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
How to Reduce Cancer Risk Using Food
The best dog food for cancer prevention is one that helps keep your dog at a healthy weight, provides her with all the essential nutrients she needs, and does not contain potential carcinogens. read full article
Pollution and Environmental Cancer Causes
Nowadays, humans and dogs share their living space and so our pets are exposed to many of the same environmental pollutants as we are, like tobacco smoke, smog, paints and pesticides. Fortunately, our pets’ risk... read full article
How To Find a Counselor
Therapy sessions can help to better understand trauma or change, develop effective coping mechanisms, or improve overall well-being. The cancer diagnosis or death of our canine companion is traumatic, and you should consider reaching out... read full article
Gained Life Expectancy: How Much Extra Time Will Cancer Treatments Give Us?
When you learn your dog has cancer, the more information you can get the better. You will want to have a clear understanding about the cost of treatment, expectations about quality of life, the potential... read full article
Talking to Children About Illness and Death in Dogs
The illness or loss of a family dog is a difficult and inevitable experience, but with a little help from you, your children can learn how to cope with the strong emotions that come with... read full article
Managing Your Dog’s Medical Files
Managing medical files is important with a complex illness like cancer. You should keep copies of your dog’s medical files. Most medical records are organized by date and sometimes by file type. Having your dog’s... read full article
What to Bring to Your Oncology Appointment
Being prepared for your first oncology appointment will ensure you get the most out of your time with the oncologist and help you absorb the information you need to advocate for your dog. read full article
Keeping a Journal About Your Dog’s Cancer
As any family member’s medical condition becomes more complex it is important to keep records at home. A journal can be a helpful reference for both you and your dog's veterinarian. This may be a... read full article
You Are the Team Leader When It Comes to Your Dog’s Cancer Care
When a crisis happens – such as your dog being diagnosed with cancer -- it can be devastating in so many ways. The best way to find success for both you and your dog is... read full article
Dealing with People Who Don’t Understand Dog Cancer
Not everyone will understand how hard it is when you are facing an illness or end-of-life decisions with your dog. Even if your loved ones don't understand, there are ways to garner their support or... read full article
Bone Marrow Suppression in Dogs
Bone marrow plays a pivotal role in the creation of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, which are critical for a dog’s health. Many cancer treatments cause bone marrow suppression in dogs, but... read full article
Dog Euthanasia
Euthanasia is a dreaded topic for most people, but one that all dog lovers will likely face at some point. It is often the kindest and most selfless gift we can give our beloved companions... read full article
Ultrasound Examination In Dogs
Ultrasound examination in dogs is a very safe and noninvasive tool that provides detailed pictures and videos of tissues inside of the body. It is most often used to look at organs in the abdomen. read full article
Cordyceps
This unique group of mushrooms may support your dog’s immune system and protect her organ function during cancer treatment. read full article
Urinalysis in Dogs
Urinalysis in dogs is an easy and inexpensive diagnostic test to assess the bladder and kidneys for a variety of medical conditions, including certain cancers. read full article
Your Dog Surgery Guide
There is a saying among surgeons: “The chance to cut is a chance to cure.” This rings true for many types of cancer that can be cured with surgical intervention alone. In other types of... read full article
Oxygen Therapy for Dogs
Oxygen for dogs is used every day in veterinary hospitals to keep patients breathing normally during surgery and to support dogs who can’t breathe, or are in shock. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is sometimes used to... read full article
Glucosamine for Dogs
Glucosamine is an amino sugar naturally found in the body that helps to build cartilage. Glucosamine for dogs is marketed commercially in the form of supplements to treat osteoarthritis (OA). Recently there has been discussion... read full article
Fibrosarcoma in Dogs
Fibrosarcoma in dogs can show up literally anywhere in your dog’s body. A type of soft tissue sarcoma, they are slow growing and not prone to metastasize, but they are locally invasive. Early detection and... read full article
Online Veterinarians: How to Use Telemedicine
Online veterinarians may not be able to prescribe medications or fully diagnose your dog, but they can be an invaluable resource for you if you live in a rural area, are in an emergency, or... read full article
Dog Cancer Support and Grief Groups
Getting a cancer diagnosis for your dog is devastating. There is no way around that. And not everyone in your life understands what you are going through. Reach out to a dog cancer support group... read full article
Cerenia For Dogs
Cerenia is a safe and effective medication that can be given at home or in the veterinary hospital to treat vomiting. read full article
The Cost of Cancer Treatment for Dogs
After the initial shock of a cancer diagnosis, the next concern is almost always the cost of dog cancer treatments. How can anyone expect you to figure out how to pay for your dog’s cancer... read full article
Tanovea (rabacfosadine) Chemotherapy
If the standard-of-care CHOP lymphoma chemotherapy protocol isn’t an option for your dog or fails to control her illness, there are other options. Tanovea chemotherapy (generic name: rabacfosadine) is the first FDA-approved treatment for lymphoma... 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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