Cancer in Dogs Care & Treatment Alternatives

According to The Nation Canine Cancer Foundation, more than one in four dogs develops some type of cancer. While hearing your pet's cancer diagnosis is always difficult, the increased number of treatment methods makes coping and recovering from this disease more manageable than ever.

  1. Chemotherapy

    • Depending on the stage of your dog's cancer, your veterinarian may recommend treatment with chemotherapy. Similarly to the human equivalent of this treatment, chemotherapy uses high levels of IV medications to kill the dog's cancer cell. However, this treatment is not always desirable because the harm it can cause to the cells that are still healthy.

    Radiation

    • Radiation is another non-invasive approach to treating your pet's cancer. While the rays used in radiation can damage healthy cells in their path, they are targeted specifically to the cancer. This treatment may be used in combination with chemotherapy or surgery, by serving to reduce the size of the tumor before it is treated. Even if other treatment options will not help, radiation can at least reduce the size of the tumor so that you can enjoy the longest possible time with your dog.

    Surgery

    • Surgery is another common treatment for canine cancer. In some advanced cases, the stage of the cancer makes it the only option. Other times, surgery may be necessary to stabilize your dog's condition in order to give you time to make a more long-term decision. Your vet may also recommend surgery in conjunction with other treatments.

    Supplements

    • Your dog is also likely to benefit from a number of natural supplements. While none of these will cure the cancer, they may prolong your dog's life and increase the quality of the time it has left. Some helpful supplements include Echinacea, cat's claw, astragalus, reishi and milk thistle. Your veterinarian will be able to recommend the best brand name supplements for your dog.

    Acupuncture and Massage

    • In his article "Integrative Treatment of Cancer in Dogs," Dr. R. M. Clemmons from the University of Florida says that both needle and electrical acupuncture may help relieve the pain associated with canine cancer. However, if your dog does not respond within three to five treatments, you may wish to consider another option. Clemmons also suggests massage and increased human touch, as this is likely to soothe your dog and provide health benefits like lower blood pressure.