
Feeding your dog a balanced diet can make a significant difference in managing canine lupus symptoms. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, found in foods like salmon and flaxseeds, can help reduce inflammation.
Canine lupus patients often have gastrointestinal issues, so a diet that's easy to digest is crucial. Foods like boiled chicken and sweet potatoes are gentle on the stomach.
In addition to omega-3s, antioxidants like vitamin E and beta-carotene can help protect your dog's cells from damage. These nutrients can be found in foods like spinach and carrots.
A well-planned diet can help improve your dog's overall health and quality of life.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Symptoms of autoimmune diseases in dogs can be quite varied and may overlap with other health issues, so it's essential to get a proper diagnosis from a veterinarian.
Anemia, diarrhea, lameness, lethargy, loss of appetite, skin lesions and ulcerations, weight gain, and weight loss are all common symptoms of immune-mediated diseases in dogs.
A unique perspective: Canine Vision Loss
If you suspect your dog is suffering from an autoimmune disease, it's crucial to get a proper diagnosis. A veterinarian will conduct multiple blood tests to find the exact culprit, including measuring white and red blood cells, thyroid hormone count, blood urea, and creatinine levels.
Here are some common symptoms and their corresponding blood test results:
Disease in Dogs
Autoimmune disease in dogs occurs when the immune system becomes overactive, losing its ability to distinguish between "self" and "foreign."
Your dog's immune system receives inaccurate information from the brain, leading the antibodies to attack the body's own cells and organs instead of foreign proteins.
This can have potentially harmful effects on your dog's health, making it crucial to understand the symptoms and diagnosis of autoimmune diseases in dogs.
In an autoimmune disease, the immune system makes mistakes, attacking the body's own cells and organs, rather than foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses.
A different take: Canine Lupus
Causes of Dog Diseases
Autoimmune diseases in dogs can be triggered by a variety of factors. Overuse of vaccines, antibiotics, and steroid drugs is one likely culprit.
Excessive UV exposure can also predispose dogs to autoimmune skin diseases. This is a common issue for dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors.
Some chemical flea and tick treatments, such as Frontline, have been linked to autoimmune diseases in dogs. This is a concerning trend that dog parents should be aware of.
A natural diet rich in antioxidants, quality proteins, and healthy fats can help reduce inflammation and combat immune disease symptoms. This is a simple and effective way for dog parents to take control of their dog's health.
Here are some common environmental pollutants that may contribute to autoimmune diseases in dogs:
- Environmental pollutants
- Chemicals found in pesticides
- Food preservatives such as ethoxyquin
Drug misuse, such as the misuse of steroid drugs, has also led to cases of autoimmune skin diseases like pemphigus foliaceus.
Dogs: Common Symptoms of Disease

Dogs can exhibit a range of symptoms that may indicate an underlying health issue, but it's essential to remember that these symptoms can be indicative of multiple health problems.
One common symptom of autoimmune diseases in dogs is anemia, which can be caused by a variety of factors, including immune-mediated diseases.
Diarrhea is another symptom that can be a sign of an autoimmune disease, as well as other health issues such as gastrointestinal problems or food allergies.
Lameness can be a symptom of an autoimmune disease, but it can also be caused by other factors such as joint injuries or arthritis.
Lethargy is a symptom that can be indicative of an autoimmune disease, but it can also be caused by other factors such as lack of exercise or poor sleep.
A loss of appetite is a common symptom that can be a sign of an autoimmune disease, as well as other health issues such as gastrointestinal problems or dental issues.
For more insights, see: Common Food Intolerances in Dogs
Skin lesions and ulcerations are common symptoms of autoimmune diseases, but they can also be caused by other factors such as allergies or skin infections.
Weight gain or weight loss can be symptoms of autoimmune diseases, depending on the specific disease and the dog's overall health.
Here are some common symptoms of autoimmune diseases in dogs:
- Anemia
- Diarrhea
- Lameness
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Skin lesions and ulcerations
- Weight gain
- Weight loss
Diagnosing Dog Diseases
Diagnosing dog diseases requires a trip to the vet, who will conduct multiple blood tests to find the exact culprit.
The vet will measure your dog's white and red blood cells, thyroid hormone count, blood urea, creatinine, etc.
Positive antinuclear antibodies can indicate systemic lupus erythematosus, a specific autoimmune disease.
A low thyroid hormone level is often a sign of lymphocytic thyroiditis, another autoimmune disease.
The results of these tests will provide crucial insights toward zeroing in on the exact autoimmune disease.
Getting an early diagnosis is key to effective autoimmune disease management.
Expand your knowledge: Canine Thyroid Cancer Symptoms
Diagnosing SLE in Pets
Diagnosing SLE in Pets requires a combination of blood tests and urine analysis. There is no single test to diagnose Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), so a vet will need to use multiple tests to make a positive diagnosis.
A positive ANA (anti-nuclear antibodies) test is one indicator of SLE, but it's not the only one. Your vet will also be looking for one significant sign plus two less significant signs of SLE to make a diagnosis.
It's worth noting that other problems, such as drug reactions, cancer, kidney disease, and muscular-skeletal disorders, can have similar signs or symptoms to SLE, making diagnosis challenging.
Managing Canine Lupus
Managing canine lupus requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both diet and lifestyle. The first step is to focus on a natural, fresh, hydrated diet packed with healthy nutrients, including proteins, vitamins, and fats.
Inflammation-reducing supplements like ginger and turmeric can also be beneficial in reducing the symptoms of lupus.
Preserving the balance of your dog's microbiome with pre- and probiotics, such as yogurt and kefir, is crucial in maintaining a healthy immune system.
Removing environmental toxins and pollutants from your home is essential in creating a healthy environment for your dog. This includes getting rid of antifreeze, insecticides, glue, and medications.
A stress-free environment is also vital in managing canine lupus. This means giving your dog plenty of opportunities to spend their energy and relax outdoors.
Here are some natural remedies that can help manage canine lupus:
- Ginger: reduces inflammation and promotes digestion
- Turmeric: reduces inflammation and promotes joint health
- Yogurt: supports gut health and immune system
- Kefir: supports gut health and immune system
Diet and Supplements
For dogs with lupus, a well-balanced diet is crucial to manage the condition. NHV Supplements offer a range of products specifically designed for SLE in dogs.
NHV ES Clear helps support overall immune function and hemoglobin levels, while BK Detox supports the blood and lymphatic system, flushing toxins and impurities. Felimm continues to support the immune system, detoxify the blood and lymphatic system, and provide antioxidant benefits.
To further support your dog's immune system, consider adding foods rich in antioxidants such as avocados, carrots, grass-fed beef, kale, leafy veggies, pumpkin, salmon, spinach, tuna, and turmeric to their diet. These foods contain valuable nutrients like glutathione, selenium, zinc, curcumin, coenzyme Q10, and alpha-lipoic acid that can help reduce oxidative stress.
Here are some key supplements and foods to consider:
The Volhard Rescue Diet for Dogs
The Volhard Rescue Diet is a game-changer for dogs with autoimmune diseases. It's an anti-inflammatory, hypoallergenic diet that provides all the antioxidants and bioflavonoids necessary to manage immune-mediated diseases.
This dehydrated functional food blend is free from artificial preservatives, colorings, and additives, ensuring that no unhealthy chemicals mess with the immune system. It's also allergen-free, making it the optimal diet choice for autoimmune diseases.
A low protein diet is often recommended for pets with autoimmune diseases, and the Volhard Rescue Diet can help support this nutritional plan.
Antioxidants Value
Antioxidants are the unsung heroes of a healthy diet, especially when it comes to immune system diseases. They hunt down free radicals, reducing oxidative stress without stimulating the immune system.
Glutathione, selenium, zinc, curcumin, coenzyme Q10, alpha-lipoic acid, and vitamins A, C, D, and E are the best antioxidants for dogs with autoimmune diseases. You can find them in foods like avocados, carrots, and leafy veggies.
These nutrients are crucial in maintaining a balanced immune system, and a diet rich in them can make a significant difference.
Some of the best sources of antioxidants include grass-fed beef, salmon, and tuna.
Here are some of the top antioxidant-rich foods for your dog's diet:
- Avocados
- Carrots
- Grass-fed beef
- Kale
- Leafy veggies
- Pumpkin
- Salmon
- Spinach
- Tuna
- Turmeric
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggers lupus flare-ups in dogs?
Lupus flare-ups in dogs may be triggered by UV light, prolonged sun exposure, certain medications, viruses, and environmental factors
What foods make lupus worse?
Lupus flare-ups may be triggered by certain foods, including nightshade vegetables like potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, and peppers, as well as high amounts of animal protein
How long will a dog live with lupus?
Dogs with lupus will live with the condition for their entire lifetime. Treatment and management can help control symptoms, but a cure is not currently available.
What supplements are good for dogs with lupus?
Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, plant sterols, and probiotics may be beneficial for dogs with lupus, but consult a veterinarian for safe and effective use. Consultation with a vet is crucial to determine the best supplements for your dog's condition
Sources
- https://holistic-vet.ca/reversing-discoid-lupus/
- https://www.volharddognutrition.com/blog/can-a-natural-diet-help-treat-autoimmune-diseases-in-dogs/
- https://animalwellnessmagazine.com/lupus-in-dogs-the-facts/
- https://petcube.com/blog/lupus-in-dogs/
- https://nhvpethealth.com/blog/vet-talk-lupus-in-dogs-everything-you-need-to-know/
Featured Images: pexels.com