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

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Liver Cancer in Dogs

Liver cancer may sound like a terrifying diagnosis, but the liver has great regeneration capacity. Even if a large portion of the liver is damaged, injured, or surgically removed, the remaining healthy liver can rebuild... read full article

Mouth cancer in dogs can occur in many different cell types and many breeds of dogs, usually older dogs.

Mouth Cancer in Dogs

There are many types of cancer that occurs in the oral cavity. However, early detection of mouth cancer in dogs leads to a favorable response to treatment and a better prognosis. read full article

Nose cancer in dogs can occur in any breed, but long-nosed dogs may be at higher risk.

Nose Cancer in Dogs

Many nasal tumors are cancerous and aggressive. That said, early detection of nose cancer in dogs leads to a favorable response to treatment and a better prognosis. read full article

Oral Melanoma in Dogs

Oral melanoma is a locally aggressive and highly metastatic cancer, but prompt treatment can lead to better survival times and there are new and exciting treatments on the horizon. read full article

melanomas in dogs can happen in many breeds, but chows have an elevated risk

Melanoma in Dogs

Melanoma in dogs can be an aggressive cancer, but good outcomes are possible if it is caught early. There are several treatments available with many studies currently underway to find even more. read full article

Questions to Ask Your Vet About Dog Cancer

A cancer diagnosis is overwhelming and confusing. Knowing which questions to ask your vet about dog cancer is a great first step. Asking the right questions will help you understand all the options so you... read full article

Dog Cancer Grief: During and After

There is no way to avoid the grief that comes with the loss of a pet but there are ways to cope and better understand your emotional response. Simply understanding the dog cancer grief process... 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

Cyberknife for Dogs

The CyberKnife® is an image-guided robotic machine that provides concentrated, pain-free, high-doses of radiation to tumors with marked precision. Cyberknife for dogs is expensive and only available in a few places, but it may be... read full article

dog cancer vaccine trial logo for Vaccination Against Canine Cancer Study VACCS Trial

Vaccination Against Canine Cancer Study (VACCS)

The Vaccination Against Canine Cancer Study (VACCS trial) is currently underway. This study is unique because it is not looking at a treatment method. Instead, it is evaluating a new cancer vaccine for dogs that... read full article

Is sunshine good for dogs? This dog is backlit with beautiful sunshine. His white fur is a risk for sun exposure, but the the black markings and thickness of the fur probably help.

Sunshine for Dogs

Sunlight is usually perfectly safe for your dog (and even beneficial for dogs with cancer!), but certain dogs are at risk for sun damage. read full article

Pharmaceuticals in drinking water are a problem, especially for dogs who play in open waterways.

Pharmaceuticals in Drinking Water

There is a growing concern among pet owners about the levels of pharmaceuticals in their drinking water and the wetlands where dogs play. The good news is studies have shown that drinking water in our... read full article

What to Do with Leftover or Expired Dog Medication

Can you get a refund on unused medications? Can you donate them, or use them with another dog? Should you flush unused pharmaceuticals, or throw them in the garbage? If you have leftover or expired... read full article

T-CHOP Naïve Canine Lymphoma Study at CSU

The oncologists at the Flint Animal Cancer Center at Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine (CSU-CVM) initiated a study to look at adding rabacfosadine (Tanovea) to the gold standard lymphoma treatment protocol of vincristine,... 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

Pet Health Insurance

Pet health insurance is an excellent way to protect yourself from large, unexpected expenses and to remove finances from the equation when making tough medical decisions for your dog. 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

CareCredit for Dogs with cancer

CareCredit for Dogs

CareCredit is a credit card with low interest available only for medical expenses that is accepted just about everywhere. It may be the financial solution you are looking for. 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

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

Genomic Tumor Testing for Dogs

Tumor genotyping examines your dog’s tumor to discover important molecular targets for effective and individualized cancer treatment. Already used in human oncology, it might well be “the future” of diagnosing and treating dog cancer. read full article

Dog Cancer Research: About Clinical Trials for Dog Cancer

Finding a clinical trial to enroll in is a wonderful way to actively participate in health care progress. Not only will your dog have access to novel therapeutics at a subsidized cost, but you (and... read full article

Meet the Heroes Who Fight Dog Cancer Without a Veterinary License

Sometimes it feels like it's just you and your dog fighting cancer, but that's not true. Your veterinarian is important, of course, but there are many other cancer fighters on your healthcare team. Meet the... read full article

The Dog’s Immune System and Cancer

The dog's immune system and the human immune system are very similar, and we share similar environments. Can we use the immune system to fight cancer? Yes, but it's not quite as simple as "immune... read full article

A dog's eyes are closed as one of the signs of nausea in dogs in a photo of a beagle dog's face and paws poking out of a white blanket.

Nausea in Dogs

Nausea is a common complication of cancer and cancer treatments. There are many options for managing nausea in dogs, ranging from medications to natural remedies. 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

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

Can Asbestos Affect Dogs?

Dogs are exposed to asbestos in the same ways we are. Unfortunately, asbestos also affects dogs the same way it does people. Mesothelioma in dogs is rare, but it does occur. Make sure you protect... read full article

Vomiting in Dogs

Anyone who has ever vomited knows it can be painful, inconvenient, and draining. The same is true for vomiting in dogs. The good news is that we have many tools to combat vomiting or prevent... read full article

Should My Dog See an Oncologist or Vet?

A general practitioner is often the veterinarian who breaks the initial news of cancer to a dog lover. They may feel comfortable treating cancer, but in many cases, they will refer you to a veterinary... read full article