A properly functioning immune system is crucial to good health. Like other bodily processes, balance is the key. Small animals can face numerous challenges to their immune systems. Those at particular risk are very young and older dogs and cats. The common practice of combining multiple antigens into one vaccination or not spacing the vaccinations far enough apart can overwhelm an immature immune system in young animals or in an immune-compromised older animal.Immugen for small animals is an exceptional immune support formula. This formula was designed to provide vitamins, minerals, amino acids, botanicals, glandulars, and other key ingredients that can optimize immune system function in dogs and cats.Recent interest has surged in the immune-supporting effects of a number of natural substances. Research has found many natural substances can promote the activity of phagocytes, T-lymphocytes, natural killer (NK) cells, and B-cells.Echinacea angustifolia is well known in traditional botanical medicine for its benefit to the immune system. Studies have demonstrated Echinacea"s ability to activate NK cells and enhance the ability of other cell types to engulf foreign substances. Astragalus membranaceus, an important Chinese botanical, has a long history of use as a tonic and immune-modulator, reportedly due to its ability to naturally enhance white blood cell counts. Currently, much of the research on Astragalus is focused on its immune-stimulating polysaccharides. Reishi stimulates B- and T-lymphocytes.The thymus gland participates in many aspects of cellular immunity, including maturation of T-cell precursors; therefore, thymus extracts may naturally enhance several immune parameters. Zinc can affect multiple aspects of the immune system, including promoting acquired immunity and macrophage function. Vitamins A and C support the production and activity of white blood cells.