Benefits Of Colostrum

Colostrum is well-known for its effectiveness in helping dogs with allergies, mainly because of its strong immune-modulating characteristics. Yet, the immune benefits of colostrum go beyond merely alleviating allergies, providing numerous other advantages for dogs. Let's explore these extraordinary effects further.

What Is Colostrum?

Colostrum is the substance present in a mother’s first milk, offering newborns their initial nutrition and playing a vital role in building a strong immune system. Nonetheless, colostrum's advantages are not limited to newborns; there are compelling reasons to give it to your adult dog too. Moreover, it doesn't need to come from dogs—bovine colostrum (sourced from cows) is equally effective and easily accessible.

How Do You Give Bovine Colostrum To Dogs?

Colostrum is usually available in powder or capsule form for oral use. To achieve the best results, it should be administered on an empty stomach instead of with meals. Nonetheless, you may consider mixing it with a small amount of broth or plain unsweetened yogurt to facilitate your dog's consumption. 

Why Is Colostrum So Good For Dogs?

These are the essential elements responsible for colostrum's healing abilities …

Immunoglobulins

Colostrum is abundant in immunoglobulins, which are commonly referred to as antibodies. The antibodies present in colostrum include IgG, IgM, and IgA.

IgG antibodies: provide passive immunity to puppies and young animals, safeguarding them until their immune systems develop. These antibodies are capable of neutralizing viruses and are even administered to humans for managing hepatitis A. Additionally, IgG antibodies combat bacteria and persistent chronic infections.

IgM antibodies: are the initial antibodies produced by newborns. They trigger a part of the immune system known as the complement cascade … which is a crucial function. Some bacteria have developed surfaces that prevent complement proteins from binding. However, IgM antibodies can attach to almost any surface these bacteria present. This facilitates the complement proteins in binding and eliminating the invaders. IgM antibodies also serve as the primary defense against viruses.

IgA: is another crucial class of antibodies. Your dog produces more of these than any other type of antibody. IgA antibodies create a barrier in the digestive tract, coating bacteria and viruses to prevent them from entering the body. Without sufficient IgA antibodies, foreign invaders can consistently bypass the digestive tract, leading to chronic diarrhea and bowel inflammation. Alternatively, they might enter the bloodstream, causing allergy symptoms and chronic inflammation in the organs. Therefore, it is vital for dogs to maintain adequate IgA levels in their bodies.

Growth Factors 

Growth factors facilitate cell development and aid in the restoration of muscle, bone, and connective tissue. Moreover, they contribute to the healing of the intestinal lining.

Lactoferrin

This protein possesses antiviral, antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiparasitic properties. It aids in eliminating pathogens that cause inflammation and exhibits anti-tumor effects. Recent research indicates it is more effective than the drug doxycycline in treating Lyme disease. Continue reading to discover more about this.

PRP

Proline-rich polypeptides (PRP) are vital in managing thymus and immune system functions. They can activate immune systems that are underactive or help balance those that are overactive. Furthermore, PRPs aid the body in effectively responding to invaders like microbes, toxins, or allergens.

MSM

Methylsulfonylmethane, commonly found in joint supplements, is a micronutrient that aids in wound healing, supports cartilage health, and alleviates pain. Additionally, MSM is utilized in cancer treatments, where studies have shown it can reduce breast cancer tumors and assist in managing prostate and liver cancers.

As you can observe, one of the primary functions of colostrum is to regulate your dog's immune system. However, there are several other significant benefits of colostrum for dogs as well.

12 Benefits Of Colostrum For Dogs

Providing your dog with colostrum offers many benefits. As mentioned earlier, a key reason is to reduce allergy symptoms.

#1 Allergies

Allergies occur due to an overactive immune system. The PRPs found in colostrum aid in regulating this response. Additionally, colostrum assists in controlling inflammation that leads to rashes, itching, and discomfort in your dog. It also helps address leaky gut, a frequent trigger of allergic reactions in dogs.

Let’s look at leaky gut in more detail …

#2 Leaky Gut

Leaky gut in dogs happens when the gut lining is damaged. This damage can be caused by certain drugs or environmental toxins. When the lining is compromised, undigested food particles may enter the bloodstream, resulting in problems like allergies, digestive issues, and even arthritis.

#3 Diarrhea

So, now that you know it can help heal leaky gut … it shouldn’t surprise you that colostrum can also help manage diarrhea.

Research indicates it can aid in reducing various types of diarrhea, including chronic, acute, and infectious diarrhea.

#4 Oral Health

Periodontal disease is a prevalent problem in small animal patients, especially in small dogs, often leading to tooth loss. Many conventional veterinarians recommend regular teeth cleaning under anesthesia, which carries risks and causes many dog owners to be understandably cautious.

#5 Gut Damage From Drugs

Has your dog used medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) or antibiotics? These medications come with numerous side effects and can lead to lasting harm to your dog's gut health, including leaky gut.

#6 Aging

We all wish for our dogs to remain youthful and energetic indefinitely. Studies indicate that colostrum may offer anti-aging benefits for your dog in various ways. It can aid in maintaining lean muscle mass and bone density in older dogs. This might result in improved mobility and strength as your dog grows older.

Colostrum enhances exercise recovery by aiding in the prevention of oxidative stress. Research also indicates it might help prevent cognitive decline.

#7 Autoimmune Disease

Similar to humans, dogs are experiencing a growing incidence of autoimmune diseases. Contributing factors include over-vaccination, leaky gut, and environmental toxins. Colostrum contains PRPs that are vital for moderating an overactive immune system, and growth factors that aid in decreasing inflammation. These components are crucial in mitigating the risk of autoimmune diseases.

Moreover, immunoglobulins and lactoferrin help limit bacteria and viruses that can initiate or exacerbate autoimmune disorders.

#8 Yeast

Numerous dogs experience itching, skin odor, and discomfort due to yeast. Lactoferrin and its peptides possess potent antifungal properties. Additionally, as you’ll discover later, it aids in eliminating biofilms that shield yeast. Combined with the immune-enhancing qualities of colostrum, it can assist in combating your dog’s persistent yeast infection.

#9 Cancer

Colostrum's immunoglobulins assist in bolstering your dog's immune system and aid in combating viral and bacterial infections.

The anti-inflammatory properties of lactoferrin might also aid in cancer treatment and prevention. Additionally, the cytokines present in colostrum can assist the body in combating cancer by activating specific white blood cells that are capable of locating and destroying cancer cells. Colostrum also includes a unique protein known as Lactalbumin. Studies indicate that colostrum lactalbumin can induce apoptosis (death) in cancer cells while allowing healthy cells to prosper.

#10 Joint Issues And Arthritis

Addressing leaky gut and inflammation is crucial for managing your dog's joint pain or arthritis. Additionally, the growth factors in colostrum can aid in repairing joint tissue damage. The MSM found in colostrum can assist in managing pain and inflammation, and it is also vital for maintaining cartilage health.

#11 Canine Flu

Colostrum can help prevent upper respiratory illnesses and is more effective than vaccination in preventing the flu. A study from 2007 indicated that colostrum was "at least 3 times more effective than vaccination." Additionally, a 2013 study discovered that a lactoferrin-whey protein supplement reduced the incidence of colds, with only 48 participants falling ill compared to 112 in the placebo group. Moreover, those who did catch colds experienced shorter illness durations.

Therefore, if your dog attends daycare or boarding, provide him with colostrum to ward off flu or kennel cough.

A 2013 study indicated that colostrum enhanced dogs' immune function. Additionally, for vaccinated dogs, the study suggested that colostrum might boost the vaccine response.

#12 Skin Problems

Applying colostrum directly to the skin can accelerate skin repair and aid in wound healing. Its antibacterial properties may also assist in treating skin infections. Create a paste by mixing powdered colostrum with distilled water and use it on issues such as …

• Skin infections

• Wounds (including surgical wounds)

• Insect bites

• Abscesses

• Hot spots

• Rashes

• Ear infections

• Cysts

Bonus Benefit: Colostrum For Lyme Disease

Colostrum offers an additional benefit. A recent study at the University of New Haven found that lactoferrin, a milk protein present in colostrum, might help treat Lyme disease. The study suggests it is more effective than doxycycline, the usual treatment for Lyme disease. This disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. Previous studies have shown that B. burgdorferi often exists in a biofilm state. Biofilms are organized bacterial colonies surrounded by a polysaccharide layer containing minerals like calcium, manganese, magnesium, or iron. This biofilm hides the bacteria from the immune system and protects them from antibiotics. Research indicates that biofilms can increase B. burgdorferi's resistance to antibiotics by up to 1000 times compared to the free-living spirochete form of the bacterium, making Lyme disease especially difficult to treat. Additionally, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimates that 80% of human bacterial infections involve biofilms. (Yeast also forms protective biofilms.)

The recent research from UNH reveals that lactoferrin at 80 µg/ml concentrations was 5% more effective than doxycycline. Lactoferrin decreased the viability of B. burgdorferi biofilm by 15%. Its effectiveness may stem from its ability to bind to minerals like iron and manganese present in biofilms. As B. burgdorferi depends on manganese for its biological functions, this deprives the bacteria of essential nutrients.

If your dog shows signs of Lyme disease (or if you do!), colostrum provides an affordable, safe supplement that might help in fighting this persistent bacterial infection.

Is Colostrum Safe For Lactose Intolerant Dogs?

The advantage is that colostrum has very little lactose, so it is unlikely to cause a reaction in most lactose-intolerant dogs. However, if your dog is allergic to dairy or beef, start with a small amount and observe your pet for any negative reactions. If there are no digestive problems, you can safely keep giving colostrum.