There are ‘only’ two reasons why dogs, other animals and humans become ill. By inflammation or by out of control growth (tumour). Inflammation is the response to breaking the ‘integrity’ of a cell (e.g. connective tissue cell), a tissue (gingivitis) or an entire organ (hepatitis).

Such break in the integrity means in fact the cell is stressed out by exhaustion or damage. The reasons for such events include strain (pressure, tension, burning, friction, freezing, rupture, fracture) and micro-organisms. In the former case we are talking of sterile inflammation (after all, there are no foreign objects or micro-organisms involved).

Examples are: strain at playing sports or at work (RSI) or limping caused by too much physical effort. In the latter case the damage is caused by a virus, bacterium, fungus or worm: this is called asterile inflammation.

In either case the body will try and repair the damage. What is the plan of action in the event of material damage? Firstly, we remove the broken parts until we reach undamaged parts or parts that can still be used. Secondly, we use the best suitable and resembling materials to build on the remaining parts something resembling the original object. Something similar happens in the body of the dog.

These activities are recognised by redness (more blood flow to the damaged area), tumour or swelling (increased amount of blood), pain (increased pressure stimulates the senses), heat (more blood) and disturbed function (the inflamed area works different from before or is not used or less strained because of pain).

In the event of asterile inflammation not only the tissue must be repaired and remade, but the culprits must also be destroyed. Healthy dogs have a sufficient amount of reserves and energy to finish this energy-eating job, apart from the fact they could use some extra energy in the recovery time. A fever develops in the event of an inflammation that affects the entire body, e.g. uteritis or pneumonia. The dog works overtime for its recovery and is too sick to even think of food.

Once the dog has recovered from fever, it must be able to replenish its reserves. Easily digestible food is recommended in that case.