Natural Cancer Support for Dogs: 5 Proven Vet-Approved Holistic Strategies
Have you received the heartbreaking news from your vet that your dog has cancer? A cancer diagnosis can trigger a mix of overwhelming emotions. You will feel fear and sadness but also an overwhelming desire to help your pet in any way possible.
Our pets are more than just animals in our homes; they are part of our family and provide us with unconditional love and loyalty. They rely on us to meet their basic needs and when they are sick. As a result, when faced with such a challenge, we want to make sure we do everything we can to make their lives and suffering easier.
Although conventional treatments are considered to be the most effective when it comes to cancer, that doesn't mean there can't be some risks. So, to support your dog with cancer naturally, we'll present 5 ways you can help relieve discomfort, boost immunity, and improve your pet's overall quality of life.
1. Nutrient-Rich Diet
Proper nutrition is important for all dogs to live a healthy life. When they are sick, proper nutrition is even more important. Dogs with cancer lose weight. Weight loss can occur gradually because, as the cancer progresses in the body, their appetite begins to decrease, or suddenly, especially in cases of end-stage cancer. Loss of appetite and decreased water intake are common, and if not managed properly, can seriously compromise the health of your dog. It is essential to pay special attention to your pet's nutritional needs and hydration during this critical period, to support the remission process and prevent the adverse effects of malnutrition and dehydration. Therefore, focusing on a nutrient-rich diet to support your dog during cancer is the first step. A balanced diet for your dog with cancer can help reduce inflammation, strengthen their immune system, and improve their quality of life. Additionally, dogs undergoing conventional treatment, such as chemotherapy, may need different diets than healthy dogs. This is because the metabolism of pets can be severely affected by cancer and cancer treatments, which can lead to malnutrition and dehydration.
Foods high in carbohydrates and low in fat are not the best choice for dogs suffering from cancer. As a result, dogs with cancer need diets low in carbohydrates and high in protein and fat.
Here's what you can feed your dog during this crucial period:
High-quality protein
Protein plays an essential role in muscle repair and growth. As a result, dogs with cancer are more likely to lose muscle mass due to metabolic changes and the effects of treatment. Therefore, they will need diets rich in high-quality protein to ensure efficient digestion and absorption, which is essential during their recovery period. In addition, proteins contribute to hormonal balance and proper immune system function, which are important aspects for maintaining your dog’s overall well-being and energy.
Foods rich in quality protein:
- Chicken
- Turkey
- Beef
- Pork
- Fish (e.g., salmon, sardines)
- Organ meats: liver, kidneys, heart, and lungs
- Eggs
Processed meats or those with additives can increase inflammation in the body, so they should be avoided.
Low carb-foods
Cancer cells thrive on glucose and glutamine. The term “carbohydrate” (carb) includes all foods that contain glucose. Glutamine is one of the amino acids found naturally in protein foods, and is also the most abundant amino acid in the blood.
Instead of grains and starchy foods, you should include the following in your dog’s diet:
Broccoli, spinach, kale, zucchini, and cauliflower – They are high in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and have a low glycemic index. Being high in fiber and low in carbohydrates, they also help maintain stable blood sugar levels. However, they should be offered in moderation as they can lead to gastrointestinal problems. Never feed them raw; always steamed or boiled.
Pumpkin – It is rich in fiber, vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals, nutrients that can support your dog's overall health and immune system. The fiber in pumpkin can also help maintain healthy digestion, which is especially important if your dog is going through cancer treatments. Always use cooked or canned pumpkin.
Beets – It is rich in vitamin A, folic acid, potassium, fibers, and beta-carotene. It supports healthy liver function, being a good choice for cancer patients that undergo chemotherapy. In addition, it is also good for the intestinal tract due to the high amounts of fiber. Always feed steamed or roasted until soft.
Blueberries and blackberries – They are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, ellagic acid, anthocyanins, and fibers. They have anti-inflammatory properties, making them beneficial for dogs with cancer. The antioxidants protect the cells from free radicals, and the ellagic acid helps block the metabolic pathways that can lead to the development of cancer. Introduce these berries gradually into your dog’s diet. Feed them fresh or frozen, and start with small amounts to avoid stomach upset.
Carrots – They are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. In addition, they are rich in antioxidants such as beta-carotene, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Carrots may also play an important role in preventing chronic diseases because the antioxidants in carrots protect the body's cells from damage caused by free radicals and reduce inflammation, which can lead to heart disease and cancer. They can be fed raw, frozen, or cooked. If raw or frozen, it is important to cut them in small pieces to make sure your dog won’t choke on them. Also, make sure you wash them from dirt and pesticides before serving.
Never add salt, pepper, or other spices to your dog’s food.
Healthy fats and Omega-3 fatty acids
Healthy fats and omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation while also providing an increased energy intake, especially when dogs with cancer have a low appetite.
Fish oil –There are three primary omega-3 fatty acids: ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). ALA is found in flaxseeds, soybeans, and canola oils, and serves as a precursor for EPA and DHA. EPA and DHA support overall health and disease management and can be used as adjuvant treatment in both cancerous and non-cancerous diseases in pets. Overall, omega-3 fatty acids combat inflammation and support your dog’s immune system.
Coconut oil – It contains saturated fats and several beneficial fatty acids, such as lauric acid (40-50%), myristic acid, palmitic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid. It helps improve water-soluble vitamins, may block cholesterol absorption, provides antioxidant protection, and may help prevent cancer. Dosage: ¼ teaspoon for small dogs to 1 teaspoon per day for large dogs. Do not feed large amounts, as it can lead to gastrointestinal problems.
Flaxseed oil – It is generally safe for dogs but it can lead to side effects such as vomiting, diarrhea, and delayed wound healing. In humans, studies suggest that flaxseed oil can suppress the growth of various malignant cell lines, such as breast, cervical, leukemia, and melanoma cells, without affecting non-cancerous cells. In animals, researchers have demonstrated that α-linolenic acid, a component of flaxseed, can inhibit the growth and proliferation of cancer cells and promote apoptosis in mammary cancer cells.
Avoid vegetable oils (corn, soybean, sunflower) and trans fats in your dog's food, as they can increase inflammation.
Bone broth
Cancer can weaken your dog's body, including the digestive system and hydration levels. Bone broth is a nutrient-rich, easy-to-digest superfood that supports gut health and joint health. It can be recommended after cancer surgery or chemotherapy to support your dog's recovery.
Dosage: ¼ cup per 25 pounds body weight daily.
Don’t use garlic and onion in your broth (they are toxic to dogs), as well as salt, pepper, or other spices.
Important considerations: Besides everything that has been said about your dog's diet with cancer, there are situations where cancer treatment or the cancer itself may affect your dog's ability to eat and drink. In these situations, your veterinarian may recommend alternative feeding methods such as special nutritional supplements or the use of a feeding tube to ensure adequate nutrition during recovery. For example, dogs that have had jaw removal surgery (due to the cancer developing at that level) will need a feeding tube until they adjust to their new living conditions.
2. Herbal And Natural Supplements
Adding certain herbal and natural supplements, such as medicinal mushrooms, CBD oil, or turmeric to a dog's diet can provide various health benefits. These benefits can include immune support, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. However, it is essential to consult your pet's veterinarian or a vet homeopath before introducing your dog to these natural products to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your pet's specific needs.
Mushrooms
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
In humans, studies show that Reishi mushrooms may suppress protein synthesis and tumor growth by influencing survival and proliferative signaling pathways involved in translation. The results suggest that this mushroom could be a potential natural therapy for breast cancer and other types of cancer. It supports immune health and may slow tumor growth.
Turkey Tail (Coriolus versicolor)
Turkey tail mushrooms contain compounds like beta-glucans (a group of β-d-glucose polysaccharides), which may strengthen the immune system and help slow tumor growth. Polysaccharides have been studied in various types of human cancer, such as gastric, breast, intestinal, and lung cancers, and have been used as an adjuvant therapy in cancer patients with minimal side effects.
Shiitake (Lentinus edodes)
Shiitake mushrooms have anticancer and immunomodulating properties. Like Turkey tail mushrooms, Shiitake contains beta-glucans, which have anticancer and pro-apoptotic (i.e., pro-programmed cell death) activities. Lentinan is one of the best-characterized polysaccharides in Shiitake mushrooms, which has been shown to have anticancer effects.
Zumalka’s SHIITAKE is a natural product made from Shiitake mushrooms that strengthens your dog’s immunity, helps fight infections and cancer and also supports liver health.
Fomitopsis betulina
Zumalka’s PIPTOPET is a mother tincture that can help dogs fight cancer better and recover faster. The key ingredient in PIPTOPET is birch polypore (Fomitopsis betulina), a medicinal mushroom known for hundreds of years for its medicinal properties. According to various studies that were conducted on mice, dogs, and monkeys, birch polypore has antiviral, antibacterial, antitumoral, anti-inflammatory, immune support, and antioxidant properties. In short, it supports your pet’s immune system and natural healing processes.
PIPTOPET is an excellent product for all dogs, including those with cancer. It can be considered a natural treatment for cancer.
For better results, you can combine PIPTOPET with the following natural products:
TONICPET #4: It supports the natural immune response, promoting and maintaining your dog’s quality of life by delivering oxygen to every part of their body.
TONICPET #5: It encourages healthy circulation, ensuring the proper functioning of all your dog’s body systems.
TONICPET #7: It can help your pet fight cancer more proficiently by promoting oxygen circulation in your dog’s body. In turn, it will boost their immune system.
TONICPET #10: Cancer cells like acidic environments. Therefore, this product can balance the body’s pH, discouraging cancer growth.
PIPTOPET combined with TONICPET #4, #5, #7, and #10 can help support the healing response and change the dog's "tissue environment" as cancer thrives in an inflamed and acidic body - these products help change this environment to one that is not cancer-friendly.
Turmeric (curcumin)
It has important benefits for the body, thanks to its anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and antioxidant functions. It helps maintain healthy cartilage and connective tissue, helps relieve joint stiffness, fights free radicals, and helps maintain a normal and healthy inflammatory response.
Dosage: 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon per day for every 10 pounds of body weight.
CBD oil
Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is extracted from the cannabis plant. This oil has been studied for its potential to improve various clinical signs associated with cancer and its treatments. Studies suggest that CBD may help reduce pain and inflammation. In addition, studies have shown that it can help your dog fight cancer better because it can cause the programmed death of cancer cells (apoptosis) and reduce cell viability. As the same study shows, it seems that in combination with mitoxantrone and vinblastine (chemotherapy drugs), the effects of CBD oil are enhanced for dogs with urothelial carcinoma cell cancer.
Additionally, there are reports suggesting that cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, may help alleviate nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite in cancer patients.
Important considerations: Always consult your vet or a homeopathic veterinarian for guidance regarding your dog's treatment.
3. Stress Reduction And Emotional Support
When our dogs suffer from cancer, it is important to offer them emotional support and reduce the stressors around them. In this way, we can significantly improve their well-being, making their fight against cancer easier. Here is what you can do to achieve this:
Maintain a constant and consistent daily routine
It is important to stick to your dog’s regular schedule, like feeding, sleeping, and other daily activities, to provide them with a sense of stability. Pets usually hate changes in their daily routine. Therefore, redesigning your home interior or welcoming a lot of unfamiliar people can cause anxiety, stress, or even depression. In other words, if changes occur in their environment, they can become stressed and depressed, which can worsen their condition.
Moreover, you should keep their regular resting and sleeping spots accessible, warm, and cozy.
Provide them with gentle exercise and stimulation
All dogs need to do exercises every day and be mentally stimulated; sick dogs even more. To achieve this, take your dog for short walks (if they are able to walk) to maintain muscle mass and strength and improve circulation. Let them explore their surroundings because it offers them valuable mental stimulation. Exploring their surroundings will engage their senses and encourage curiosity and cognitive development. For mental stimulation, you can also offer interactive activities, such as food puzzles.
For gentle exercise, you can also engage in light play with soft toys.
Offer them comfort and affection
Sick dogs need more closeness from us. So, here's what you can do to make them feel more loved and reassured:
- Spend quality time with your dog, be it through gentle play, cuddling, or just simply sitting beside them. These activities will provide reassurance that you are there for them.
- Massage your dog to improve circulation and ease muscle tension.
- Speak with your dog in a calm, soothing tone to reduce stress.
- If your dog is still restless, use pheromone diffusers, favorite stuffed toys, or blankets to help them relax more.
4. Supporting Detoxification and a Healthy Immune System
It is important for your dog to stay hydrated all the time. Therefore, ensure they have fresh (and filtered) water to help them eliminate the toxins from the body.
Do not feed them processed foods and avoid exposing them to harsh chemicals.
If your dog is getting through chemotherapy, you can administer milk thistle (silymarin) to support their liver. For proper liver function, you can administer milk thistle in a dosage of 20 mg/kg or 75 mg/10 pounds. If the liver toxicity is high, the dosage can be increased up to 50 mg/kg. However, it is best to talk to a veterinarian or a holistic vet before administering milk thistle.
5. Acupuncture And Other Alternative Therapies
Acupuncture has many benefits in veterinary medicine. It can help your dog with cancer in the following ways:
- Relieve pain
- Reduce inflammation
- Support their immune system
In addition, it can help with the side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea and vomiting.
Other alternative therapies that may help your dog include:
- Chiropractic
- Light massage
- Homeopathy
- Aromatherapy
Always consult your current vet or a holistic veterinarian to ensure the best course of action for your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How To Destroy Cancer Cells Naturally?
One of the most powerful tools you have against your dog's cancer is their diet. As a result, balanced diets, rich in protein and easily digestible fats and low in carbohydrates, can be ideal for dogs with cancer. Incorporate immune-boosting ingredients into their diet, such as carrots, berries, broccoli, and pumpkin. You can also add omega-3 fatty acids, turmeric, coconut oil, vitamins (E and C), PIPTOPET, Shiitake mushrooms, Reishi mushrooms, or Turkey Tail mushrooms, and probiotics.
How Can I Fight Cancer Without Chemo?
Whether you're talking about yourself or your dog, you can fight cancer without chemotherapy. However, keep in mind that some types of cancer, such as leukemia, lung cancer, or metastatic cancer, can only be treated with chemotherapy. That said, there are other methods of treating cancer, such as surgery, radiation therapy, or immunotherapy. In cases where cancer treatments cannot be applied, your doctor may recommend supportive care. However, you can try alternative therapies like PIPTOPET, Shiitake mushrooms, Reishi mushrooms, or Turkey Tail mushrooms. They will help your dog’s body fight cancer better by improving their immune system. Moreover, studies have shown that these mushrooms have anticancer effects.
What Improves Cancer Survival?
Keeping a daily routine, resting, gentle exercises, mental stimulation, and eating a balanced diet can help improve cancer survival. The same goes for pets.
Can Stage 4 Cancer Be Cured?
Unfortunately, in most cases, stage 4 cancer is not curable. However, proper treatment can improve the patient's quality of life and prolong their survival time. Survival rates and treatment options will depend on the type of cancer, its location, its response to treatment, and the patient's overall health.
How To Fight Cancer Without Chemo?
You or your dog can fight cancer without chemotherapy if you choose other conventional treatment options, such as surgery, radiation therapy, or immunotherapy. However, keep in mind that not all types of cancer can be treated without chemo. However, you can try alternative therapies like PIPTOPET, Shiitake mushrooms, Reishi mushrooms, or Turkey Tail mushrooms. They will help your dog’s body fight cancer better by improving their immune system. Moreover, studies have shown that these mushrooms have anticancer effects.
What Is Natural Killer Cancer Treatment?
A well-balanced diet is one of the most effective tools in fighting cancer. Diets that are rich in protein, easily digestible fats, and low in carbohydrates are particularly beneficial for cancer patients. Include immune-boosting ingredients like carrots, berries, broccoli, and pumpkin into your or your pet’s diet. You can also add omega-3 fatty acids, turmeric, coconut oil, and vitamins E and C, along with PIPTOPET, Shiitake mushrooms, Reishi mushrooms, or Turkey Tail mushrooms, and probiotics, to further support health. This also goes for dogs with cancer.
Final Word
If your dog has been diagnosed with cancer, it can be an emotionally overwhelming experience. Our pets are not just animals, they are also members of the family. So, to help your dog through this difficult time, a combination of a balanced diet, supplements, and emotional support can significantly improve their quality of life and prolong survival time. A nutritious diet, rich in protein and easily digestible fats and low in carbohydrates, can help support their immune system and maintain muscle mass. Omega-3 fatty acids, bone broth, and certain herbal supplements like medicinal mushrooms and CBD oil can also provide additional immune system benefits, helping your dog’s body fight cancer better. Furthermore, maintaining a consistent routine is very important in reducing stress and anxiety. Gentle exercises can also help reduce stress and provide emotional comfort for your pet. Light play with soft toys is another way to interact positively with your dog. Not only does it provide peace of mind and reassurance, but it also helps to reduce stress. Always consult your veterinarian or a holistic vet before introducing new treatments to ensure they are appropriate for your pet's condition.
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