The BIG "C" cancer in Dogs

Cancer affects one in three dog, perhaps you life has already been effected by this horrible and painful disease. Cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs over ten. Thankful about half of the cancers are curable if they are caught early enough. The warning signs of cancer in dogs are very similar to that in people. A lump or a bump, a wound that doesn't heal, any kind of swelling, enlarged lymph nodes, a lameness or swelling in the bone, abnormal bleeding. Those are all classic signs. But sometimes there are little or no signs, at least early on. So any time an animal isn't feeling well, or there's something abnormal or not quite right especially if the animal stops eating or loses a lot of weight, the owner needs to bring it to the attention of their veterinarian.

After the dog is diagnosed with cancer the owner will most likely have to decide what to do. Chemotherapy and radiation treatments are the most common types of treatment. Some cancer can be remedied by surgery. It depends on the type of cancer and the area affected.

The biggest thing to preventing cancer in the first place is spaying your dog. If you spay a dog before its first heat you'll reduce the chance of mammary cancer eight-fold, just because of the hormonal influence. Good oral care can also help decrease and even prevent oral cancers. And if you're buying a purebred dog, check its line to see if there's a specific kind of cancer in that breed's line. Since pure breed dogs have a greater chance for cancer then mixed breed dogs

. The FDA has also approved a tumor vaccine to prevent the most common oral tumors. But there are a few things that you can do to add in the treatment. Not only do these herbs help decrease the cancer but they minimize the side effects of the chemotherapy for less nausea, more energy and faster recovery. The herbs which is most commonly used include; Chamomile, St Mary's Thistle, Alfalfa, Rosehips, Thuja, Parsley, Fennel, Blue Flag, Ginger and Liquroice. Although not proven I have had great results with essiac tea and wheat grass as a helper extending the life of my dog but these are not proven treatments. There are a few herbs that can be added to your dogs diet now to prevent cancer all together, milk thistle helps prevent liver cancer, Echinacea and cats paw both are great to boost the immune system. Cancer is a very serious disease. The information provided here is intended for educational use and is not intended to substitute for the advice of a professional. This page is not intended as an endorsement of any product. You should discuss all forms of treatment with your veterinarian.

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