According to the American Veterinarian Medical Association, almost half of all dogs over the age of ten will develop a type of cancer. Learning your dog has cancer is extremely devastating, but there are many treatment options available.
The first thing you should do is learn everything you can about cancer in dogs. There are many different types of cancer, which means what your dog needs will be unique to them.
While it’s easy to get overwhelmed, knowing the facts can help you take action fast. We’ve created a guide for you to use, so keep reading to learn how to care for your furry friend.
Types of Cancer in Dogs
Cancer in dogs is not that different from cancer in humans, as they get it at about the same rate as humans, and there are similar types.
Cancer occurs from uncontrolled cell growth in the body, which can originate in any of the body’s tissues. If not found in time, it can easily spread to the lymph nodes and circulatory systems, which can spread and infect other parts of the body.
The different types of cancer include:
- Hemangiosarcoma
- Mast Cell Tumors
- Osteosarcoma
- Bladder Cancer
- Mammary Carcinoma
- Transitional Cell Carcinoma
- Soft Tissue Sarcoma
- Transitional Cell Carcinoma
- Lymphoma
- Brain Tumors
- Melanoma
While there are many different types of cancer, and it can seem a bit worrisome, more than half of all cancers in dogs can be treated if found in their early stages.
Signs and Symptoms
It is not always easy to spot the signs of cancer in dogs. However, knowing the various symptoms can help you be more prepared, and many times there are various signs that you will notice.
Symptoms include:
- Lumps underneath skin
- Unusual odors from mouth or ears
- Unusual discharge from eyes or ears
- Swelling in the abdomen
- Sudden weight loss
- Difficulty breathing
- Constant coughing
- Consistent fatigue
- Evidence of pain
- Changes in bathroom habits
If you notice any of the symptoms above, make an appointment with your veterinarian to get it checked out. While it could be something very mild, it’s always best to look into it as soon as possible.
How to Identify Tumors
Tumors will often appear as fleshy yet solid lumps underneath your dog’s skin. However, sometimes they will not be visible and will be deep within your dog’s body.
Regardless, it’s crucial to consistently feel for any tumors that may be on your dog. Many pet owners will find them when petting them or bathing them. If you are always checking and one day feel a lump, there’s a good chance you caught it early.
Your veterinarian will take some cells from the tumor to diagnose it, leading to further treatment plans of surgery or other follow-up care.
Knowing your dog has cancer is scary, but understanding what to look for and how to treat it will give them the best chance at beating it.
Treatment Options
There are a few different options for treating cancer, and which is best for your dog will depend on the type of cancer, their age, their health, and what stage the cancer is in.
Taking into account your dog’s health is essential, as it will depend on if they can tolerate the cancer treatment. Their life expectancy is also important, as treating slow-growing tumors may not be the best decision.
Similar to humans, dogs with cancer may need chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy. These may be severe and can make your dog sick, but they can also be their best chance at beating the cancer.
In addition, there are also other holistic options that you may use in combination with the above-mentioned treatments.
Natural Remedies
You may try herbal therapy, which can include many different treatment options.
Many people use CBD oil for dog lymphoma and other types of cancers because it can help relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and improve appetite. It also improves heart, eye, and skin health.
CBD is non-psychoactive, so it is entirely safe for your dog to use. In fact, there are studies that show that CBD can help kill cancer cells and stop the growth of tumors.
Other herbal therapy options include turmeric, which is thought to be able to stop cancer growth by destroying cancer cells. There are reishi mushrooms, which may shrink tumors and prevent secondary cancers.
You can also try phytoplankton, which has large amounts of antioxidants, helping to reduce free radical damage. Phytoplankton may be able to fight cancer because of these strong antioxidant properties, and they are active in the body as soon as you eat them, making them one of the antioxidants to take.
Other antioxidants must first be digested before you can access the antioxidants, which can take much longer and is not always effective.
All of these herbal therapy treatments should be discussed with your veterinarian before applying to your dog, especially if they are getting other therapies such as chemotherapy or radiation.
Schedule an Appointment With Your Veterinarian Today
It is important to take cancer in dogs seriously without getting overwhelmed by it. There is a lot to learn, but the more you know, the more you can help.
Research the different types and learn the various symptoms. Constantly check your dog and be aware if they suddenly start acting differently.
Always schedule an appointment with your vet if you have any worries, even if it is most likely something benign.
If you are would like more pet-related advice like this, check out the other articles on our website!
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