What Can You Do to Keep a Dog With Metastatic Lung Cancer Comfortable?

Metastatic lung cancer describes any type of cancer that occurs in the dog̵7;s lung, which has spread to surrounding parts of the body. The length of time and quality of life your dog may experience once he is diagnosed with metastatic cancer depends on the strength of his immune system, the levels of pain he feels and the care he receives. Always consult an experienced veterinarian regarding the health and treatment of your pet, but the provision of gentle and compassionate home care to complement his medical regimen can help him to make the most of the time he has left.

  1. Comfort

    • Most dogs that develop metastatic lung cancer are no longer young and may have other medical conditions, such as arthritis, which may not be life threatening but could still cause discomfort. Watch the dog carefully to see if he displays any signs of stiffness, shivers when the weather is cold, or stands up and changes position frequently while in his bed. All these may be indicators that he is not comfortable, in which case you should review his sleeping quarters to ensure that the cushioning is soft enough but still provides support. For a dog with painful joints or a tendency to feel the cold, a heated bed may help him to find comfort.

    Diet

    • Dr. Gregory Ogilvie, a veterinarian at Colorado State University, recommends feeding a dog with cancer small quantities of complex carbohydrates and simple sugars that can be quickly absorbed, moderate amounts of high quality, digestible proteins, and high quantities of unsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids. You can provide this type of diet by cooking homemade food for your dog, or by switching him to a raw food diet. Some commercial dog food manufacturers offer dry food specially formulated for cancer patients, which may be suitable for a dog with a sensitive stomach.

    Natural Supplements

    • The use of natural supplements and immune boosters may help strengthen the system of a dog with metastatic lung cancer. In his book ̶0;Kindred Spirits: How the Remarkable Bond between Humans and Animals Can Change the Way We Live,̶1; veterinarian Allen M. Schoen writes that the use of selenium has a positive effect on cancer. He also states that retinoids, beta-carotene and vitamins C, D and E have been shown to be therapeutic in the treatment of dog cancers. Check with your veterinarian before starting the dog on any natural remedies, in case they react badly with his drugs.

    Stress-Free

    • As with humans, stress is a major cause of illness in dogs. Keep your dog as stress-free as possible, by ensuring that you don̵7;t expose him to anything that usually excites or upsets him. Many dogs become particularly stressed by their humans quarreling, so avoid raised voices or loud disagreements while you are within hearing distance of the sick dog. Speak gently to the dog if he does something he should not instead of delivering the usual firm ̶0;no.̶1; Avoid any form of punishment if he soils in the house, because this may be caused by his condition or his medications. With kindness and compassion, your dog with cancer can enjoy his last days to the full.