The immune system is synonymous with the lymphatic system, which is a vital and amazingly complex network that runs throughout the body.

Lymphatic vessels (which are similar to blood vessels) connect small glands called lymph nodes to the organs associated with the immune system.

Instead of blood, lymph vessels circulate lymph (which contains white blood cells and lymphocytes — the cells that attack bacteria), proteins and fats. This nurtures the lymph nodes that make immune cells.

Besides the lymphatic system, other components of the immune system include the blood, thymus, bone marrow, spleen, lungs, liver and gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The cellular level of the immune system includes lymphocytes, T-cells, helper cells, natural killer (NK) cytotoxic T-cells, suppressor T-cells, memory T-cells, B-cells, phagocytes, granulocytes, plasma cells, immunoglobulins, monocytes, red blood cells, platelets and dendritic cells.

All in all the immune system is really quite incredible but at the same time vulnerable. It’s always under attack and when something compromises it, its ability to fight illness or medical challenges weakens or vanishes entirely.

Besides the lymphatic system, other components of the immune system include the blood, thymus, bone marrow, spleen, lungs, liver and gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

The cellular level of the immune system includes lymphocytes, T-cells, helper cells, natural killer (NK) cytotoxic T-cells, suppressor T-cells, memory T-cells, B-cells, phagocytes, granulocytes, plasma cells, immunoglobulins, monocytes, red blood cells, platelets and dendritic cells.

On a cellular level the filtering and removal of waste products, foreign materials and pathogens declines, causing impaired functioning everywhere.

Toxins and fluid builds up in the tissue, nutrient absorption in the small intestines becomes inefficient, thymic function wanes causing a decrease in immune cell production and immune function.

Ultimately the immune system depends on cells. Cellular integrity is the heart of healthy immune function but as you can see, your dog’s cellular integrity is under heavy fire.

Pathogenic free radicals collect in cell membranes in staggering numbers. They attack by damaging the cell membrane, causing the cell to eventually fall apart and die. An ideal plan for overall immune support focuses on intense cellular support.

Go heavy with antioxidant-rich supplements. There are many types of antioxidants and all of them are specialists that target and destroy specific types of pathogens.