Treating Cancer in Dogs with Herbal Supplements – The Latest Research
Cancer affects dogs as much as it does humans. 50% percent of dogs above ten years of age risk a positive cancer diagnosis. Cancer in dogs occurs in similar forms as human cancer. Female dogs suffer the risk of contracting breast cancer. Male dogs are at risk of contracting prostate cancer. Skin cancer, bone cancer, lung cancer and other forms of cancer can occur in dogs.
There is no known cure for cancer in dogs. Treatment depends on early detection, chemotherapy, and radiation treatment. Western options for cancer treatment are cruel to the general wellness of dogs as they come with a ton of side effects. When it comes to cancer, dogs and humans share specific symptoms for example lump formation.
Early Warning Signs of cancer in canines
- Lumps: Check out, through palpation, for enlarged or swollen lymph nodes and lumps under your dog's skin. Feel with your fingers the areas around your dog's jaw and neck region for any irregularities.
- Unusual bleeding and loss of appetite: This is a common sign of cancer. Bleeding from the body's natural orifices is never a good sign. Blood in stool is common among cancer cases — the loss of appetite results in rapid weight loss and loss of health.
- Persistent lameness or stiffness: Stiffness manifests through hesitation to exercise, difficulty in getting up, and irregular sleep routines.
- Offensive odor
Dog Breeds and Cancer
Genetics and breed identity plays a significant role in exposing individual dogs to cancer. Some breeds are more prone to develop cancer compared to other races of dogs. Rottweilers have the highest risk of developing bone cancer. Bernese Mountain Dogs have a high risk of contracting mast cell tumors. The Golden Retrievers are at high risk of developing Hemangiosarcoma. Other high-risk breeds include Beagles, Scottish Terriers, Boxers, Sheep Dogs, Boston Terriers, and other Terrier breeds.
Natural Cancer Prevention
We cannot discuss the natural ways of treating cancer in dogs without tackling prevention. In a way, food is medicine. A balanced diet equips your body with the necessary ammunition to fight diseases. Going organic is a way of preventing cancer. Some of the chemical food additives and food preservatives are carcinogenic. Switching to an organic diet allows you to control what your dog consumes. There are ways of formulating a natural diet for your dog. You can use organic veggies, meat, and potatoes. All of these elements are nutritious.
Elements of a balanced diet
- High-Quality Protein: Dogs need proteins. Proteins are the source of amino acids; protein building blocks that the body needs for cell repair and growth. Sources of high-quality protein include beef, fish, dairy, and eggs.
- Quality Fats: Fat is the source of energy and hormones. Not all sources of fat are ideal for consumption. Quality fat sources include coconut, olives, beef, salmon, and Turkey.
- Complex Carbohydrates: Grains and vegetables provide excellent sources of complex carbohydrates. Is your dog on a grain-free diet? No problem. Sweet potatoes and bananas are ideal replacements.
- Calcium: Natural calcium beats processed calcium supplements. The following are excellent natural sources of calcium; dairy products, mushrooms, and herbal supplements.
- Essential Fatty Acids: Salmon is an excellent source of fatty acids. Oatmeal, turmeric, and egg yolk are also good sources of fatty acids.
Having your dog sprayed in its youth helps reduce the risk of developing mammary cancer among other health problems.
Hygiene is essential in the prevention of cancer. Proper oral health protects the mouth from the invasion of pathogenic flora. These elements could end up causing jaw bone cancer.
Taking preventative measures against cancer in dogs does not make your canine friend invisible to the disease. It only minimizes the risk of cancer development. A cancer diagnosis is not a death certificate. If caught early, a combination of surgical, chemical and herbal remedies can help your dog beat cancer. Yes, herbal remedies. Scientific studies have demonstrated that certain herbs can increase the life of dogs living with cancer.
Herbal Remedies of Cancer in Dogs
- Goji Berry (Gou Qi Zi)
The Goji Berry is also known as the Chinese superfruit. This berry is natures ammunition against cancer in dogs. The fruit packs a fantastic amount of antioxidants as well as other nutrients. In short, it arms your dog with the tools of self-defense against cancer. Apart from fighting free radical disease-causing agents, the Goji Berry has anti-inflammatory effects.
The Goji Berry is small red fruit that is a native of China. Its small size does not impact the fruit's natural ability to fight cancer cells. Studies have shown that the Gou Qi Zi superfruit can reduce the size of tumors as well as reduce the inflammatory effects of cytokines. Not only is this fruit a cancer killer, but also a health booster for canines. The Chinese Superfruit is generally accepted well by dogs of all ages. Introducing your pups to the Goji Berry at a young age can reduce the risk of future cancer development.
Soak the berries in water before feeding them to your dog. The water softens the fruit. Dogs do not have molars as we do. Crushing food is a more difficult task for them.
- Ginseng
A native of China, Ginseng is an immunity supplement. For a long time, the Ginseng was thought to have supernatural healing powers. Ginseng's natural healing capabilities are complements of "Ginsenosides" (a natural component of the herb). Against cancer, Ginsenosides have potent anti-inflammatory effects. They also modulate angiogenesis; which is the production of cancer cells. These traits have made the Ginseng a favorite ingredient in dog supplements. To administer the ginseng, you can choose to purchase dog treats that have the plant's active ingredients infused in them.
- Astragalus (Huang Qi)
Another entry from China, the Hung Qi has enjoyed relevance in Chinese medicine for thousands of years. This herb is an energy booster as well as an excellent supplement for the immune system. The Astragalus helps the immune system differentiate between cancerous cells and healthy cells. This anti-inflammatory function helps your dog prevent the auto-immune problems that associate with cancer in dogs.
Additionally, the Huang Qi improves the effectivity of chemotherapy and radiation treatment. This plant helps your dog fight the side effects of cancer treatment. It can also increase a dog's lifespan after a cancer diagnosis. The Astragalus is sweet and quite woody. For dogs, I would recommend purchasing powder forms of the herb.
Conclusion
There is no known cure for cancer. The best hope we have is early detection and treatment. It is crucial to conduct regular check-ups; personally and through a veterinarian. Watch out for lumps and enlarged lymph nodes. Cancer is preventable through lifestyle changes. Organic foods reduce the risk of developing tumors. Mother nature has its natural defense against cancer. These herbs and fruits empower the canine body to resist and combat cancer spread. No dog can attain absolute invisibility against cancer. Your best chance is giving your dog a healthy lifestyle.
