formed and health otherwise good, give double the quantity going forward for maximum health benefits.

Additional information:

1. Growths - The Dilemma

Hi Lorna, ideally when cancer has been diagnosed, Immunity should be gradually increased until giving double the usual amount suggested on the label For your girl, this would be 4 teaspoons daily, divided between meals. If after several weeks on this the stools remain well-formed and health otherwise good, it is also worth adding Vitality to the diet, as the ingredients in this supplement have been shown to increase the anti-tumour activity of white blood cells. A goof source of omega 3 is also beneficial. If you're not already feeding a raw or home-cooked diet, do consider this too at some stage, as many of the components in processed pet food (kibble and wet) can contribute to the growth of cancerous cells. Let us know if you need any help with this.

Pippa

Lexi

Hi Maria, Insect Irritation helps soothe itching in the short term. Immunity given daily for long enough, supports a strong, balanced immune system, which is less reactive to allergens such as grass. It's important to note however, that this typically takes 6 months or more, and other measures may also be required in sensitive dogs, if this alone isn't sufficient. 

Hi Maria, yes it's fine to use Immunity under the circumstances described. Lots of warts and lumps is a sure sign the immune system is struggling to protect the body as it should. Adding Immunity to the diet each day is a powerful way to support the body's immune cells and natural defences.