This is my dog, Joey. He has been recently diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma of the spleen. Life expectancy is 3-6 months. I am doing everything I can to extend my time with him. If you have a dog that has been diagnosed with cancer then this is the blog for you.
Cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs over 10 years, with 50% developing the disease and approximately one in four dogs eventually dying from it. Crazy right?
Start With Diet
The first step in caring for a chronically ill dog is to remove ALL processed foods and treats from the diet. If you are feeding highly processed dry kibble then it’s time to stop that. No more milkbones either. ????????
The best fresh diet for your particular dog will depend on the type of dog and the type of cancer.
If your dog can tolerate a commercial raw diet then that is my first choice. Options include: All Provide, Small Batch, OC Raw, BJs Raw, Darwins, K9 Kravings.
Other fresh diet options include:
- A balanced home-cooked diet. You can find recipes at balanceit.com. There are also food pre-mixes such as Dr. Harveys Raw Vibrance or Paradigm that you can just add to a protein and oil to make a complete diet.
- A commercial cooked diet such as small batch or Evermore.
- Freeze dried raw diets such as Vital Essentials, ,OC Raw, Small Batch, Open Farm, Rawbble.
- Air dried diets such as Ziwi Peak, Zeal and Sundays Food For dogs.
- Dehydrated diets such as Honest Kitchen and Dr. Harveys.
* Be sure his water is filtered
Top 7 Supplements For Cancer
1. Medicinal Mushrooms
For centuries, various cultures around the world have used mushrooms for medicinal purposes. More recently, they have also been used in the treatment of pulmonary diseases and cancer.
Turkey tail-A study on canine hemangiosarcoma in 2012 showed a significant increase in survival time in dogs receiving turkey tail at a dose of 100mg/kg/day
Turkey tail’s benefits may stem from its content of polysaccharopeptide (PSP) and polysaccharide-K (PSK), both of which appear to inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
I like this product from realmushrooms.com. In many of the pet products the dosage concentration is just not high enough.
I also like this blend from realmushrooms.com that also includes turkey tail, Shiitake, Maitake and Chaga mushrooms. The recommended dose for Maitake, Shiitake and chaga is also 100mg/kg/day. This can be divided into two doses.
2. Omega 3s
Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acid, which helps the body absorb nutrients and fend off inflammation. Studies have shown that EPA and DHA in omega 3 oils can reduce the risk of cancer and other diseases. I prefer green lipped mussels and krill supplements. You can also feed fish such as salmon and sardines (no-salt added).
In a 2021 review the relationship between high serum levels of EPA and DHA correlated with improvement in dogs diagnosed with lymphoma.
3. CBD Oil
A study in 2020 looked at CBD as a potential anti-cancer treatment. According to the study, CBD “has demonstrated robust anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects on a wide variety of cancer types both in cultured cancer cell lines and in mouse tumor models. It also showed that CBD can also “inhibit tumor migration, invasion, and neo-vascularization.”
4. Decaffeinated Green Tea
Green tea is an excellent antioxidant, and studies show the properties of green tea help protect against metastasis of certain kinds of cancer. Green tea contains chemicals called polyphenols that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
I use decaffeinated loose leaves and steep them in 4 cups of filtered water for 15 minutes. Use a strainer to remove leaves and store in a glass container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Give 1/8 cup for small dogs, 1/2 cup medium dogs and 1 cup large dogs twice daily with their meals. Do NOT give to fasted animals.
5. Turmeric
Curcumin, a natural substance found in turmeric, has been shown to have anti-cancer effects. It also has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and is a very strong antioxidant.
In a number of studies it has been shown that taking curcumin inhibits carcinogenesis and cancer growth. It was also shown to increase the expression of anti-metastatic proteins. In several other studies, it was reported that curcumin also increased patient survival and decreased tumor marker concentration.
Doses:
- 1-20 lbs: 1/8 tsp of powder
- 20-50 lbs: ¼ to 1 tsp powder
- 50-100 lbs: 1 tsp to 2 tsp powder
- Over 100 lbs: 2 tsp powder
If your dog is taking turmeric for the first time, start with one daily dose and work your way to three daily doses if you don’t see any negative effects.
Check out this recipe for turmeric paste from Dog’s Naturally magazine.
6. Phytoplankton
Marine phytoplankton is a natural, vegan source of EPA and DHA, consisting of more than 50% EFA by weight (more than fish). I also add it to my family’s smoothies. It is a great detoxifier because it contains iodine and chlorophyll. These detox the body and organs from heavy metal build-ups.
Marine phytoplankton is also a strong antioxidant, with anti-inflammatory and protective qualities due to its carotenoids and potent phytochemical.
I like this product from holistic bin.
Dose: 1/16 tsp. daily.
7. Raw Goat’s Milk
The raw milk from goats is a rich source of easily digestible nutrients, enzymes, and probiotics that support overall health, aid in digestion, and boost the immune system. Additionally, the milk’s anti-inflammatory properties may contribute to managing symptoms and improving the well-being of dogs undergoing cancer treatments.
Consider Other Treatments
- Homeopathic consultation– I strongly recommend seeking the advice of an experienced homeopathic vet and adding this to your treatment plan. Homeopathy can be integral in prolonging your dog’s life and keeping him as comfortable as possible for as long as possible. I consulted with Dr. Loops for Joey’s homeopathic remedies.
- Oncology consultation – This maybe worth your time even if you do not think that chemotherapy is something you will pursue. An oncologist can educate you about your dog’s particular cancer and may have some helpful advice. Traditional chemotherapy, in my opinion, is only worth pursing for lymphoma. Radiation may be recommended depending on your dog’s type of cancer.
- FidoCure® uses genomic testing to identify possible cancer-causing mutations and then suggests targeted therapy to precisely attack the cancer cells. They prescribe oral chemotherapeutic treatment based on DNA sequencing of your dog’s cancerous tumor.
If your dog has an organ specific cancer then additional supplements would be recommended. For example, cancer of the spleen such as hemangiosarcoma would need Yunnan Baiyao, an herb to prevent bleeding. If your dog has cancer of the liver then liver specific supplements would be added such as Denamarin amongst others.
The Healing Power Of Love
- Use your own Healing Touch. Get down on the floor and massage your dog daily. Focus your loving energy on him and picture him healed while imagining how you will feel when he is healed. I believe in the power of healing touch and visualization.
- Love on him as much as possible. Do the things he loves if he is still able to. Enjoy each other.
- Try to be present in the moment rather than dreading the future. I know this is a tough one as I am going through it myself.
What Not To Do
- Do Not Use Topical or Oral Pesticides/toxins. Use natural flea and tick prevention only. Check out my blog on this topic.
- Do Not Vaccinate After Diagnosis.
- Do Not Feed Processed Food.
In A Nutshell
- Be sure your dog is on a fresh diet
- Make a plan of supplements to add to his daily routine to support his immune system and fight cancer.
- Don’t use topical and oral pesticides/toxins, feed processed food or vaccinate after this diagnosis.
- Incorporate homeopathic remedies recommended by an experienced homeopathic veterinarian.
- Treatment options such as fidocure and chemo/radiation therapy may be worth investigating depending on the type of cancer.
- Live each day with your beloved friend with Presence and Love.
Wishing all of you navigating cancer with your dog many more magic moments with your cherished friend,
Dr.Loudon
If you would like me to design a treatment plan specific to your dog’s cancer please book an appointment at https://calendly.com/drloudon/concierge-telehealth-appointment-helping-your-dog-live-longer-after-cancer-diagnosis.