Natural Cancer Remedies for Dogs

There are many treatments available for dogs who are diagnosed with cancer. Chemical medications can be extremely helpful, but if you don't want to give your dog medication, there are some natural treatments. You can also combine natural and chemical treatments. Before starting any treatment on your dog, be sure to speak with your veterinarian about what is best. If your dog's cancer is in the late stages, natural remedies may not be potent enough for a full recovery.

  1. Red Clover

    • Red clover is an herb that is thought to help fight cancer because it contains high levels of carotene, vitamin E and the flavonoid quercetin. Your dog can drink a tea made with red clover, or you can make a poultice and apply it directly to cancerous lesions on the skin. Red clover is available at herb or health food stores and a veterinarian can instruct you on proper dosage.

    Milk Thistle

    • Milk thistle has long been used as a remedy for liver problems in both animals and people. Milk thistle contains silymarin, which can treat liver disease and cancer, along with kidney disease, mushroom poisoning and lead poisoning. Milk thistle should only be used as a disease treatment and not as a dietary supplement because long-term use can reduce liver function. You can find milk thistle as an extract at health food stores. Talk to your veterinarian about proper dosage.

    Burdock Root

    • Burdock root helps detoxify the body, so it is good for canine cancer patients. This herb contains a natural diuretic that helps flush waste from the body. It also contains inulin, which helps repair immune system imbalances. That is important for dogs with cancer, because cancer thrives when the immune system is suppressed. Burdock root can be found in health food stores.

    Acupuncture

    • Acupuncture can help control inflammation and pain without stimulating cancer cells when performed correctly. Many people get acupuncture to help with a variety of illnesses, and it can work on dogs, as well. Acupuncturists also say that acupuncture can help with whatever imbalance in the body caused the cancer in the first place.