Dog cancers are primarily found on the skin or internal organs such as canine liver cancer, spleen or in the digestive tract. The problem with internal cancers is that the related symptoms are generalized, meaning, they don't necessarily indicate the presence of cancer. Unfortunately the key to treatment is early detection.
As most of you might be probably aware of, cancer in dogs is usually treated with chemotherapy, surgery, cryosurgery (freezing) and radiation. The problem, however, with these treatments is that there are potential side effects involved with them. This is why a lot of people these days opt for alternative cancer treatments for dog with the hope that the quality of life can be sustained for as long as possible.
o Nausea and bleeding problems are some of the side effects of chemotherapy.
o Radiation might damage not only the cancerous cells, but the healthy cells as well. It might also cause some skin problems.
o Both chemotherapy and radiation tend to weaken the immune system of the affected dog. This makes it vulnerable to a wide range of health problems.
o In case of surgery, the affected dog might not be able to recover from the trauma of surgery in some cases. Moreover, your dog will be in a lot of pain during the recuperation period.
o Last but not least, they are pretty expensive.
This is not to discourage any owner from pursuing treatment, but to have an informed conversation with the veterinarian regarding the quality of life the dog will have, and the prognosis or lifespan after treatment. This is why a lot of people these days have started looking beyond conventional treatment methods to help a dog with cancer.
Diet has been shown in studies to help control canine cancer. These diets tend to minimize simple sugar, limit carbohydrates, and to include digestible proteins. The idea is to limit food components that help cancerous cell growth. Commercial foods made with this formulation include Hill's Prescription Diet n/d.
Homeopathic supplements contain a mixture of powerful herbs and natural ingredients that can boost the affected dog's immune system and hopefully slow down the growth of cancerous tumors. Many contain antioxidants which can help strengthen healthy cells. It is debated regarding their effect on unhealthy or cancerous cells.
Only your vet can help you decide the right treatment for your dog depending on its health condition and the extent of the disease. The important thing you need to remember is that irrespective of the treatment given to your dog - surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy - or alternatives, its the dogs quality of life that matters.
You should not expect alternative cancer treatments for dog to cure canine cancer. They can, however, reduce your dog's pain and suffering to a great extent and increase its lifespan. So, consider the pros and cons of various treatment options available to treat dog cancer and do what is best for your dog.
o Nausea and bleeding problems are some of the side effects of chemotherapy.
o Radiation might damage not only the cancerous cells, but the healthy cells as well. It might also cause some skin problems.
o Both chemotherapy and radiation tend to weaken the immune system of the affected dog. This makes it vulnerable to a wide range of health problems.
o In case of surgery, the affected dog might not be able to recover from the trauma of surgery in some cases. Moreover, your dog will be in a lot of pain during the recuperation period.
o Last but not least, they are pretty expensive.
This is not to discourage any owner from pursuing treatment, but to have an informed conversation with the veterinarian regarding the quality of life the dog will have, and the prognosis or lifespan after treatment. This is why a lot of people these days have started looking beyond conventional treatment methods to help a dog with cancer.
Canine Cancer Diet
Diet has been shown in studies to help control canine cancer. These diets tend to minimize simple sugar, limit carbohydrates, and to include digestible proteins. The idea is to limit food components that help cancerous cell growth. Commercial foods made with this formulation include Hill's Prescription Diet n/d.
Natural Homeopathic Supplements as a Supportive Therapy
Homeopathic supplements contain a mixture of powerful herbs and natural ingredients that can boost the affected dog's immune system and hopefully slow down the growth of cancerous tumors. Many contain antioxidants which can help strengthen healthy cells. It is debated regarding their effect on unhealthy or cancerous cells.
Only your vet can help you decide the right treatment for your dog depending on its health condition and the extent of the disease. The important thing you need to remember is that irrespective of the treatment given to your dog - surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy - or alternatives, its the dogs quality of life that matters.
You should not expect alternative cancer treatments for dog to cure canine cancer. They can, however, reduce your dog's pain and suffering to a great extent and increase its lifespan. So, consider the pros and cons of various treatment options available to treat dog cancer and do what is best for your dog.
Jeff Grill is an editor of the Dog Health Handbook which has additional information on alternative cancer treatments for dog. See this site for additional information on natural and alternative dog treatment options.
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