Holistic Treatment for Dogs With Cancer

Cancer strikes one in every three dogs and of those, more than half will die of the disease. Important conventional medicines have developed to treat canine cancer, helped along, in part, by a National Institute of Health project to map the genome sequence of the dog. However, many veterinarians also recommend using traditional Western medicines in combination with holistic treatments.

  1. Homeopathic Remedies and Herbs

    • Homeopathic medicine operates on the principle of "like with like," meaning remedies are given that produce similar effects as the disease itself in the belief it will cure the illness. Hepar, Carcinosin, Lymphosmyosot and Berberic are homeopathic remedies given to dogs with cancer to cleanse the blood and lymphatic systems.

      Herbal remedies are also given to dogs with cancer, including astralagus and ashwagandha, which help restore immune function and suppress tumor growth. Arnica and calendula support the restorative functions of the bone, skin and muscle tissues and milk thistle detoxifies the liver.

    Supplements

    • Coenzyme Q10 can be used for dogs with cancer, as it has been shown to protect the heart and stimulate the immune system. Concentrated fish oils can, too. Vetinfo recommends administering 1,000 mg of fish oil per 20 pounds of dog every day.

    General Dietary Guidelines

    • Dietary quality is essential in any holistic or natural treatment method and specific diets are often recommended for dogs fighting cancer. Vetinfo recommends eliminating any grain from the animal's diet and offering rich sources of omega-3, -6 and -9 fatty acids. These omegas are essential in rebuilding damaged tissues.

      Lots of fresh water should accompany any diet. Dry kibble should be given in the evening, and at least some fresh food given in the morning--25 percent fruits and vegetables and 75 percent meat. Food choices should vary daily, which provides a broad range of nutrients. Dogs stricken with cancer may have less appetite than when at their healthiest, so smaller meals throughout the day are essential for some of them.

    Specific Foods and Nutrient Recommendations

    • Good meat choices for dogs with cancer include ground beef or turkey, lamb or chicken and organ meats such as liver, kidneys and hearts. Vetinfo recommends mixing meat patties with cottage cheese, eggs, and yogurt; raw vegetables such as broccoli, sweet potato, celery, carrots, spinach and/or zucchini; and fruits such as apples, grapefruits, oranges, and pears. Other recommended ingredients include flax seeds, salmon, sardines and foods high in vitamin E, beta-carotene and selenium. Raw--not cooked--bones can also be given, as cooked bones tend to splinter.

    Massage and Acupuncture

    • Acupuncture and massage can suppress pain and inflammation, increase appetite and reduce depression. Chinese medicine, which employs acupuncture, also works on the principle that its treatments can help restore the natural balances in the body and by so doing, cure the disease. Some acupuncturists and massage therapists have been specially trained to treat animals.