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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Cytarabine (cytosine arabinoside) is an effective anti-cancer drug that can be used to treat blood cancers in dogs. read full article
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
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
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
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 (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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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: 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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
Second opinions are valuable because two heads are often better than one! read full article
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)
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
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