When your dog is diagnosed with cancer, it can make you feel hopeless, as though there is nothing you can do for your furry friend. But that is not the case. Traditional treatments like surgery, chemotherapy and radiation are effective in treating cancer. In addition, many pet owners opt to include holistic treatment options as well to boost the immune system, increase appetite and lessen the side effects of the harsher conventional treatments.
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Diet
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One way to assist in the treatment of canine cancer is to adopt a highly nutritious diet for your dog. That means purchasing a dog food brand that contains a high level of protein and a low level of carbohydrates. You might also consider mixing or cooking your own dog food with healthy ingredients.
Acupuncture
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Another type of holistic treatment that can be used for canine cancer is acupuncture, which can eliminate pain and inflammation caused either by the tumor or the cancer treatments themselves, such as chemotherapy or radiation. While not necessarily an efficient treatment on its own, acupuncture is a good complement to more traditional treatments, because it can improve your dog's quality of life, quickening the healing process and increasing his appetite.
Herbal Remedies
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Another way to treat canine cancer is to use herbal remedies and supplements. These herbs work to provide your dog with more energy, a higher white blood cell count and an improved appetite, all of which are important for a speedy recovery from cancer. Supplements are best used alongside other cancer treatments. A few herbs that are especially effective include milk thistle, echinacea and astragalus.
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