Dog Cancer Knowledge Base

These knowledge base articles are the core of DogCancer.com. Every article is carefully vetted. Each one is researched, written, and medically reviewed by at least four independent experts (veterinarians, cancer researchers, and science journalists. The result is organized, easy-to-understand explanations of everything relating to dog cancer. Whether you need to find out more about a prescription drug, a supplement, a food, or a medical procedure, these knowledgebase articles will give you medically sound, nuanced, and complete information. We update articles regularly, so you can always rely on the information you find.

Latest Articles

vinorelbine is a vinca alkaloid chemotherapy drug

Vinorelbine

Vinorelbine is in a class of chemotherapy agents called vinca alkaloids which are commonly used in veterinary medicine. Vinorelbine has been shown to be useful in treating lung tumors as well as some of the... read full article

Melatonin for Dogs

Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone produced at night that has promising lines of evidence for its ability to help fight cancer. read full article

Amputation in Dogs

Amputation in dogs sounds really scary, but most dogs adapt very well to amputation, and it can provide you and your dog with more pain-free quality time together. read full article

Mustargen for Dogs (Mechlorethamine)

Mustargen for dogs is a chemotherapy drug used often in canine lymphoma. read full article

Is Cod Liver Oil Good for Dogs?

While cod liver oil contains beneficial ingredients such as omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A and D, the inconclusive scientific evidence, risk of toxicity, and potential associated bleeding issues make it a poor choice as... read full article

Veterinarians suggest cyclophosphamide for dogs with cancers like lymphoma, leukemia, carcinomas, and sarcomas.

Cyclophosphamide For Dogs

Cyclophosphamide is a potent chemotherapeutic available to treat many forms of canine cancer. It has shown success in improving quality of life and life expectancy of canine patients; however, it comes with many harsh side... read full article

Not Treating Dog Cancer

It is important to trust your instincts and permit yourself to sit with all the possible options after finding out your beloved dog has cancer. Choose the best plan for your dog’s well-being and self-care,... read full article

Fenbendazole for dogs is a dewormer that is being investigated for repurpose as a chemotherapy.

Fenbendazole for Dogs

Fenbendazole is a deworming drug used in many animals that is now under investigation as an anti-cancer drug. read full article

There is no official dog cancer diet, like there is for kidney or heart disease or for diabetes.

Dog Cancer Diet Guidelines

While there is no one-size-fits all recipe for the perfect dog cancer diet, there are a number of easy steps you can take to give your dog a nutritional boost on his cancer journey. read full article

Palladia for Dogs (toceranib phosphate)

Palladia for dogs (toceranib phosphate) is a medication developed specifically for dogs. The FDA approved this oral drug you give at home in 2009. read full article

Wound Healing in Dogs

Because dogs with cancer can be immunocompromised, wounds may be slow to heal or get infected. Although wounds are a distressing complication, your veterinarian, veterinary oncologist, and veterinary surgeon all have access to many exciting... read full article

Glutamine for Dogs with Cancer

Glutamine is an alpha-amino acid naturally found in your dog’s body, commonly used to help dogs regain weight or heal their digestive tract. When depleted through stress or illness, increasing its levels with a supplement... read full article

Wei Qi Booster for dogs may be recommended if your dog has cancer, but be sure not to double dose herbs.

Wei Qi Booster for Dogs

Wei Qi Booster is a Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) formula that contains a combination of herbs used to boost the immune system. Pronounced “way chee,” the phrase translates to “defense system,” or as referred... read full article

Laverdia-CA1 for Dogs (Verdinexor)

In early 2021 Verdinexor (brand name Laverdia-CA1) was conditionally approved for the treatment of canine lymphoma in the United States. It is the first oral tablet to be approved for this purpose, which was exciting... read full article

Garlic for dogs is safe in small amounts, and has many benefits.

Garlic for Dogs

Garlic has some excellent health benefits; and you should know the pros and cons of garlic for dogs before adding it to your dog’s diet. Small amounts may be tolerated, but too much has the... read full article

The best dog supplements are given in the right circumstances and in the right dose, and are high quality.

How to Choose the Best Dog Supplements

Knowledge is key: Do your homework to do no harm and see the amazing benefits supplements have to offer dogs. read full article

Histiocytic Sarcoma

Histiocytic sarcoma is a rare but stubborn dog cancer. There are some early signs of hope that advances in chemotherapy, and immunotherapy-based treatments will provide better treatment options. In the meantime, if you treat it... read full article

veterinarians often recommend turkey tail mushroom for dogs with cancer because it is one of the first supplements to get a veterinary medicine trial.

Turkey Tail Mushroom For Dogs

Turkey tail mushroom was one of the first integrative cancer therapies to undergo a clinical trial in Veterinary Medicine, with one study showing that mushroom-derived polysaccharides from turkey tail may delay metastasis and increase survival... read full article

Chronotherapy is timing treatments for when they will be most potent with fewest side effects.

Chronotherapy

Chronotherapy uses the body’s circadian rhythms to maximize benefits of chemotherapy while reducing side effects. There are many possible benefits of chronotherapy, but there is a lot still to learn, which may be why it’s... read full article

Bed Sores on Dogs: Preventing and Treating Pressure Sores

As a dog ages, he or she will spend more time resting, relaxing, and sleeping, which can cause areas of the skin such as the elbows and hips to develop bed sores. Changes in senior... read full article

Bladder cancer in dogs and transitional cell carcinoma in dogs

Bladder Cancer in Dogs, Including Transitional Cell Carcinoma

With new technology for early detection and multiple treatment options available, most dogs diagnosed with bladder cancer, including transitional cell carcinoma, can expect good quality of life for up to two years.  read full article

Cadet BRAF Urine Test

The Cadet BRAF Urine Test is an easy, non-invasive screening tool for cancer of the urinary tract. Clinical signs of urinary tract cancer often overlap with those of recurrent urinary tract infections, so this highly... read full article

Chlorambucil is often used in metronomic protocols for dogs with cancer.

Chlorambucil

Chlorambucil is a chemotherapeutic and immunosuppressive drug that is often used in conjunction with a steroid. It has been used with metronomic dosing, which is daily or every-other-day low dose administration over time. read full article

Holistic veterinarians and cancer specialists work together more than you might assume. Integrative medicine is where veterinary professionals are headed.

Holistic Veterinarians and Cancer

Consulting a holistic veterinarian, or an integrative veterinarian, can provide some insight into non-traditional treatments, which may support more traditional medical treatments or quality of life. read full article

A diet that includes chicken for dogs with cancer is sure to please your pup and pack them with delicious protein.

Chicken for Dogs

As a meat that’s considered tasty to dogs and packed with lean protein, chicken is a great option and arguably a must-have item in your dog’s diet. read full article

Berries for dogs with cancer is a wonderful way to pack in nutrition.

Berries for Dogs

Tasty, versatile, and chock full of nutritional compounds that are well-scientifically supported as having anti-cancer properties, berries are a great go-to food item to supplement your dog’s diet. read full article

Brussels Sprouts are delicious and packed with nutrition and cancer support.

Brussels Sprouts

Small but mighty, Brussels sprouts contain vitamins and nutrients that can help prevent canine cancer and stop it in its tracks. read full article

high fiber foods often serve as prebiotics for dogs: foods that feed a healthy gut microbiome.

Prebiotics for Dogs

Prebiotics help build and maintain healthy microorganism communities in your dog’s digestive tract to help boost their immune system. read full article

Some tumors respond to radiation therapy for dogs.

Radiation for Dogs

Radiation is a cancer treatment method that can shrink tumors or kill lingering cancer cells left behind by other treatment methods. It's also great for pain control. Radiation can extend your dog’s life and also... read full article

veterinarians may recommend stereotactic radiation for dogs who have inoperable tumors.

Stereotactic Radiation Therapy for Dogs

Stereotactic radiation therapy is a treatment option for tumors that are hard to reach or cannot be removed surgically, with less damage to normal tissues and fewer treatment days needed compared to traditional radiation therapy. read full article

hospice for dogs is not about giving up, it's about treating for life quality in the final stage of your dog's life.

Hospice for Dogs

Hospice for dogs is about focusing on treating your dog for quality of life rather than curing an illness. Veterinarians are trained to guide owners through home hospice care, and there are also veterinarians who... read full article

Lymphoma In Dogs

Lymphoma -- also called lymphosarcoma -- is one of the most common cancers in dogs. There are over 30 different subtypes of lymphoma in dogs that show a wide variety of behavior, but many of... read full article

Testicular Cancer in Dogs

Testicular cancer is slow to spread and can be easily treated with low-risk surgery, giving it an excellent prognosis. read full article

Medicinal Mushrooms for Dogs

Medicinal mushrooms have been used in human medicine for thousands of years. They can also offer health benefits for dogs. Medicinal mushrooms can deliver a boost to your dog’s immune system, help them cope with... read full article

Prednisone for Dogs (Prednisolone)

Prednisone is a type of glucocorticoid that is used to treat many different medical conditions in dogs from skin disease to cancer. This medication is particularly effective at reducing inflammation which can help reduce discomfort... read full article

hemangiosarcoma in dogs, what are end stages of hemangiosarcoma in dogs, stage 1 hemangiosarcoma in dogs, symptoms of hemangiosarcoma in dogs, hemangiosarcoma in dogs treatment

Hemangiosarcoma in Dogs

Hemangiosarcoma is a frightening and devastating cancer of the blood vessels. Even so, if you can get through the initial crisis, there are treatment options available that can give you more time with your dog... read full article

Thyroid cancer in dogs is uncommon, but has promising treatments.

Thyroid Cancer in Dogs

Thyroid cancer in dogs is uncommon. If your dog is one of the unlucky ones who develops a cancerous thyroid tumor, there are several promising ways to effectively treat this cancer. read full article

Rejoice! Eating liver for dogs can be healthy and delicious, in moderation.

Liver for Dogs

Liver is one of the most nutritionally dense foods. It contains protein, iron, and important vitamins, which makes it supportive for anemia and bone health. It is inexpensive, easy to find, and is available in... read full article

Are eggs good for dogs? Yes, they are.

Eggs for Dogs

Eating chicken eggs (or the eggs of other poultry) including the white, yolk, and shell can add many key nutrients to your dog's diet at a very low cost. read full article

More often veterinarians are comfortable using CBD for dogs with cancer if they are in pain or have anxiety.

CBD for Dogs with Cancer

Cannabidiol (CBD) can be a great addition to your pet’s home care routine, especially in a hospice case. It can help reduce side effects of chemotherapeutics and reduce inflammation. read full article

Brain tumors in dogs can occur in any breed

Brain Tumors in Dogs

Brain tumors are typically benign, growing slowly and only rarely spreading to other areas of the body. However, they grow within the confines of the skull which can cause many serious neurological symptoms. Neurosurgery, radiation... read full article

Boston Terriers are at elevated risk for mast cell tumors.

Mast Cell Tumors In Dogs

Mast cell tumors are a common type of skin cancer in dogs. They range in severity from small, localized tumors that can remain stable for years to malignant cancers that can quickly spread throughout the... read full article

Should dogs sleep in the dark? Yes, they should!

Should Dogs Sleep in the Dark?

Letting dogs sleep in the dark provides essential benefits for their health and may even help protect them from getting cancer. read full article

Your dog has cancer, and you feel overwhelmed. Welcome to the pack!

Coping When Your Dog Has Cancer: Finding Strength and Hope

Finding out your dog has cancer can fill you with uncertainty and throw your world into chaos. It can be overwhelming to decide the best course of action for your pet that will maximize your... read full article

Dog Cancer Remission

Remission is the word that every person who loves a dog with cancer wants to hear – it means that your dog is responding to treatment. read full article

Chronic inflammation and cancer are linked, so reducing inflammation is often a good idea.

Inflammation and Cancer

Chronic inflammation is a sneaky foe that can easily go unnoticed. Understanding chronic inflammation and its relationship to cancer in dogs is crucial to helping you safeguard your dog's health. read full article

a sweet older dog with orange-brown fur and a white muzzle showing patches of fur missing, as a way to illustrate hair loss in dogs.

Hair Loss in Dogs (Alopecia)

Hair loss in dogs is uncommon in dogs with cancer, and even if your dog does experience this side effect, it won’t impact his quality of life. read full article

What Does a Veterinary Nutritionist Do?

A veterinary nutritionist can help ensure your dog gets all the nutrients she needs to fuel her body during cancer treatment – and beyond. read full article

omega 3 and omega 6 for dogs must be given in the correct ratio.

Omega 3 and 6 for Dogs

Fatty acids are essential in a dog’s diet, particularly omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. That means they must come from food because dogs cannot make them in their bodies. Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids affect... read full article

Can Plastic Cause Cancer in Dogs?

Plastic use is ubiquitous throughout our daily lives, but plastics can be packed with some hard-hitting chemicals known to be dangerous for human (and canine!) health. Even concerted efforts to minimize plastic use and make... read full article