Standard Process Canine Immune System Support: A Holistic Veterinarian’s Therapeutic Review

In my professional experience, Canine Immune System Support is integral in maintaining the health and vitality of your pet. The immune system is the unsung hero, tirelessly working to ward off illnesses and ensure optimal health. It is a complex network that not only combats foreign invaders like bacteria, viruses, and fungi but also plays a pivotal role in identifying and rectifying cellular errors, a crucial step in cancer prevention.

Our pets are exposed to a myriad of toxic chemicals and contaminants in their environment. The water they drink, often containing chlorine and fluoride, and the food they consume, laden with foreign proteins, heavy metals, and various chemicals, are constant sources of assault. Add to this the exposure to pesticides and artificial fertilizers, and it becomes evident that the immune system is under incessant attack.

The conventional medical protocols, though well-intentioned, often exacerbate the problem. The administration of vaccines, parasitical drugs, anti-inflammatories, and other synthetic compounds can overwhelm the immune system, leading to an imbalance. This imbalance is often manifested as allergies, side effects, and in severe cases, cancer and autoimmune diseases.

In this evolving world, the need for a robust and resilient immune system is paramount. Detoxification is a continuous process, and with increasing exposure to harmful substances, the immune system’s role in detoxification becomes even more critical. It is a sentinel, always on the lookout, ensuring that toxic chemicals and dangerous substances are identified and neutralized before wreaking havoc.

Supporting and enhancing your pet’s immune system is not a luxury but a necessity. It’s an investment in their health and longevity, ensuring that they are not just surviving but thriving in a world that is constantly changing and presenting new challenges.

immune support for dogs

The following information is a summary and review based on Dr. Candy’s professional experience and recommendations. Any summary or statement has not been provided nor influenced by the manufacturer.

Large Population Groups that Need Immune System Support: 

A robust immune system is the cornerstone of good health, playing a pivotal role in protecting the body from illnesses and infections. However, there are specific groups, especially among pets, that are more susceptible to immune system compromise due to various factors. These pets require additional immune support to enhance their resilience and ensure their well-being. Below is a detailed list of pets that fall into this category:

  • Pets that have received multiple antibiotics: The overuse of antibiotics can lead to a weakened immune system, making pets more susceptible to infections.
  • Exposed to contagious disease: Pets in environments with a high prevalence of contagious diseases need extra immune support.
  • Autoimmune diseases: Pets with conditions where the immune system attacks the body’s own cells require specialized care.
  • Have/had cancer: Cancer and its treatments can severely impact the immune system.
  • Long-term administration of medications: Prolonged use of certain medications can suppress or alter immune function.
  • Stressed: Stress, both physical and emotional, can impact the immune system’s effectiveness.
  • Older animals: Aging pets often experience a decline in immune function.
  • On immune suppressants: Pets on these medications need additional support to counterbalance the effects.
  • Receive multiple vaccines: Over-vaccination can sometimes lead to immune system challenges.
  • Battle dental disease: Oral health issues can be a source of ongoing immune system stress.
  • Eat a commercially prepared diet: Pets on such diets may lack essential nutrients for optimal immune health.
  • Surgeries: Surgical procedures can temporarily weaken the immune system.
  • Parvo puppies: Puppies recovering from parvo require enhanced immune support.
  • Come from puppy mills: These pets often face health and immune challenges due to poor living conditions.
  • Receive flea/tick meds: The chemicals in these medications can sometimes affect immune health.
  • Receive heartworm prevention: Long-term use can sometimes impact the immune system.
  • Pets with allergies: Allergic reactions are a sign of an overactive immune system.
  • Chronic infections: Pets with recurring infections indicate a struggling immune system.
standard process canine immune support for dogs

Examples of autoimmune diseases In Dogs:

  • Atopy: This is a hypersensitivity reaction associated with allergies, where pets experience intense itching, redness, and inflammation of the skin due to an overactive immune response to environmental allergens.
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): IBD involves chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, resulting from the immune system mistakenly attacking the lining of the gut, leading to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss.
  • Lupus: A complex autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues, affecting the skin, joints, kidneys, and other organs, leading to a variety of symptoms including skin lesions, joint pain, and kidney dysfunction.
  • Pannus: This condition involves the immune system attacking the cornea of the eye, leading to progressive inflammation and opacity that can result in vision loss if not managed.
  • Pemphigus: A group of autoimmune skin disorders characterized by the formation of blisters and sores on the skin and mucous membranes, resulting from the immune system attacking the cells in the outer layer of the skin.
  • Diabetes: In pets autoimmune diabetes can occur when the immune system destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, leading to elevated blood sugar levels and a host of related health issues.
  • Hypothyroidism: This condition occurs when the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, leading to reduced production of thyroid hormones and symptoms like lethargy, weight gain, and skin problems.
  • Degenerative Myelopathy: A progressive disease of the spinal cord in older dogs, often associated with an immune-mediated process, leading to loss of coordination in the hind limbs and eventually paralysis.
  • Arthritis: Autoimmune arthritis involves the immune system attacking the joints, causing inflammation, pain, and reduced mobility.
  • Chronic Infections: While not an autoimmune disease per se, chronic infections can sometimes be a consequence of an underlying autoimmune disorder that weakens the immune system, making the body more susceptible to recurrent infections.
standard process canine immune support

Common Signs that Your Dog May Benefit from Canine Immune System Support:

Every dog owner wants their furry friend to be the epitome of health, but sometimes, despite our best efforts, our dogs exhibit signs of a compromised immune system. These signs are often subtle and can be easily overlooked or mistaken for minor health issues. However, they can indicate an underlying problem that needs attention. Canine Immune System Support can be a valuable ally in bolstering your dog’s immune health, especially when the following signs are observed:

  • Frequent itchiness: If your dog is constantly scratching, it could be a sign of allergies or skin infections related to a weakened immune system.
  • Excessive shedding: While shedding is normal, an unusual amount can indicate stress or health issues that immune support can alleviate.
  • Recurrent UTI’s: Frequent urinary tract infections can be a sign of a compromised immune system unable to fend off bacteria effectively.
  • Bad breath: Persistent bad breath can indicate oral health issues or other underlying health problems requiring immune support.
  • Skin infections: Repeated skin infections are often a sign of an immune system struggling to combat bacteria or fungi.
  • Chronic ear infections: Regular occurrences suggest that the immune system needs support to prevent these infections.
  • Weight loss or thin tendency: Unexplained weight loss can be a symptom of underlying health issues related to immune function.
  • Frequent vomiting: Regular vomiting can indicate gastrointestinal issues that may be alleviated with enhanced immune support.
  • Unhealthy stools: Consistently abnormal stools are a red flag for digestive or other health issues.
  • Intermittent appetite: Fluctuations in appetite can be linked to underlying health problems requiring immune bolstering.
  • Eating grass or dirt: This behavior can indicate a nutritional deficiency or gastrointestinal distress.
  • Poop eating: Known as coprophagia, this can be a sign of nutritional deficiencies or other health issues.
  • Bad gas: Persistent bad gas can indicate digestive issues that may be linked to immune health.

Recognizing these signs early and responding with appropriate immune support can make a significant difference in your dog’s health and quality of life.

Canine Immune System Support Suggested Uses:

  • Pre and post-surgery
  • Rescue/Shelter pets
  • Traveling/Show pets
  • Allergies
  • Autoimmune conditions
  • Cancer
  • Pets on immunosuppressants (ex: Steroids, Apoquel, and Cytopoint)
  • Chronic infections

Standard Process Canine Immune System Support works with your pet’s current immune system. The support supplement contains important nutrients from animal tissues, organ meats, glandular products, superfoods, amino acids, plant materials, and proven herbs. Standard Process Canine Immune System Support neither stimulates nor suppresses your pet’s current immune system. Rather, it modulates the complex system, keeping it balanced. This supplement uses whole-food-based nutrition to optimize and heal the various components.

I have been using Standard Process Canine Immune Support for many years and the results have been amazing! I see positive results in cases that range from sick rescue puppies all the way to old dogs with cancer. In the right situation, you may see results within a few days! You will see a healthier pet. They will be brighter, more active, more comfortable, stronger, and HAPPIER.

Within my own home, I have used Standard Process Canine Immune System Support in the following ways:

Stray Puppy with ParvoSignalment: 12-week-old Pitbull puppy, living as a stray under a family’s porch, significantly underweight, near end of the winter season, extremely fearful, dehydrated, bloody diarrhea, unable to hold down water, parvo positive. 
Response: Energy to walk, desire to engage, improved thermoregulation, and returning interest in food within 48 hours.
Puppies with Severe Mange MitesSignalment: 6-week-old litter of Pitbull puppies, little to no hair, skin bright pink, swollen and painful to the touch, overwhelming infection of Demodex mites, secondary bacterial infection, huge scabs, skin bleeds when touched, overgrowth of yeast, an odor of “corn chips”, and fever. 
Response: Dramatic decrease of skin swelling, reduced redness, lower fever, and energy to play with siblings.

*It is important to note that in each of these examples, Standard Process Canine Immune Support was not the only treatment performed. It was just an integral part of Dr. Candy’s treatment plan.

Ingredients: Each Serving Size (1/8 level teaspoon) contains: Dried yeast fermentate (EpiCor®) 33 mg, Zinc (from Zn amino acid (rice) chelate) 1mg, Vitamin E (Sunflower oil) 0.3 mg, Iodine (Kelp) 0.03 mg. Proprietary Blend: 202 mg: Bovine spleen, bovine spleen PMG™ extract, bovine thymus PMG™ extract, bovine thymus Cytosol™ extract, nutritional yeast, black currant (seed) oil, ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), organic reishi mushroom powder, organic shiitake mushroom powder, and eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus).


Individual Ingredient Benefits of Standard Process Immune System Support

Nutritional YeastProvides whole vitamin B complex, a source of chromium, zinc for immune system boost, enzymes for energy, magnesium for stress hormone balance, and manganese for healthy connective tissue (especially tendons and ligaments).
Bovine SpleenProvides cellular materials to create red blood cells and important immune system white blood cells. Supports circulation and boosts the immune system.
Bovine Spleen PMG™ ExtractSupports spleen tissue, which filters blood and produces immune system white blood cell components. It can reduce autoimmune attacks.
Bovine Thymus PMG™ ExtractSupports your pet’s thymus (a critical immune system organ located near the throat) and provides healing and support (especially after chronic immune system stressors).
Bovine Thymus Cytosol™ ExtractProvides cellular pieces (such as proteins and enzymes) to boost function of the thymus gland.
Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus)Reduces dangerous oxygen free radicals, decreases inflammation, improves cellular machinery function, boosts immune system, an anti-viral, and balances stress hormones.
Mushroom PowderPacked with antioxidants and provides whole vitamin C complexes. It contains tyrosinase, which speeds up wound healing. It protects your pet’s eyes and potentially prevents skin cancer.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)This has been used for over 2,500 years to help boost the immune system. It balances the metabolism. It has anti-anxiety, anti-depressant, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a natural stress reliever, balances stress hormones, and lowers cortisol.
Zinc Liver ChelateThis naturally boosts the immune system and improves skin health and repair. It promotes normal digestion and acts as an antioxidant. It is also anti-viral and balances hormones.
KelpA good source of iodine is necessary for thyroid hormone production. It reduces the risk of cancer, balances blood sugar, and reduces systemic inflammation.
Black Currant Seed OilThis contains water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins and tons of beneficial antioxidants. It contains vitamin C complex and boosts the immune system. It helps as an anti-bacterial and anti-viral substance and also contributes Omega-6 fatty acids.

Canine Immune Support Complementary Supplements:

Important Mineral Measurements:

  • Calcium 2.5 mg / 1/2 teaspoon
  • Sodium 25 mg / 1/2 teaspoon
  • Magnesium 700 mcg / 1/2 teaspoon
  • Zinc 480 mcg / 1/2 teaspoon

Supplement Dosing Chart:

1-10 lbs1/8 teaspoon once per day
11-20 lbs1/8 teaspoon twice per day
21-40 lbs¼ teaspoon twice per day
41-60 lbs½ teaspoon twice per day
61-80 lbs¾ teaspoon twice per day
> 80 lbs1 teaspoon twice per day

Important Supplement Information:

  • These supplements should all be given twice a day.
  • Most clients sprinkle it on their pet’s food.
  • Because these supplements are made from whole foods, and not chemicals, doses are highly palatable.  In fact, it often seems like animals instinctively know what their body needs and gobble it up quickly.

When beginning supplementation, I recommend the following taper-up process. This is only because these ingredients are so nutrient-dense. We can decrease your pet’s adjustment period, which may result in a soft stool. This adjustment phase is generally 1-2 days long and normal consistency of stool will return to normal without treatment.

  • WEEK 1                1/8 teaspoon
  • WEEK 2                ¼ teaspoon
  • WEEK 3                ½ teaspoon
  • WEEK 4                1 teaspoon

Once you get to your pet’s maintenance dose, based on the dosage chart, continue at this dose.

For example: If your pet weighs 35 lbs –

  • WEEK 1                1/8 teaspoon
  • WEEK 2                ¼ teaspoon
  • WEEK 3                Stay at ¼ teaspoon as maintenance therapeutic dose

Supplement Size Variations

SizeProduct ID#
30gA1610
110gA1660
90 tabs (feline)A5305

Side Effect of Standard Process Canine Immune Support

Since these nutritional supplements are made from food, there is little to no risk of side effects. The only side effect I’ve ever seen is diarrhea if the pet gets a gigantic dose. For example, if a pet eats a whole bottle. If I had a dollar for every time one of my pets ate a whole bottle, I’d have a pretty full piggy bank. Since pets love these products so much, we recommend keeping them in a cabinet or someplace that your pet cannot get to.

How do I order Standard Process Supplements? 

Ordering Standard Process supplements online is simple and secure. Dr. Candy Akers has an authorized premier practitioner account. You can buy all of your favorite products online, with no exam, consultation or approval required.

Check out the store below and be sure to bookmark the page so you can come back anytime!

buy standard process online

Have More Questions about Standard Process Supplements?

CLICK HERE to check out our commonly asked questions about Standard Process Supplements and how to administer them to your pet.

A Note From the Manufacturer: 

buy standard process online

“The immune system is a complex array of cells that are found throughout the body. Collectively, immune cells are designed to function in conjunction with other immune cells to provide a defense against invasion of microorganisms. However, it should also be recognized that the defensive role of the skin and mucous membrane is to provide the first layer of protection. Adequate function of the membrane barrier can prevent invasion of microorganisms. Immune support is designed to utilize the immune cell and membrane barrier supportive effects of a variety of whole food nutrients, tissue factors, and botanical ingredients. Patients who have acute immune demands or immune systems that are under chronic stress will benefit from this product.

The immune system is one of the most important systems in your pet’s body. When working normally, it helps them live a happy and healthy life. They can hunt, play, or run laps throughout the house. But what if their immune system is compromised? Immune Support provides vitamins, minerals, organ and tissue extracts, and botanicals not normally found in your pet’s diet. These nutrients in Immune Support, known as functional foods, have been shown to contain a wide range of trace nutrients that benefit specific organs and tissues.”

Check out our other articles for even more knowledge to keep your pet healthy and happy!

Dog Constipation and How You Can Treat It Naturally

Safe, Natural Alternatives to Expensive and Invasive Dental Cleanings

Laser Therapy for Pets: 12 Common Pet Health Conditions That Can Benefit from Laser Therapy

Join our Journey! Our goal is to guide families to healthier, happier pets by spreading the word that natural and holistic approaches are an alternative to today’s corporate veterinary industry.  We help pets find better health by addressing the underlying cause of disease and restoring balance. If you find this information valuable, please share this content with your friends and family using the buttons below and connect with us on social media. Each ‘share’ ‘like’ ‘follow’ and ‘subscription’ is valuable and moves us toward helping more pets. Thank you for your support!

Dr. Candy Akers, DVM

Holistic Veterinarian, Veterinary Clinic Owner, Veterinary Medical Supervisory Board Leader, Certified Raw Dog Food Nutrition Specialist, and Author Dr. Candy completed her undergraduate studies at The University of Delaware and graduated veterinary school in 2009 from Oklahoma State University. In high school, she was drawn to wildlife rehabilitation. Wildlife rehab gave her unparalleled experience in animal healing in a field that has limited resources and a wide variety of conditions to treat. Before vet school, Dr. Akers spent two years working full time providing oil spill response for wildlife all over the country. Since graduating with her Degree of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) in 2009, Dr. Candy has specialized in companion animal nutrition. Extensive education in nutrition has made her a firm believer in species specific-biologically appropriate diets. One of her passions is educating pet parents about the natural alternatives that actually work. She brings the best of holistic health and conventional medicine together in a unique approach to pet health. This approach is often applied to chronic diseases, allergies, and autoimmune conditions. She started her own veterinary practice 9 years ago in Colorado. Overall, she has dedicated her entire life to improving the health and happiness of animals everywhere.

Recent Best Healthy Pet Blog