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

There are only a few viruses that cause cancer in dogs.

Viruses That Cause Cancer

Cancer and its development are complex and multifactorial. In dogs, there have only been a few documented associations between viruses and tumor development. As a dog owner this is encouraging, because it means that most... read full article

What Is Integrative Medicine?

Integrative medicine consists of multiple therapeutic practices that combine conventional and holistic treatments to offer a full range of care for your dog in the fight with cancer. read full article

Veterinarians may recommend vitamin c for dogs with cancer.

Vitamin C for Dogs

Vitamin C is a well-known antioxidant naturally found in a variety of fruits and vegetables. Unlike humans, dogs can make vitamin C on their own and don’t require external sources of it to the same... read full article

Imatinib For Dogs

Gleevec is considered a miracle drug for treatment of multiple leukemia-type cancers. Also known by its generic name, imatinib for dogs can be given as an oral medication at home, so you and your pup... read full article

Dog training can improve life quality for your dog with cancer. Really!

Decrease Stress and Bond with Your Dog Through Training

All dogs can learn new skills and tricks at any age, and dog training can be enjoyable for both you and your pet. read full article

If you see dog fur changing color it is probably nothing to worry about, but there are some things to know.

Dog Fur Changing Color

Pigmentation changes in a dog's skin and/or fur can be a sign of cancer or a side-effect of treatment. Most often however, it is due to a variety of non-cancer related causes. read full article

Turning to gofundme for vet bills is a really common way for folks to pay for dog cancer related health care.

GoFundMe for Vet Bills

Owning and caring for a dog can be expensive. Just like humans, our animals need routine health care which has to be budgeted for. If a dog becomes ill, particularly with something like cancer, this... read full article

Biopsy for dogs is a common procedure your vet will use to get a cancer diagnosis.

Biopsy for Dogs

A biopsy for dog cancer is a reliable and accurate method for getting a tumor type, how aggressive it is, and whether it is malignant. Biopsy can be the key to early detection and will... read full article

Free Radicals

Free radicals are the result of a natural and necessary cellular process called oxidation. Too many free radicals in your dog’s body can damage it and have been linked to a number of diseases. Reducing... read full article

The Way Out is Through: Coping Tips for a Cancer Diagnosis

Overflowing with emotions, you may miss some key information because of the initial shock. Here’s how to be true to your feelings while gathering practical information to make this time as comfortable as possible for... read full article

All unusual lumps and bumps are called tumors, but not all are dangerous. There's a difference between benign and malignant tumors!

The Difference Between Benign and Malignant Tumors

When your beloved canine gets a tumor diagnosis, it’s important to remember it does not automatically mean cancer. Below is a more in-depth explanation of both benign and malignant tumors in dogs, including the most... read full article

You can use Reiki for dogs with or without cancer. It's safe, relaxing, and a great way to bond.

Reiki for Dogs

Reiki is a spiritual therapy practice designed to shift energy in the body for optimal health. Fans believe that a regular practice of Reiki can both reap health and wellbeing benefits for your dog and... read full article

There are so many fun things to do with dogs outside, even if they have cancer!

Fun Things to Do with Dogs Outside

There are many fun things to do with dogs outside in the fresh air and sunshine. Getting out to play keeps the two of you connected, even when times are tough. Maintaining life quality and... read full article

cytarabine is often used in dog lymphoma cases.

Cytarabine

Cytarabine (cytosine arabinoside) is an effective anti-cancer drug that can be used to treat blood cancers in dogs. read full article

Goat is a delicious food for dogs!

Goat for Dogs

Goat’s meat and milk can be consumed by dogs. It is rich in vitamins and minerals as well as fats and is a great source of protein. read full article

Feeding cottage cheese for dogs with cancer is a tasty way to boost minerals like calcium.

Cottage Cheese for Dogs

As a versatile high protein food packed with calcium and healthy fats, cottage cheese has numerous benefits and serves as an excellent food addition for dogs with cancer and other diseases. read full article

TCVM veterinarians use stasis breaker for dogs who have blood and qi stagnation.

Stasis Breaker for Dogs

Stasis Breaker is a Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) herbal blend commonly used to treat cancer in mass or nodule forms. It often has fewer side effects and interactions than common western treatments (chemo, surgery,... read full article

Apoptosis is a normal cell death that cancer cells manage to stop.

Apoptosis

Apoptosis is the normal, controlled process by which a cell dies. Cell death is a necessary part of the cell cycle. Apoptosis can occur because cells are old, abnormal, or unhealthy. Cancer cells have mechanisms... read full article

Xue Fu Zhu Yu is an herbal formula that may be suggested for dogs with cancer.

Xue Fu Zhu Yu (XueFu ZhuYu)

Herbal formulas are one of the top used therapies in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The benefits of Xuefu Zhuyu could have positive impacts for dogs with cancer. However, scientific research on the outcomes of Xuefu Zhuyu... read full article

Galliprant for dogs is a relatively new NSAID.

Galliprant for Dogs

Galliprant is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with an excellent safety profile. There is evidence there may be anti-cancer benefits associated with Galliprant (generic name: grapiprant) in dogs. read full article

Ginger can help dogs with nausea and stomach upset.

Ginger for Dogs

Ginger is a diverse supplement that has many therapeutic properties from anti-nausea to helping with cancer prevention and treatment. read full article

Modified citrus pectin for dogs may help stop metastasis.

Modified Citrus Pectin for Dogs

Modified citrus pectin is a naturally occurring compound that shows promise in helping to slow tumor growth and reduce metastasis in a variety of cancer types. It may also be able to increase the effectiveness... read full article

Veterinarians often recommend fish oil for dogs with cancer.

Fish Oil for Dogs

Fish oil is a very safe supplement for dogs. It provides omega-3 fatty acids that have well documented anti-inflammatory properties. Veterinarians recommend fish oil for dogs with a variety of challenges including cancer, skin disease,... read full article

It's crude, but effective: a saline nasal flush for dogs can clean out the nasal passages, possibly debulking tumors, and even yield tumor samples for biopsy.

Saline Nasal Flush for Dogs

A saline nasal flush is a relatively simple procedure that could yield a diagnosis and possibly help to improve symptoms. read full article

If your dog has cancer your veterinarian may want to use MRI.

MRI for Dogs

MRI is a powerful diagnostic tool that is non-invasive and is now readily available at most veterinary specialty hospitals. MRI provides detailed images of your dog’s body, that are not available through more routine tests... read full article

There are many reasons dog cancer isn't caught early

Why Dog Cancer Isn’t Caught Early

Even when dog cancer isn’t caught early, it is never too late to take action. Advances in treatment and palliative care have expanded the options for canine cancer patients and their guardians regardless of time... read full article

There is balance when feeding a dog with diabetes and cancer.

Feeding Your Dog with Diabetes and Cancer

There may be a number of challenges in managing diabetes and cancer at the same time – but choosing the right diet doesn’t have to be one of them. read full article

Pets are family for most Americans.

Pets Are Family

If you feel like your pets are family, you aren’t alone. And science is beginning to show you’re right to feel this way. read full article

The Cost of Dog Cancer: The Four Budgets

It’s not only money you need to budget to treat dog cancer. You also need enough time, emotional bandwidth, and plain physical strength. read full article

Foundations and grants may help with vet bills for dogs with cancer.

Help With Vet Bills from Grants and Foundations

Foundations and grants can help with vet bills for your dog’s cancer treatment. There are many application opportunities, and crowdfunding is becoming more and more popular. Strict qualifications for applicants may limit your options, so... read full article

Vitamin E for dogs isn't often necessary to supplement, because dietary sources are often enough.

Vitamin E for Dogs

Vitamin E is an essential nutrient that helps protect cells in the body and maintain a highly functioning immune system. read full article

Digestive enzymes for dogs may be helpful if your dog needs digestive support.

Digestive Enzymes for Dogs

Digestive enzymes can be useful when the gastrointestinal system, particularly the pancreas, is compromised due to disease. Veterinarians most often recommend digestive enzymes for dogs with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, a disease process where the pancreas... read full article

Krill oil for dogs may be a good idea if your dog needs omega-3 fatty acids.

Krill Oil for Dogs

Much like fish oil, the omega-3 fatty acids in krill oil can be useful in killing cancer cells and even boost the efficacy of chemotherapy. Krill oil is a nice addition to your dog’s diet... read full article

Coconut Oil for Dogs

Coconut oil contains medium chain triglycerides that quickly provide a direct energy source to the liver, brain, and body. read full article

Exercise for dogs with cancer is an excellent idea. Do it!

Exercise for Dogs

Exercise has many benefits and is an excellent way to help your dog build and maintain muscle mass, strengthen their cardiovascular system, preserve their cognitive health and even reduce the severity and progression of cancer.... read full article

Parsley, basil, oregano -- pungent and potent herbs that can bring a lot of flavor and phytonutrients to the dog cancer table.

Parsley, Basil, Oregano: Herbs That Are Good For Dogs

These three herbs have not only become culinary staples in cuisines across the world, but have also garnered attention for their potential anti-cancer properties thanks to some of the powerful bioactive compounds they possess. read full article

Veterinarians recommend probiotics for dogs who need digestive support.

Probiotics for Dogs with Cancer

A boost of beneficial bacteria that can help support your dog’s gastrointestinal health and heighten their immune system. read full article

A low histamine diet for dogs may be helpful for dogs with mast cell tumors or allergies.

Low Histamine Diet for Dogs

A low histamine diet may be beneficial for some dogs with certain cancers. Too much or too little of anything is not beneficial, and moderation is key. read full article

Meditation for dogs isn't weird -- it's leveraging their instincts!

Meditation for Dogs

Meditation is a practice of awareness in the present moment. Its use in medicine has increased in recent decades due to building evidence of its health benefits and better understanding of its overall purpose. The... read full article

Tellington Touch is a gentle, non-invasive touch therapy developed for horses that dogs also love.

Tellington Touch for Dogs

Tellington Touch for dogs is a safe type of body work that can decrease anxiety, and possibly increase healing, while strengthening the bond with your dog. read full article

Meloxicam for dogs is an NSAID that helps dogs with osteoarthritis.

Meloxicam For Dogs

Meloxicam is a well-tolerated drug that can help with pain management and is being studied as a possible treatment for certain types of cancer. read full article

Blood in dog stool is scary, but it's not necessarily serious.

Blood in Dog Stool

Blood in your dog’s stool is a reason to pay attention, but not to panic. Causes can range from minor one-time ailments to something much more serious, including cancer in your dog’s gastrointestinal tract. Thankfully,... read full article

lethargy in dogs almost always warrants investigation to find the underlying cause.

Lethargy in Dogs

Lethargy in dogs is typically a symptom associated with a larger underlying health issue. Determining the underlying clinical factors driving your dog’s lethargy is key to formulating a treatment plan that will lead to their... read full article

Neoplasene for dogs with cancer should be used only under veterinary supervision.

Neoplasene for Dogs

Neoplasene is a supplement that is made from bloodroot, a native North American herb. Sanguinarine, its active ingredient, shows promise as a future anti-cancer drug but is still in need of more research and clinical... read full article

zoledronate for dogs is used to help with bone pain. In humans, this drug is used to treat osteoporosis.

Zoledronate for Dogs

Zoledronate is a medication that is used to treat high blood calcium levels caused by cancer and bone pain from osteosarcoma. read full article

Getting a second opinion for dog cancer is never a bad idea.

Getting a Second Opinion

Second opinions are valuable because two heads are often better than one! read full article

Veterinarians will look for metastasis and local invasion to get a better idea of how aggressive your dog's cancer is.

Metastasis and Local Invasion: When Cancer Spreads

Metastasis and local invasion are mechanisms by which cancer infiltrates other parts of the body. Metastasis is when a particular type of cancer spreads from its initial site to more distant parts of the body... read full article

Rimadyl for dogs (carprofen) can be very supportive depending upon your dog's situation.

Rimadyl for Dogs (Carprofen)

Rimadyl for dogs (carprofen) is a very effective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) and non-narcotic medication for dogs. It is used to treat inflammation, fever and pain in dogs. read full article

Scratchpay provides financial support for medical bills.

Scratchpay

Scratchpay is a quick and easy option for helping spread out large veterinary expenses over time. read full article

Physical Therapy for Dogs

It’s heartbreaking to see your beloved dog become debilitated by cancer, but there are ways you can support their healing and help them regain mobility. Rehabilitation, which is usually what we call physical therapy for... read full article